PATH Foundation interns bring color and community to Carver Center with new mural
- Carver Kitchen
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
The PATH Foundation’s 2024 summer interns concluded their nearly two-month program by creating a vibrant mural outside the Carver Food Enterprise Center at the George Washington Carver Agriculture Research Center in Rapidan.
Guided by Crystal Burnham of Cwitto Design Studio, the interns crafted a mural that honors the Carver Food Enterprise Center—a nonprofit shared-use commercial kitchen, food business incubator, classroom and a project of the Carver Center.
The mural, which can be found on the external wall of the Carver Food Enterprise Center, reflects the center's mission to support agriculture and the environment in Virginia’s Northern Piedmont. According to PATH officials, the colorful artwork captures the essence of the regional food movement, highlighting the importance of access to nutritious food and the benefits of community collaboration.
The Carver Food Enterprise Center provides resources and support to local food entrepreneurs, aiding in their development and success.
“This home to nonprofits was designed with PATH’s shared agriculture and environmental interests; we are grateful to have added to the beautification of the Carver Center,” PATH Foundation Program Officer Margy Thomas in a news release. “This class set a new bar for all that we can accomplish together, and we look forward to the future class of 2025.”
The PATH Foundation hires students annually and places them with area nonprofits whose missions align with PATH’s four core focus areas: access to health, childhood wellness, mental health and senior services. Interns are selected based on their academic performance, course of study and previous work and volunteer experience, with preference given to those from Fauquier, Rappahannock and Culpeper counties.
This summer, 21 interns were placed in various organizations across these counties.
“It’s really cool that we’re able to have an opportunity like this that the PATH Foundation offers,” said Rylee Mayer, a PATH Foundation intern. “I’m just really happy to be here.”
PATH invites the community to the Carver Food Enterprise Center to celebrate this artistic tribute to food systems and community spirit. Interested individuals can watch the mural’s creation on the PATH Foundation’s YouTube channel. For more information about the PATH Foundation, visit pathforyou.org.