You'll soon see a new piece of artwork in the North Davidson neighborhood.

The fence beside The Arc at 2824 N. Davidson St. is being transformed into a mural courtesy of Arc members and the newly chartered Aktion Club of South Mecklenburg.

The Arc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the quality of life for people with cognitive impairment and associated developmental disabilities.

The Aktion Club, part of Kiwanis International and co-sponsored by The Arc, is a community service group for adults who have disabilities. The club meets at 7 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Central United Methodist Church.

The fence mural is the group's first project and the brainstorm of Julie Millea, director of The Arc.

"We wanted to show the ability of people who have disabilities," Millea says. "We wanted to allow them to express their artistic ability, enjoy fellowship, and take part in group activities that are meaningful for them,"

Lauren Mullis, Arc advocacy and event coordinator, is leading the "Paint the Fence" project. The mural is being designed and sketched by Jim DeMain, a local sports artist. It depicts folks with disabilities doing normal, everyday things. Aktion Club members are painting in the outline.

Since The Arc office is in the heart of North Davidson, also known as NoDa, Millea says the fence mural will fit right in. They hope to become an integral part of the arts district.

"The Arc is a true blessing. It touches people's lives and people's hearts. They're awesome," says John Adams, newly elected president of the Aktion Club. "And with the Aktion Club, I hope to make an impact with my fellow members. We want to do many, many, many projects. We hope to get out into the community and make a difference. Someone needs to do that."

Questions?

The Arc is always in need of volunteers for various projects, especially Operation Santa Claus. Call Lauren Mullis at (704) 332-4535, ext. 11, or e-mail her at lauren@Arcmeck.org. To find out more about a Kiwanis Club that meets near you, or the Aktion Club, visit www.kiwanis.org, www.aktionclub.org, or call Peter Rieke at (704) 333-6699.