Visual artist Frank Gregory completed a Dibond painted mural for the Manchester New Hampshire Youth Development Center called “Now & Then & Now & When.”

The acrylic painted mural features aluminum composite panels cut into silhouettes of shapes and then assembled onto the wall, similar to assemble of puzzle pieces.

Gregory states, “The open edged, unfinished jigsaw puzzle is a visual metaphor designed for the youth residents to symbolically connect to their present through it’s past, so they can move towards a positive future.”

Gregory is firm believer in the power of art to promote positivity and invoke positive thinking, wanting his piece to show the residents that they are not alone in their struggles. The deep meaning behind the piece resonates with viewers as Gregory further states, “This unifying image, an infinite late day sky, is striking from a distance, emphasizes the passage of time, and again gives pause for reflection.”

Interestingly, the creation of a puzzle whose pieces fit readily together symbolizes many things to this group of young people including teamwork and the balance of “independence with interdependence.”

NOTE: Some surface preparation is required before painting Dibond to remove any surface contaminates such as oils or dust. The substrate should be cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol, using a non-colored cloth. It is important not to use paint thinners or soaps as they may leave a film residue, which can affect adhesion. For more information regarding painting Dibond material including suitable paints, adhesion testing and drying download our Fabrication Manual.

all information and photography courtesy of Frank Gregory Studios