Public Art Piece Highlights the Need for Mentors

Local artist, Ann Williams, unveiled “One Thousand” which provides a visual representation to the need for mentors in Lincoln for the 1,000 youth on the waiting list for a mentor through TeamMates, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Lighthouse.

“When that statistic was presented to me, my initial response was ‘wow that’s a bunch of kids,’ and yet I couldn’t quite grasp what that meant. Through this installation I hope to give the viewer the opportunity to experience what 1000 means so that people will step up and become a mentor for one of the kids each rectangle represents.”

– Ann Williams

Williams was approached by Gateway Mall to install a public art piece as part of their new Live 360° initiative. Gateway Mall is partnering with businesses and nonprofit organizations, including TeamMates, to provide a family-friendly environment for the community to gather and participate in fun, interactive workshops, events and activities. Learn more about upcoming Live 360° events here.

To read more about Ann Williams’ journey to create this piece, visit her blog. “One Thousand” will be displayed at Gateway Mall until late December.