DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) \u2014 Antonio Burton was just a kid when he realized he had a gift \u2014 one he would someday use to spread messages to his community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s kind of like my way to communicate,\u201d Burton said.<\/p>\n
Burton is a Decatur resident and artist who has created murals all around the city. Some of his art can be found at Webster Cantrell Hall and Dansby Elementary School.<\/p>\n
His mural at Webster Cantrell Hall holds a special meaning for Burton because of his own connection to the organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing a person who had an advocate growing up and also being an employee for Webster Cantrell in the past, made me want to put something out there that had action behind it,\u201d Burton said.<\/p>\n
Burton spends most of his time at the 704 Suite, a space filled with different talents across the city. While he is there, Burton continues creating art for the younger generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things close and dear to my heart is the youth,\u201d Burton said. \u201cI feel like investing in our tomorrow means investing in the youth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Burton says growing up, it always felt like if you weren\u2019t in sports, you weren\u2019t as important. Now, he wants his paintings to show kids that everything they do matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that our children understand that their talents are meant to be shared, not just with Decatur, but with everybody,\u201d Burton said.<\/p>\n
Art has the power to make a huge difference, and Burton knows his work is already making an impact on the community. He plans to keep it going.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got so many great things happening in this city, but nobody talks about that,\u201d Burton said. \u201cI\u2019m just here to shine a light, man.\u201d<\/p>\n
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