This Wednesday, July 27, and Thursday, July 28, make a lasting impact by joining Groundswell for our seven community painting days. 

Paint alongside youth artists who are using public space as a canvas through Groundswell's flagship summer jobs program, the Summer Leadership Institute. Mobilized by national conversations on public health and safety, youth leadership, and social inequities, upwards of 140 youth artists are creating murals in every borough to use art as a tool for social change citywide.

Can't make our Community Painting Days this time? Save the date for our dedication ceremonies on August 29 and 30.

Learn more about our seven Summer Leadership Institute projects and the dates of these events below:

 
MAMA DEE'S COMMUNITY GARDEN (Crown Heights, Brooklyn)

Groundswell's Voices Her'd team of young women artists will illuminate and celebrate the power of women of color within both the public and private spheres. Their mural will investigate and elevate perceptions of women of color's self-worth in order to challenge how racism and sexism impact contemporary culture. Inspired by the strength and community leadership of the mural site, Mama Dee's Community Garden, particular attention will be given to the Afro-Caribbean women of Crown Heights. Through this process, the young artists will own their roles as leaders in building a more just and equitable world.

Co-Lead Artists: Jazmine Hayes and Danielle McDonald

Location: 1401 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Community Painting Day: Wednesday, July 27, 1 PM - 4 PM

Dedication: Tuesday, August 30, 1 - 2 PM

 
FOOD BAZAAR SUPERMARKET (Bushwick, Brooklyn)

This summer, Groundswell's all-male Making His'tory team will create a mural encouraging and inspiring young men of color to know their value and know their rights. With an approach centered on personal narratives and storytelling, the team will challenge notions of identity and break cycles of inequity facing young men of color today.

Lead Artist: Raúl Ayala

Assistant Artist: Ashton Agbomenou

Location: 21 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Community Painting Day: Wednesday, July 27, 1 PM - 4 PM

Dedication: Tuesday, August 30, 10 - 11 AM

 
CASTLE HILL HOUSES (Castle Hill, Bronx)

Through an upcoming monumental mural, a team of young artists at the Castle Hill Houses will call their community to action by supporting youth voices. Their piece encourages their elders to serve as mentors so that the young people of the Castle Hill Houses can become a force of positive change and inspiration at their development and in the surrounding neighborhood.

Lead Artist: Angel Garcia

Assistant Artist: Demetrius Felder

Community Partners: Castle Hill Resident Association, New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

Location: 635 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 10473

Community Painting Day: Thursday, July 28, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dedication: Wednesday, August 31, 4 - 5 PM

QUEENSBRIDGE HOUSES (Long Island City, Queens)

A team of young artists will inspire a holistic view of healthy living at the Queensbridge Houses through a new mural on the Jacob A. Riis Settlement House community center. Created in response to the community's tradition of memorial shrines and murals, the youth will tackle health issues faced by Queensbridge residents such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, food access, mental wellness, and gun violence. Their mural stands in honor of all lives at the development-past, present, and future.

Lead Artist: Misha Tyutyunik

Assistant Artist: Victor A. Saint-Hilaire

Community Partners: Queensbridge Tenant Association, New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

Location: 10-25 41st Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

Community Painting Day: Thursday, July 28, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dedication: Wednesday, August 31, 10 - 11 AM

SAINT NICHOLAS HOUSES (Harlem, Manhattan)

In Harlem, a team of young artists will engage local elders through the creation of a mural that will transform the entrance to the Saint Nicholas Houses Senior Citizens Center. Their mural will bring together different generations to inspire new perspectives on technology, community engagement, and youth activism.

Lead Artist: Jose de Jesus Rodriguez

Assistant Artist: Marina Perez-Wong

Community Partners: Saint Nicholas Tenant Association, New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

Location: 210 West 131st Street, Manhattan, NY 10027

Community Painting Day: Thursday, July 28, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dedication: Wednesday, August 31, 1 - 2 PM

STAPLETON HOUSES (Stapleton, Staten Island)

Through a new mural, youth artists will join seniors at the Stapleton Houses this summer in a public dialogue about the development's past and future as a site of hope, dreams, and community engagement. Their design combines Staten Island landmarks with images of activism and resilience to build a lasting conversation about the Stapleton Houses' heritage, history, and legacy.

Lead Artist: DonChristian Jones

Assistant Artist: Lina Montoya

Community Partners: Stapleton Resident Association, New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

Location: 230 Broad Street, Staten Island, NY 10304

Community Painting Day: Wednesday, July 27, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dedication: Monday, August 29, 10 - 11 AM

TOMPKINS HOUSES (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)

As part of a citywide initiative inspiring young NYCHA residents, a Groundswell artist team will inspire youth leadership with a mural that will give young people the inspiration, tools, and agency to know they can accomplish anything. Painted on a handball court, this mural's empowering message will mobilize youth to engage their community to become the next generation of community leaders.

Lead Artist: Chris Soria

Assistant Artist: Michaela Anaya

Community Partners: Tompkins Houses Resident Association, Inc., New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

Location: Handball Court at Tompkins Houses, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Community Painting Day: Wednesday, July 27, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dedication: Monday, August 29, 1 - 2 PM