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Lost Dreams on Canvas Community Programs In communities across the nation, innocent dreams are tragically being lost, as young children become victims of violence. Every day, children are denied the opportunity to hope, dream, and live. Their lives are abruptly cut short by unnecessary violence, which can and must be stopped. Lost Dreams on Canvas On a summer day in 1988, Marcus Yates was playing video games in a small candy store near his home. An argument broke out between two drug dealers and gunfire was exchanged. Marcus was running to his older brother Tony for protection when a bullet ripped through his skull.A group of local war veterans were outraged when they heard about the senseless murder of Marcus, the five-year-old son of a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. The Veterans created a support program for families of innocent victims of random crime. Lost Dream on Canvas is the result of a unique partnership that began in 1993 between the Veterans Against Drugs and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Many Philadelphia-area artists have donated their time and talents to paint more than 150 portraits of innocent victims of random violence. Their unique and selfless contributions have created a most moving and effective tribute. Lost Dreams on Canvas preserves the memories of the children by capturing their lives on canvas. The portraits forever leave an imprint in our hearts and minds. The haunting faces of these children tell the story of the unfulfilled dreams and promise of their lives. School Program Lost Dream on Canvas serves as a centerpiece for a weeklong program of anti-drug and anti-violence presentations in many schools throughout the Philadelphia area. The presentations paint an entire "Portrait of Violence" and offer strategies to escape its cycle-including job training, information on drug and alcohol abuse, and training in conflict resolution given by motivational speakers, community leaders in discussion groups, classroom presentations, and assemblies. Family members of the slain children and survivors of violence are special guests in school-wide assemblies at the end of the week. The students view the portraits, see someone like themselves and the finality of violence strikes home, take roots in their consciousness and makes a difference in their lives. The portraits are moving. The message is direct and strong. Youth violence is out of control, a distressing trend that is among the most important issues facing our society today. The mission of Lost Dreams on Canvas is to reduce violence by making sure we do not forget. By memorializing crime's young victims, the exhibit illustrates the toll that violence is taking on our young people. If you are interested in volunteering to paint a portrait or would like more information, please call Judy Ringold at 215-972-2061.