Norcross Teen Inspires Artist in Boys & Girls Club Project

The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with the launch of the 75 Blue Doors project.

The project partners 25 artists with different Boys and Girls Clubs, including the A. Worley Brown location in Norcross, to create 75 individual art displays. Each piece of art is inspired by kids and teens at the club who are focused on reaching their dreams and the dedicated staff members who are helping them get there, according to a news release.

It shows "how local clubs are 'opening doors' for youth in and around Atlanta," continues the release.

At the A. Worley Brown Boys and Girls Club, 17-year-old Zoe Williams teamed up with artist Jane Garver from Atlanta for the project.

Williams, who's been at the Norcross club for about six years, wrote an essay and met with Garver to describe the struggles she overcame and how the club changed her life.

"When I was a kid, I was always angry," said Williams, who's a junior at Norcross High. "I always had an excuse for everything I did. I didn't want to take responsibility."

Williams explained that, growing up, her relationship with her mother contributed to her obstacle. "I think knowing that I was such a disappointment to my mother, it hit me harder because my mom has always been in my corner. To know that [I'm] not doing what I should have been doing and making the good grades that I'm doing now, back then, it triggered something in me to want to change. The club gave me the opportunity to change that around."

With Williams' story in mind, Garner hand-painted a white background with the Norcross teen, shown in vibrant pink color, looking off to the side.

"I think the pink is the fire that I had for myself, and that was the inside of me that continues to burn inside me to be better everyday," said Williams.

Williams said she's happy with the final product. "I love it. I'm trying to taking it from [the club] and put it in my room."

On Monday, Williams attended and spoke at the launch of the 75 Blue Doors project, which was presented by Leadership Atlanta and WonderRoot at SunTrust in Atlanta. Her door, along with the 74 other doors, will be displayed throughout the month around Atlanta at places such as the Fox Theatre, Atlanta City Hall and Turner Field.

To see the full gallery, visit www.75bluedoors.org.

See also:

• Norcross Boys & Girls Club Receives $24.5K Donation
• Viewfinder: Norcross' National Night Out
• Changing Children's Lives Through Coaching

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