If you happen to live somewhere near Watsonville, California then you may be able to see a public art project when you pass by downtown.  The project is called “Peace in the Streets…You Only Live Once.”  This project is a public display of 85 black and white portraits of people from local schools which are blown up to large posters and glued to the buildings on Main, Second and Maple Streets.  The primary goal of this art project is to promote peace and an environment free from any violence.

Credits: Kevin Johnson/Sentinel

You will find these photographs posted in the former City Hall, the Youth Center, the new Watsonville Civic Plaza, and a commercial building which are all located on the streets mentioned earlier.

This project is initiated by Aptos artist Jean Beebe, a board member of the Pajaro Valley Arts Council.  They have also collaborated with Inside Out, a Paris-based global art project.  According to the organizers, the posters were mailed from Inside Out made the posters from environmentally-friendly materials which will gradually disintegrate in the long run.

Credits: Kevin Johnson/Sentinel

The participating photographers and subjects in this art project are students and faculty teachers of the Renaissance High School and E.A. Hall Middle school.  Moreover, the Ceiba College Preparatory Academy also helped in the making of this project.

The people who made this project possible are all looking forward to a more peaceful community free from violence, gun shots fired, abuse and crime.  Hopefully this project will encourage more people to think about peace.

Credits: Kevin Johnson/Sentinel