A new mural in North Phoenix has a unique backstory. The 22-foot wide-by-14-foot-high painting and tile mosaic piece depicting cacti and desert critters was created by a group of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mural adorns the west side of the Civitan Foundation’s building, located on 42nd Street and Windrose Drive in Phoenix. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide accessible, safe and enriching community activities and experiences to children and adults with special needs. The artists spent three months painting and assembling donated tile and windshield glass, guided by art director Merilee Adams. “The mural is not only an extraordinary piece of art but also a testament to the incredible talent and determination of its creators,” she says.

Adams, a third-generation artist, shares how the mural came together and more about the people who made it and the organization that commissioned it.

About the Nonprofit

Tell us about Civitan Foundation.

Civitan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to enriching the lives of more than 1,300 people with
Disabilities, and their families, per year. The nonprofit offers individuals with developmental disabilities a safe, accessible and affordable environment designed to enhance their quality of life. Its statewide programs focus on education, health and nutrition, life skills, socialization, job training and employment.

Civitan’s flagship programs include Camp Civitan, a residential camp experience in Williams, Arizona, and the Civitan Foundation Village. The Village provides a multi-disciplinary life learning day program and a vocational training center with opportunities in digital multimedia productions, visual and performing arts, a culinary institute, art program and music lab. Civitan also offers respite and recreation programs, home and community-based services and youth programs.

Tell us about Civitan’s Art Core program.

Outside of its regular art program that allows artists to take their work home, Civitan’s Art Core program is made up of seven individuals (eight at time of mural creation) with a special affinity for art. Members of the Art Core program sell their creations in galleries at the Village and at Flerish Thrift & Gift, a retail shop employed by Civitan Foundation members. A portion of the proceeds are set aside for art field trips, with the most recent trip being a visit to Sedona to paint Cathedral Rock.

Making the Mural

Why did Civitan commission the mural?

Civitan commissioned the mural to beautify Civitan Village and reflect its mission of enriching the lives of people with disabilities through creative endeavors. The project offered members a new challenge and grew into a significant undertaking, becoming the largest mural they have created, preceding their work at Orange Tree Golf Resort. The desert mural showcases the creativity, inclusion and community spirit of Civitan members, who gained a deep sense of accomplishment and artistic growth through this empowering project.

How was the design for the mural developed?

The idea of adding a mural to the west-facing wall of Civitan had been on my mind for years. Since I specialize in Western-themed art and members also enjoy it, it was unanimously agreed that the mural should depict a desert scene to honor Arizona, where Civitan has grown. I drew the design to scale, outlining which parts would be mosaic and which would be painted. When it came time to paint, I asked the members which critters they wanted to include, and I helped outline the animals so they could paint them in.

What was the process like to take the mural from an idea to reality, and what skills did members learn to create the mural?

Bringing the mural from concept to reality was a detailed and hands-on process that began with creating the mosaic cactus and wave design inside Civitan Village. Working with thousands of tiles, members sometimes found it challenging to stay engaged, as it was hard to envision the result. However, once they started painting on the massive wall, the excitement grew each day, and that is when everything finally clicked for them.

The process involved laying out 4-by-8-foot sheets of luan, measuring, drawing cut lines and hand-sawing the wood for the mosaic. Members worked outdoors, sealing the wood with industrial-strength sealant and grouting it to secure the tiles. The mosaic tiles were made from donated windshields and tiles, which members broke down using various tools while equipped with safety gear.

Throughout the project, members learned how to correct mistakes without self-criticism, staying
motivated and believing in their ability to succeed despite occasional frustrations.

Tell us about the artists who worked on the mural.

Mark has been an artist on his own for years. When he joined the program, it was a natural fit for him. Unlike most members who rotate through activities, Mark stays in the art room because it is his passion. At 60, he is fully dedicated to his craft.

Joey had not done much art before joining. He started from scratch, learning everything new. Joey enjoys experimenting with different ways to create, often painting while lying down or sitting. His openness, attitude and passion for learning make him a joy to work with.

Jacob is naturally talented but does not have the passion to spend a lot of time on his art, which drives me crazy. He is the one who painted the bobcat, creating a wild and unique design that is entirely his own and very much a reflection of his unique style. His artworks are some of the best-selling pieces at The Village and Flerish.

Kira is very dedicated to her art. She is a natural fit for the program, participating in both art programs. Her work is thorough and detailed.

Brian comes in for the love of being in the art room, spending half a day each week. While it has been challenging to develop his talent because of his short time in the class, he has a great attitude about making adjustments, and his willingness to learn makes him a pleasure to teach.

Allison is no longer in the class, as she is now working in the kitchen.

Anthony is an exceptionally talented artist who started as a member, then transitioned to a volunteer, and is now on staff. When he joined the program 10 years ago, he did not know he was an artist, but the moment I saw his work, I knew he had the potential. He has since developed into a fine artist and now mentors other members, helping them to develop their skills.

Donna, a member’s grandmother, volunteers once a week. She has been a godsend to the program.

How did you feel seeing the mural completed?

Seeing the mural completed was beyond my expectations. It is extraordinary what we have achieved, and I believe it has made a meaningful impact on Civitan as well. I am usually fearless with projects, but this one was a leap of faith, not knowing if they could pull it off – and they exceeded all expectations. I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. The members embraced guidance so willingly, and it was incredibly rewarding to share my experience and passion with people with IDDs.

Painting With Purpose

Tell us what you love about creating works of art and teaching others to do so.

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, though I did not fully appreciate its
significance until later in life. It always felt so natural—like something everyone did. My journey into art as a profession began when I lost my job and decided to help my mother start a ceramic business. What was supposed to be a temporary arrangement turned into a lifelong passion. In 1978, I teamed up with my best friend, also an artist, and we began working out of my mom’s garage, making beads, pots and macramé pieces. What started as a side project quickly grew, and after five years, I took over the business, creating wall sculptures, fiber art, wood sculptures and paintings.

The studio, Thoughts Are Things (TAT Studio), eventually became Merilee Adams Studio, where I continue to explore and expand my artistic practice today. Teaching others has been a profound experience for me—every time I teach, I am also learning. It has elevated my understanding of art in ways I never expected.

Later in life, I started working at Camp Civitan, where I found my second calling—working with people with disabilities. It is rare to discover one true calling in life, let alone two, and I feel incredibly fortunate to combine my love for art with my passion for working with people with special needs. It has been a truly rewarding journey.

What is the impact that creating can have on the maker?

Creating can have a profound impact on the maker, offering a sense of immeasurable accomplishment and confidence. It fosters a belief that ‘I can do anything,’ even things once thought impossible, like using a saw or mastering a new skill.

The experience is empowering, giving makers bragging rights and the pride of being able to say, ‘I did that.’ For people with special needs, the process is particularly therapeutic, as it not only enhances self-esteem but also provides a tangible way to showcase their achievements to others.

There are a number of murals around the Valley worth checking out. Why should Phoenicians add Civitan Foundation’s to their list of stops?

The mural is not only an extraordinary piece of art but also a testament to the incredible talent and determination of its creators. The reaction from those who have seen it—whether driving by or sharing photos—has been overwhelmingly positive. It is an accomplishment worth seeing in person.

What is the next art project that the Art Core Program will take on?

Civitan Foundation members are currently creating commissioned gemmed cacti wall hangings for the Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache junction. To purchase these items, or commission a new project, call (602) 953-2944.