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Jordan Museum Shows Tampa Summer Camp Participants' Mural

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By JESSICA DaSilva

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 24, 2008

TAMPA - A mural by a group of summer campers and mentally disabled adults will spend the next year on display at The Children's Museum in Amman, Jordan.

In return, a mural by residents of Amman will be sent to Tampa for display at the Children's Board of Hillsborough County in Ybor City.

The trade-off was announced this morning by Paula Allen during an art class at a Police Athletic League summer camp.

Allen is director of the TECO Gallery of Children's Art at the Children's Board site.

Allen helped teach the Police Athletic League students today, and she taught the PAL class that produced the mural going to Amman.

The art class mixes children and mentally disabled adults from Pyramid Inc., an organization that provides services for the mentally disabled

Allen said the mural was done one year ago. The 14-foot-wide canvas was displayed at the Children's Board in an exhibit called "It's Not Easy Being Green," which showcased art with an environmentally friendly theme.

The mural, called "One Beautiful Green World," delivers a message of acceptance, which is a core value at the Police Athletic League, PAL Director Phillip Ray said.

That core value is evident in the partnership with Pyramid Inc., which is nearby and also on West Diana Street.

Now, he said, the children get excited to see the familiar faces from Pyramid.

Bob Terri, visual arts coordinator for Pyramid, said the program has been equally beneficial for Pyramid's people.

"They know when summer comes, they're going to be together," Terri said.

Allen said she hopes the trade with Amman will draw community attention to the Children's Board.

"Sometimes you have to go outside your county or country to get everyone's attention," Allen said.

Reporter Jessica DaSilva can be reached at (813) 259-7851 or jdasilva@tampatrib.com.

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