“I couldn’t wait to come to paint. If I didn’t have the mural project, I’d be at home doing things I don’t want to be doing, like doing drugs.” – Mural Participant

People tend to avoid risky behavior and seek behaviors that promote wellness if they feel there will be a positive outcome. In other words, if people feel invested and motivated in their present and future lives, they will avoid behaviors and situations that might hinder their progress. Mural projects can provide this type of opportunity for participants to feel invested in a project of importance that will exist long after its completion.