Students from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School were recognized for their talents in painting the mural on the side of the soon-to-open Goodwill retail training store on Walton Way

Three art students from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School were recognized today for the mural they painted on the side of the new Goodwill store on Walton way. Kayla Jackson, Jacey Lariscey, and Saniyah Newton spent hours under the guidance of Franklin Delgado, Davidson Fine Arts Visual Art Teacher, to hand-paint the New Lives mural, featuring the faces of people who were empowered by Goodwill services or Helms College education.

New Lives is a campaign from Goodwill Industries International that seeks to connect shoppers and goods donors to the greater mission of Goodwill, and the reason why the stores exist. The New Lives phrase — Where your things start new lives — is also part of the mural, along with the Goodwill and Helms College logos.

"Through painted strokes of creativity, our students have not just completed a community mural; but added to the beauty of this area," said Dr. Renee Kelly, principal of Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. "We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Goodwill."

The students were most excited about meeting one of the people they painted, Carrie Brandon, a graduate of Helms College School of Health Services. It brought to life the mission of Goodwill and Helms College.

Final touches are underway as Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA prepare for the grand opening of its 18th retail training store and donation center in the 35 counties it serves. The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 8 at 9 a.m., with the store opening immediately after.

The Goodwill retail training store and the New Lives mural are part of the revitalization of this area of Augusta's Medical District.