Talking Wall opening in Carson Mall

The walls of the Carson Mall may soon be talking. At least one of them will be, telling the stories of the community's youth.

The Kids' Talking Wall, sponsored by Partnership Carson City, will host its grand opening at 10 a.m. Saturday with a variety of activities and entertainment for children.

The Talking Wall is a series of three glass-enclosed, lighted display cases next to JoAnn's Fabric.

Each month, a different community organization will be featured on the wall, showcasing information and work from the children involved in that organization.

This month, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada will be featured with matted artwork from its members.

"We want to focus on the children," said organizer Carole Thompson. "We want to open this up so we bring in an idea of how this community works."

The changing display will kick off the first Saturday of each month with an open mic of sorts on a stage in the mall.

Youth will be invited to perform any talent during that time, from singing to poetry to showing a video on a large screen.

"We felt it was important for kids to have a voice in the community," Thompson said. "We wanted to give them a place to express themselves without constantly having to be monit-ored. We want to give value to their thoughts and opinions."

Thompson said she was inspired to create the project after working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with a child who felt left behind when his sister became addicted to drugs and required all of their mother's attention.

His story, "What About Me?" will be featured on the wall this month.

She said she expects the project to evolve as the youth involved start to see things they want to change.

"This is a kid thing, not an adult thing," she said. "I want kids to be a part of this and eventually run it."