If you really want to know the whole story of why I ended up in Gjirokaster for the third time, you need to read the rest of the story. My connections in Albania, Haxhi and Vita Kotoni, contacted their local school (the one they and their children attended) to see if there was interest in a mural by a "world famous artist". Yep, that was how I was described. I'm fairly sure the people at the school didn't know what they agreed to, but I'm also sure you don't say no to Vita. She has so many ideas and an equal amount of enthusiasm and determination. At least I'm sure I can't say no to her.

MARTIN

I actually had reservations about painting at a school. My previous murals were at places like a burn center and an Aids daycare. I'm not sure why I had any second thoughts. The kids at Urani Rumbo totally amazed, impressed, and overwhelmed me. There was a flood of kids willing and wanting to paint.

MARTIN

Yes, there was some chaos. And, yes, it was a bit overwhelming in the beginning. However, the main emotions to last long after the brushes had been put away were utter joy and deep pride. The students loved what they were doing. There was laughter, smiles, and some paint on a few faces. There was even fresh graffiti -- in English -- on the bathroom walls in red paint that said, "fun!!" My text, also in red paint, read "Gjirokastra ime!!" which translates "My Gjirokaster!!" There was a sense of pride that this project was painted for their school and community.

MARTIN

But, there was probably a greater pride that they helped create the mural. Much to my amazement, in three and a half hours, the entire mural had two coats of paint. When the students left school, they were so excited to show their friends what they had done. That was the kind of ownership I wanted them to have. But, they wanted to own more. There wanted a second mural.

MARTIN