Lamar Advertising and Colossal Media Mark Year Long Make-A-Wish Partnership with Hand-Painted Brooklyn Mural Designed by 12-Year-Old Artist

Baton Rouge, LA – February 29, 2024 – In commemoration of the company’s year-long pro bono partnership with Make-A-Wish, Lamar Advertising today announced that its Colossal Media division has allocated space on a wall display in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn for the creation of a hand-painted mural designed by 12-year old Josie Gibson, an alum of the Make-A-Wish program. The mural was painted from February 19th to 23rd on the side of a building at 41 White Street.

A native of Queens, Josie was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2021 and received a bone marrow transplant from her brother. Her wish to visit the Orlando theme parks was granted by Make-A-Wish in December 2022. Her love of art and drawing compelled her to create the stunning mural design that captures the essence and attractions of New York City, one of the most requested destinations for wish kids around the world. 

Make-A-Wish Alum Josie Gibson signing Colossal and Lamar Advertising hand-painted mural with her design

Colossal Media, responsible for resurrecting hand-painted murals as a form of outdoor advertising, painted the mural based on Josie’s inspirational design – as a part of its Start Today social responsibility initiative and a unique creative collaboration with Lamar and Make-A-Wish. Colossal, celebrating its 20-year anniversary, founded Start Today to champion its team’s creativity and craft with the goal of uplifting the communities, artists and causes they care about.

“We were honored to champion a fellow New Yorker's craft and creativity," said Kelly Peppers, President at Colossal Media. “There's so much power in combining multiple OOH formats to amplify a message. This impactful mural is the culmination of our year-long partnership with Make-A-Wish and a testament to how collaboration feeds creative and memorable outcomes.”