Petaluma’s ‘Art Angels’ brighten community

What began as an art club at a Petaluma school has evolved into a group of teens on a mission to make a positive impact on their community – one splash of color at a time.

St. Vincent de Paul High School’s Art Angels, a dedicated group that grew out of an art organization at the school, has created five murals throughout Sonoma County, most recently completing an elaborate two-story mural at Petaluma’s Cavanagh Recreation Center in September.

The club’s motto is the Ghandi quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” and the 20 members strive to give back while keeping these words in mind.

“Art makes a difference and affects so many people’s lives,” said art teacher and club co-founder Marla Pedersen.

The Art Angels’ first mural project was the site of the former La Cotija Mexican Restaurant on Western Avenue in 2013. Pedersen lived right across the street from the abandoned building, which also sat next to a church.

“I just saw it deteriorate and it was just getting worse and worse. I thought that would be the perfect place for our students to start a beautification project and the town really needed it,” said Pedersen.

Since then, the club has completed four more artworks, and worked to organize fundraising events for fire victims and needy families, Pedersen said.

The students have also created ceramic bowls that were used to serve soup to members of the community at a “soup bowl night,” which serves as fundraiser for local organizations, including the Petaluma Police Department.

“They took the bowl home to remind that someone’s bowl is always empty,” Pedersen said.

McKenna Wilson-Ray, a 17-year-old St. Vincent de Paul High School senior, has been a member of the Art Angels club since her freshman year. She said the most gratifying part of volunteering her time is empowering the community while working as part of team with members from all grade levels.

“I like being able to inspire other people with my artwork,” she said

Jacinta Szilvasy, a 16-year-old junior, said she’s been creating art for as long as she can remember. During her year as an Art Angel, she’s enjoyed helping the community and making “the world a better place by making small changes.”

“Sometimes there is lot more work than what we get in return, but mostly you are doing it because you want to, not because you are getting recognition,” she said.

Pedersen said the Art Angels’ mission is to complete community service through art making. The 34-year-old teacher recognizes that art is a healing process that can help many people, and she said the club gives a venue for teens to lend a hand in their city and learn important life lessons.

“I think it’s creating global awareness with our students,” she said. “There are things we can do, small things you can do to help and bring change to your world and be the leader to reach out to others in need and help where you can when you can,” Pedersen said.

The club is an all-inclusive group that promotes the unifying power of art, Pedersen said.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or how much money you have. You can all come together and be creative and explore the world with one another,” she said. “In our art room, our theme is, ‘All are welcome.’ The art room is known as a space where people come just to hang out and feel secure and happy.”

Pedersen said she’s proud of the Art Angels, and the way its members bring out the best in each other and inspire one another to make an impact.

“I think at that age sometimes they don’t know where to start or what they can do,” she said. “Maybe they feel overwhelmed like there isn’t much they can do. Even the smallest things can help and bring joy to others.”

(Contact Jula Pereira at argus@arguscourier.com)