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Meet the artists behind Santa Fe’s newest mural this Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Whole Foods Market (located at 1090 S. St. Francis Dr.). The mural was a collaboration between the Santa Fe County Community Services Department Teen Court Program, Whole Foods Market, and local artist Sebastian Velazquez. The mural team consisted of Sebastian Velazquez and 15 Teen Court youth participants who assisted throughout the weeklong project.

“The mural created showcases the color and beauty Santa Fe holds,” stated artist Sebastian Velazquez. Velazquez noted, “The project was a humbling experience, it will be one of the most unforgettable murals I was able to create.”

Established in 2009, the Santa Fe County Teen Court Public Art Program was developed in response to the graffiti problem in Santa Fe. Teen Court of Santa Fe County implements youth mural projects to support positive youth development while simultaneously beautifying communities and deterring graffiti throughout Santa Fe County.

“Our mural projects are proposed with a strong youth work-force development component, inviting youth to engage as professional artists under the guidance and mentorship of an instructing artist who helps them to work collaboratively on a project for a client,” Commission Chair, Miguel Chavez explains. He continued, “The Teen Court program plans to continue its work with local artists and businesses to help deter vandalism in the community, while supporting artistic creativity.”

“Whole Foods Market is excited to showcase local artistic talent, while helping Santa Fe teens at the same time! Sebastian and his team developed a creative masterpiece that we are honored to be able to share with the people of Santa Fe,” Benji Fitts, Regional Marketing and Community Relations. “The artist created a mural based on items Whole Foods cares deeply about including: nurturing, family, sharing meals, and loving our community.”

Teen Court is a nationally recognized early intervention and restorative justice program for juveniles ages 12-17. The Teen Court program serves as a community-based intervention/diversion program designed to provide an alternative response for the juvenile justice system. The Santa Fe County Teen Court program serves approximately 500 youth and families each year.

Teen Court also has a Teen Attorney Program where youth grades 9-12 are trained by local attorneys and then the Teen Attorneys volunteer their time each week throughout the year to defend and/or prosecute incoming Teen Court defendants. Youth interested in volunteering as a Teen Court Attorney can register for a one time training that will be held on September 28, 2016. Please contact the Teen Court office for more information: (505) 995-9555.