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The work of eight special artists was unveiled Wednesday at the state Office of People With Developmental Disabilities, or OPWDD. The mural was five weeks in the making, a way for people like Lisa Kasper to raise awareness for people with special needs.

The OPWDD program works with residents at the Institute for Community Living, an organization that provides housing and services for developmentally disabled people.

"It helps them to be seen more and have more of a voice when their artwork can get out of their own houses and get into the bigger community," says Dylan Stanfield, an arts and activities counselor.

The artists say they're proud of their work, and are excited to share it with others.

"That's me going like this, I did that," says James Wilson, a mural contributor.

"I did the mural then I drawed," says Millie Dominguez, a mural contributor.

"It means that people are going to see how I express my feelings through art, through this mural," adds Kasper.

The group has displayed their work before at the Brooklyn Museum. But this mural will be their first permanent installation.

"It's great, it looks wonderful and fine," says Wilson.

Officials from both agencies turned out to support the artists.

"Raising awareness about the talent and the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities is one of the things we are trying to achieve, and this art work is just another way for us to demonstrate that and raise that awareness," says OPWDD Commissioner Courtney Burke.

The artists were presented with a certificate of appreciation. But they say they hope it's the public who appreciates their work.

"I feel like I am helping to make a difference by showing other people that there is hope for them, that they can paint murals too," says Kasper.

So, for making a difference and raising awareness in their community, these eight artists are the latest New Yorkers of the Week.