1,000 pictures of peace

Slowly but surely, an elemental message of peace is appearing on the curved façade of the Camellia Way electrical substation near Big Chico Creek.

Around a dozen students from Butte County high schools, along with Chico artist Gregg Payne and other volunteers, are rushing to complete the mural (pictured) for Art 1st Saturday on July 7. Donations from PG&E for the painting will help Butte County Youth Nexus, a community-driven youth leadership program, pay for extracurricular activities.

Titled “Peace of Chico,” the five-pane painting depicts the four ancient elements of earth, wind, fire and water—united by a peace sign at the center.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” Payne said. “A mural is worth a thousand pictures.”