Over the past seven weeks, 100 New York City teens have had a one-of-a-kind job experience, as part of Groundswell’s Summer Leadership Institute. 
 
These teen artists have interviewed survivors of Superstorm Sandy, to understand ongoing recovery needs in their communities. They’ve visited the Catskill Mountains, to discover first hand where New York City’s water comes from. They’ve gone live on air on NY1, to advocate for safe streets in all neighborhoods.
 
And they have created art.
 
Eight new works of public art, from Riverbank State Park to Coney Island, Brownsville to Hunts Point. Art that educates, activates, heals, and inspires.
 
We are pleased to now share a few reflections on the summer, created by interns from Groundswell's Youth Media Council.
 
Groundswell's Youth Media Council consisted of twelve interns, representing each of our six summer mural teams. Each week, the interns documented their respective projects, reflected on what they learned, and shared their experiences and findings back to the group.
 
The selections below were written by these interns, as they reflected on how their participation in Groundswell's 2013 Summer Leadership Institute impacted themselves and their communities.
 
In their own words...
 
“At Groundswell, the idea of art and personal opinion are intertwined. At Groundswell there is a sense of home with a community of people I am now closely connected to. The organizers and many youth here know a lot about me because I’ve wanted to allow that bridge from my heart to Groundswell to be created. I have changed drastically as a person by opening myself to the work I do at Groundswell. Pouring through community issues, successes, and everything in between, I have seen my full potential. Without self-reflection, I wouldn’t have gained the true value of the Groundswell feel and meaning.” – Robert Howell, Age 18
 
“Working with Groundswell gives me a sense of perspective in every project. We never learn about just one thing. We learn about how all the different parts go together like a puzzle. We Groundswell youth all play a part in contributing to this, with our voices and through painting. Painting murals makes us feel our significance because we truly leave our mark on the world. It is through self-reflection that we are able to do this. From the first steps of researching a specific topic to the transformation of a white wall, being part of this process gives us (the youth) pride, accountability, respect, and honor.”  – By Keyla Rijo, Age 18
 
“My experience at Groundswell has made a huge impact on the art I make, the way I think, how I communicate, and what I want to do in the future. When I first worked as a teen artist at Groundswell in the summer of 2012, I was timid with people and with my work. I was afraid to express myself and had a closed mind to certain things. Once I started working with the artists, other teens, community partners, and passersby, I became more comfortable with being myself in the presence of others. I also feel I’ve become more creative due to this comfortability, especially while being in such a positive, supportive atmosphere. Through opening up, I’ve also gained more respect for art of all kinds. Being open to and reflecting about art makes me think about life, the past, and the future. I hope to create art that has a positive effect and inspires my audience.” – Marinique Mora, Age 18
 
“During my time at Groundswell, I’ve learned a lot about myself as an artist, individual, and creative thinker. Groundswell has helped me grow and has invigorated my ideas, leadership, and communication skills. It has also encouraged me to share my ideas and has taught me that my voice matters. Through self-reflection, I realize that I have learned so much and in return, I am able to teach these skills to others as I move on in the years to come to being the best me I can be.” – Emmanuel Knight, Age 21
 
We invite you to come out and celebrate the achievements of Robert, Keyla, Marinique, Emmanuel and their peers, as we unveil our summer murals and mark the end of another incredible summer.
 
MURAL DEDICATIONS
Livable Streets: Pitkin Avenue
Thursday, August 29
4pm
1550 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn
 
Livable Streets: Atlantic Avenue Underpass
Wednesday, September 4
10am
Underpass between Hicks and Columbia streets, Brooklyn
 
StreetWise: Hunts Point
Friday, September 6
1pm
854 Hunts Point Avenue, Bronx
 
Riverbank State Park
Saturday, September 7
11am
679 Riverside Drive, New York