Muralist talks to south side group

Flint artist Christopher Watson spoke about his nearly completed latest mural on the International Academy, 2803 S. Saginaw St., at the South Side Business and Resident Association meeting Dec. 20.

It depicts a slice of American life featuring high school and college graduates celebrating their moment of graduation, a bold display of the American flag and baseball.

The mural was funded by a grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation and another smaller grant from Central Michigan University.

Watson, a self-taught artist, graduated from Beecher High School and attended UM-F. He left school to become an artist apprentice with an outdoor advertising firm. He taught himself graphic design as the industry moved from hand-painted to computer-generated design then opened his own business.

"This community has been very encouraging," Watson said. "Without their good spirit I couldn't get my job done."

His work appears at Howard Estates, Hurley Hospital, Career Alliance and the C.S. Mott Foundation. Many of his works are available on his web site, www.CBWatsonFineArt.com.

In other matters, Verona Terry, business community liaison for Flint-Genesee Job Corps, updated members on student performance during 2010-2011. The training-center students surpassed the Department of Labor goals in several areas including students achieving high school diplomas, literacy and career technical training completion.

"The Job Corps was originated under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In the past 45 years we have continued to help our students break down barriers to success," Terry said.

Students can choose from a dozen vocational training areas or prepare for higher education or the military. The 360 students live in three residence halls on campus with a special single-parent residence for students with children.

"We serve a student population that made a commitment to make a change in their lives," Terry said.

Students graduating from the program have an 85.3 percent job placement record, according to Terry.

The group will meet next at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 17 at Applegate Chevrolet, 3637 S. Saginaw St.