THE SHOPS AT ANAHEIM GARDENWALK TO UNVEIL TRIBUTE - "ANAHEIM IN MOTION: HISTORY COMES TO LIFE"

ANAHEIM, CA — Next week, the Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk will unveil a collection of 20 beautiful life-sized murals called "Anaheim in Motion: History Comes to Life." This fantastic collaboration between the Shops, Anaheim Family YMCA and Anaheim´s renowned professional artists was designed to illustrate Anaheim´s vivid history, international culture and amazing prominence as a southern California destination city. Community volunteers traced the designs on the canvases and budding young YMCA & Anaheim High School District student artists painted them. The opening ceremony and viewing will begin at 6pm followed by live entertainment including Danny Maika and the Claude von Trotha band as well as fireworks viewing in a prime location.

"This project is an effort let youth experience art first hand, create something beautiful, and share it with the entire community," said mural project director, Janet Lee. The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk anticipates the artistic journey to be a great field trip option for local schools to explore both history and art throughout the 2009-2010 school year. The canvases will be auctioned in the Spring with proceeds benefitting the Anaheim Family YMCA.

Jenny Voznesensky, Public Relations Director at the Anaheim Family YMCA and also a participating muralist said, "It has been such a rewarding experience working with kids and teens throughout Anaheim in Anaheim in Motion: History Comes to Life. These budding young artists are developing their creativity and artistic ability by working on these murals. It´s very impressive to see these youth turn out professional pieces of art through the direction of accomplished artists. The youth are engaging in their community and celebrating Anaheim´s rich history."