Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS) to Unveil Youth-Led Billboard Honoring Gary, Indiana Changemakers

Gary, IN - Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS) is excited to announce a special community celebration on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at J's Breakfast Club in Gary, Indiana, where the youth-created billboard artwork will be unveiled for the first time in an intimate ceremony. This event will offer community members the unique opportunity to see and celebrate the artwork before it is installed. The first billboard will be installed on Monday, July 21, situated along the southbound side of Broadway, and will remain active through August 17, 2025. This unveiling marks the first in a series of three murals honoring historical changemakers from the City of Gary.

Funded by the Legacy Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Donor Advised Fund, the project brings together middle school students from Gary Middle School and nationally recognized, Gary-born artist PeQue. Each mural aims to spark civic pride and connect the city's next generation of leaders with Gary's legacy of innovation, activism, and cultural impact. "This intergenerational project is about more than public art , it's about connecting our youth to Gary's powerful legacy by honoring historical changemakers while contributing to the city's thriving arts scene," said Lisa Bennett, Interim Executive Director of GAPS.

The remaining murals will be revealed in phases between July and September at locations across the city, accompanied by community pop-ups, youth showcases, and other creative activities. The project is part of GAPS' broader Art Revitalization Initiative, which amplifies youth voices and fosters deeper community connection through the arts. "We're so proud of the students who poured their creativity into this project. I'm incredibly grateful to GAPS for believing in this vision and giving our young people space to be seen and heard," said PeQue, lead artist for the murals.

The Billboard Reveal Celebration is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for the creativity, leadership, and talent of Gary's youth. This event marks not only the unveiling of powerful student-driven artwork, but also a moment to honor the connection between generations, neighborhoods, and shared pride in the city's future. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Zanetta Miller, Public Relations Coordinator, at zmiller@gapsgary.org.
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Contact: Zanetta Miller, Communications Coordinator
Email: zanetta.miller@gapsgary.org

About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation invests in nonprofit services and capacity building efforts throughout Lake County, Ind. Through the generosity of a wide base of donors, Legacy Foundation has awarded $40 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and individuals since its founding in 1992. Learn more at https://legacyfdn.org/.

About GAPS (Gary Alumni Pathway to Students):
Founded in 2016, GAPS is a mission-driven nonprofit based in Gary, Indiana, dedicated to helping students succeed in a rapidly changing world. Through targeted programs and strategic partnerships, GAPS connects students with alumni, businesses, and community leaders to support academic, career, and life success. From mentoring to real-world learning, GAPS builds structured pathways that bridge resources and prepare youth for the future. With strong school partnerships and a long-term vision, GAPS continues to grow its impact through sustainable, community-driven support. To learn more about our programs or to get involved, visit https://gapsgary.org.

About PeQue Brown
Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, artist PeQue Brown has spent over 35 years making his mark in the art world. His work includes murals and commissions for public figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and sports legends Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones. PeQue is also known for his tribute to Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles. Through his Liquid Arts Studios, PeQue has been dedicated to mentoring youth and revitalizing communities through art. For more information about PeQue, visit https://www.pequeartist.com/.

This release was published on openPR.