20 Years of Community Youth Mosaic: Celebrating Two Decades of Impact in Downtown Sioux Falls

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Community Youth Mosaic in Sioux Falls Celebrates Milestone with New Mural

Published: September 21, 2025

Sioux Falls, SD – The Community Youth Mosaic in Downtown Sioux Falls has marked its 20th anniversary with the unveiling of a new mural, expanding the city’s longest continuous piece of public artwork. The celebration, held on Saturday, also served as a tribute to Porter Williams, a Civil Rights leader whose vision helped inspire the project’s creation.

A Legacy of Peace and Diversity

The Community Youth Mosaic began as a collaboration between students at Hawthorne Elementary School. It steadily grew, incorporating contributions from middle and high school students throughout the years. Throughout its evolution,the artwork has consistently served as a visual narrative,exploring themes of peace and the growing cultural richness of Sioux Falls.

The mosaic stands as a testament to the power of collective creativity and intergenerational collaboration. It provides a lasting symbol of the city’s commitment to inclusivity.

Honoring Porter Williams’ Vision

Porter Williams played a pivotal role in initiating the mosaic project. According to lisa Brunick, retired art teacher from Hawthorne Elementary, Williams insisted the focus remain on the students themselves.”Porter was a very humble man,” Brunick stated. “He wanted to help bring the wall to life,but he emphasized that it was all about the children,and he did not want personal recognition.”

Williams’ quiet guidance was instrumental to the project’s success, as he navigated the initial stages and provided essential support. he effectively championed the students’ artistic pursuits and ensured their voices were central to the mosaic’s message.

A Continuing Community Project

The addition of the mural marks a significant milestone for the Community Youth Mosaic, adding to its already expansive depiction of Sioux Falls’ vibrant culture. Volunteers from the community actively participated in the mural’s creation during Saturday’s event, continuing the collaborative spirit that has defined the artwork since its inception.

Did You Know? Public art installations, like the Community Youth Mosaic, have been shown to boost local economies, attract tourism, and foster a stronger sense of community identity.

Key Fact	Details
Artwork Name	Community Youth Mosaic
Location	Downtown Sioux Falls, SD
Anniversary Marked	20th Anniversary (2025)
Inspired By	Porter Williams’ advocacy for peace and cultural diversity

The Rise of Community Art

Community art projects similar to the Community Youth Mosaic are experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States.

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, participation in arts and cultural activities has increased by 28% as 2012, with a significant portion of that growth attributed to community-based art installations and initiatives. National Endowment for the arts

Pro Tip: Support local arts initiatives by attending events, volunteering your time, or donating to organizations that foster creativity in your community.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Youth Mosaic

• What is the Community Youth Mosaic? The Community Youth Mosaic is a public art installation in Sioux Falls, south Dakota, created collaboratively by students.
• Who is Porter Williams? Porter Williams was a Civil Rights activist who played a key role in inspiring and supporting the creation of the Mosaic.
• what is the meaning of the new mural? The mural commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Mosaic and adds to its existing artwork.
• how can I get involved with community art projects in Sioux Falls? Check with local art centers and schools for opportunities to volunteer or participate in ongoing projects.
• What themes does the Community Youth Mosaic explore? The Mosaic focuses on themes of peace and the growing cultural diversity within Sioux Falls.

What are your thoughts on the importance of public art in shaping community identity? Share your viewpoint in the comments below!

Do you know of other impactful community art projects in your area? Let us know!

How did the initial funding sources for CYM reflect the association’s core values?

The Genesis of a Vision: Founding & Early Years (2005-2010)

Community Youth Mosaic (CYM) began in 2005, responding to a critical need for accessible, enriching after-school and summer programs for youth in the heart of Downtown Sioux Falls. Founders recognized a gap in services,particularly for middle and high school students navigating the challenges of urban life. Initial funding came from local foundations and individual donors passionate about youth progress and community empowerment.

early programs focused on:

* Academic Support: Tutoring, homework help, and study skills workshops.

* Arts & Culture: Providing opportunities for creative expression through painting, music, and drama.

* Recreational Activities: Organized sports, games, and outdoor adventures.

* Mentorship Programs: Connecting youth with positive adult role models.

These initial offerings were deliberately designed to be low-barrier, meaning free or very low-cost, ensuring accessibility for all youth nonetheless of socioeconomic background. The first location was a repurposed storefront on Main Street, quickly becoming a safe haven and vibrant hub for Sioux Falls teens.

Expanding Horizons: Program Growth & Diversification (2011-2015)

The period between 2011 and 2015 saw notable growth for CYM. Increased funding allowed for program expansion and diversification. Key developments included:

1. Career Exploration: Introduction of workshops focused on career pathways,resume building,and interview skills. this addressed a growing need identified through youth surveys – a desire for guidance on future opportunities.
2. Leadership Development: The launch of a youth leadership council, empowering teens to take ownership of programs and advocate for their needs. This fostered youth voice and civic engagement.
3. Technology Access: A dedicated computer lab was established, providing access to technology and digital literacy training – crucial skills in the 21st century.
4. Partnerships: Collaboration with local businesses and organizations, such as the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, broadened program offerings and created internship opportunities.

This phase solidified CYM’s reputation as a vital resource for at-risk youth and a catalyst for positive change in Downtown Sioux Falls. The organization began to actively address issues like teen pregnancy prevention, substance abuse awareness, and gang resistance through targeted workshops and counseling services.

Navigating Challenges & Strengthening Resilience (2016-2020)

The latter half of the decade presented new challenges. Increased competition for funding and evolving community needs required CYM to adapt and innovate.

* Focus on Trauma-Informed Care: recognizing the impact of adverse childhood experiences, CYM staff underwent training in trauma-informed care practices. This ensured programs were sensitive to the needs of youth who had experienced trauma.

* Mental Health Support: partnerships with local mental health providers were strengthened, offering on-site counseling and support groups. Addressing youth mental health became a central priority.

* Diversification of Funding Streams: CYM actively pursued grants from state and national organizations, and also corporate sponsorships, to ensure financial sustainability.

* Community Outreach: Increased efforts were made to reach underserved populations and build stronger relationships with families.

This period demonstrated CYM’s resilience and commitment to serving the community, even in the face of adversity. The organization’s ability to adapt and respond to evolving needs was crucial to its continued success.

A New Decade: Innovation & Future Outlook (2021-2025)

The current phase is marked by a renewed focus on innovation and long-term sustainability.

Key Initiatives:

* STEM Education: Introduction of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, preparing youth for careers in high-demand fields. This includes coding workshops, robotics clubs, and science fairs.

* Entrepreneurship Training: Programs designed to foster entrepreneurial skills, empowering youth to create their own businesses and contribute to the local economy.

* Digital Media Arts: A state-of-the-art digital media lab provides opportunities for youth to learn video production, graphic design, and web development.

* Expanded Mental Wellness programs: Increased access to mental health services, including individual therapy, group counseling, and mindfulness training.

Benefits of CYM’s Programs:

* Improved Academic performance: Students participating in CYM programs consistently demonstrate higher grades and graduation rates.

* Increased High School Graduation Rates: CYM actively works to keep students on track for graduation.

* Enhanced Life Skills: Youth develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

* Reduced Risk Behaviors: Participation in CYM programs is associated with a decrease in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and delinquency.

* Increased Civic Engagement: Youth are empowered to become active and engaged members of their community.

Real-World Impact: Success Stories

While maintaining confidentiality, CYM regularly shares anonymized success stories. One example is “Maria,”