Client:

AbilityFirst Pasadena Work Center is a non-profit organization designed to 'help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives, including employment, recreational and socialization programs.' With 23 locations across Southern California and 11 accessible residential housing complexes, AbilityFirst is able to service a large number of children and adults. AbilityFirst has been around for over 80 years with the mission of 'looking beyond disabilities, focusing on capabilities, and expanding possibilities.' Marlene Otto, Pasadena Work Center Director, has been working with the center for 29 years.

Objective:

At the Pasadena Work Center, where adults with disabilities are employed, Marlene had a vision to take a small ordinary dining area and make it interesting and impressive. Her goal was to create a space that was pleasant and exciting for those who dine there. Rather than dine surrounded by plain cement walls, Marlene wanted to capture the feeling of an outside street café, which made her decide to put up a mural.

The Process:

Marlene was introduced to Murals Your Way through a paper hanger with the Guild of Professional Hangers. He recommended calling Murals Your Way, as he has been very satisfied with our product in the past. Afraid it would get ripped if touched too often, he suggested using our murals, which are made of vinyl, rather than most paper murals and they're easy to install.

Once she called and discussed what she wanted and the feeling she was trying to create, it was time to pick out the perfect image. The design consultant she worked with was able to suggest a number of images that could accomplish the affect she had in mind. They went through approximately 15 images and sent many samples before they decided on 'the one'. Once chosen, the mural was ordered, produced and shipped out for installation.

The Result:

The members of AbilityFirst were extremely happy with the way the mural turned out. The tables and chairs matched so well and it really brightened the room. They were impressed with the vivid colors and thought the flower pots looked very real. They even added real trees in the room to compliment the image. They love the French words in the picture, which has been used as a great educational tool for them to learn from. Marlene complimented the great suggestions, involvement, cooperation and care that went into the process of getting her mural and said she couldn't have done it without Murals Your Way.

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