By Shari Kaplan
The Santa Clara County Arts Council last month allocated $1,540 for the Forbes Mill Footbridge Youth Mural Project, augmenting more than $8,500 in money, labor and materials already raised by the mural committee for the project.
According to committee co-chairwoman Carol Ann Weber, much of the project's cost lies in the paint and related materials necessary to prepare the bridge and paint it. Weber said the committee is hoping to have a town business donate painting materials, including 50 gallons of metal primer.
The committee also plans several free workshops for young artists interested in having their work displayed.
On May 19, Los Gatos youth are invited to stop by the Central Fire District administration building, across from Courtside on Winchester Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to noon or again from 1 to 4 p.m. for a mural workshop highlighting public service jobs and personnel, including police, firefighters and park rangers.
The next workshop will be July 14, also from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at the CFD administration building. Topics include the the architecture that makes Los Gatos unique and the history of the Ohlone Indians.
Artists do not have to use a workshop topic in their paintings; the workshops are designed to give the youths guidelines to help preserve the integrity of the mural. Any youth who attends a workshop will receive a space on the bridge. The workshops and project are open to all Los Gatans ages 8 to 18. Artistic abilities are not necessary; local artists Amy Konsterlie and Carol Shafer will be on hand to provide advice and assistance.
Artists who have already completed their initial sketches will be contacted by the mural committee about the first bridge painting, which takes place June 8 and 9. For more information, call Weber at 358-7732.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, May 15, 1996.
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