.....Be Found 5.....

Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 29, 2011: Channel 10 news released the story of two artist’s large scale mural project in Fat Village (link above.) Iain Barnes and James Damatt embarked on this installation to express the gravity of both the foster care system, and teenage homelessness. Teaming up with Rolling Stock Gallery and Fat Village Arts District, these two artists created "BE Found 5" a personal depiction of the artists anguish and ability to affect change by overcoming adversity.

Iain Barnes aka 5, developed the original concept of the mural based on his personal experiences as a foster parent. The image represents the emotional drain one feels when children are removed from his home. "It feel as if life is being removed from your family, from your soul", says 5, "complete emptiness, and fear of the future even if the outcome is positive." This mural was inspired by the children that he has welcomed into his home and his heart. The question mark for the future, represented in the hand above his head. "If we can make a small change in a child’s success what kinds of impact will that have in their future? This is the question and the goal" states 5.

James Damatt aka BE expanded on the concept by adding the terminology "BE found 5" illustrating the drive BE has to find help for homeless children. Bean left home when he was 15 and was homeless, which gave him a deeper insight on the growing epidemic. "The youth are our future" states BE, "and if we abandoned them, who are we as human beings and what is our future." Letters scattered throughout the mural represent names of youth forgotten in the system, aged out, or worse dead. This mural is public, open viewing to all and downtown only second from the central bus terminal where homeless youth gather. Local youth will be able to view this mural and be inspired in a positive way.

Ryan James, Director and Curator of the artist run gallery Rolling Stock, is trailblazing in bringing urban mural work to Fort Lauderdale. Rolling Stock, which is the first gallery of its kind in Fort Lauderdale, is aligning fresh new artists with cause, to create public art installations. He firmly believes that "Public art creates public awareness." With the help and permission of Doug McCraw, an art collector and property investor who started FAT Village, Ryan has been able to direct several artistic murals throughout FAT Village, exhibit upcoming and established artists, and hold writer’s benches for artists to meet and join in the collaborative process of creating art.