Burlington Girl Scout’s Mural Inspires Mental Wellness
Kaylee Kramer from Burlington, Iowa, has achieved the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, for painting a mural with legendary artists at The Capitol Theater in Burlington, Iowa.
“I strongly believed that Burlington would greatly benefit from public art in our community,” Kaylee says.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 42.2% of adults struggle with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, and according to a recent study, people experience a 73% decrease in depression symptoms when enjoying art. After learning these statistics, Kaylee knew she could use her artistic talents to support her community!
“My Gold Award mural has brought my community closer together, blossomed several connections, and uplifted countless people,” says Kaylee. “I see people on social media reacting to my mural with #ArtHealthy posts! They’re sharing just how much of an impact the icons in the portraits have made on their life and the joy they get from seeing them honored in a public place.”
Kaylee chose The Capitol Theater because it is a beloved building in Burlington. She knew it would be a location where all community members could enjoy seeing art in a public space and hopefully inspire others to use art to support mental wellness.
“I have made so many connections with people I otherwise would have never met, and I have also seen so many beautiful connections being made between the public and my mural. Seeing the faces of citizens and visitors light up at the sight of their favorite icon being honored in a colorful display is an unforgettable magic,” says the Gold Award Girl Scout. “It leaves people inspired and happy, which in turn keeps me inspired and happy as an artist.”
Kaylee Kramer currently attends West Burlington High School and will graduate in 2024. Our future looks bright with young leaders like Kaylee!
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her Gold Award. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
