Voices

  • “Voices” commemorates the efforts of community rights movements and the garden in which the mural is located.
  • Some of the youth pose before the panels that would soon hold “Voices.”
  • The fence forms a colorful backdrop for the community garden.
  •  Using a ladder was the only way the youth could reach the top of the mural.
  •  Using a ladder was the only way the youth could reach the top of the mural.
  • Access to media and making important voices heard was a vital component of the piece.

Project Description

“Voices” was created as part of a restoration project in the Frank White Community Garden in Harlem. The mural was constructed on the back fence of the community garden on a series of panels and is inspired by the mission of the Brotherhood Sister Sol to provide "Positivity, Community, Knowledge, and Future." As part of Groundswell’s Summer Leadership Institute, the team worked throughout July to build art skills and develop imagery to bring to life the ideas outlined in the Brotherhood Sister Sol’s mission. By working in the community and participating in the day-to-day use of the garden, the teens in the mural team gained a better sense of how urban communities can be revitalized through our shared efforts. The imagery of the mural - in which communities come together to struggle for rights, amenities, access to the media, and to make their voices heard - resonates with the active care that local residents take in maintaining the garden for the enjoyment of the entire community.

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Project Info

Location: 512 West 143rd Street Harlem, NY 10031
Neighborhood: 
Harlem


Program: 
Summer Leadership Institute


Theme: 
Community


Year: 
2005


Partner(s): 
The Brotherhood Sister Sol


Lead Artist(s):
Duane Smith


Assistant Artist(s):
Clifford Mondestin


Participants: 

 

Gerallyn Aquino
Issakiah Bradley
James Dixon
Denaiah Johnson
Du'Vaughn Wilson
Medium: 
Acrylic on MDF Panels


Dimensions: 8 x 60ft

Fun Facts

Question about the Mural
Why is representation in the media important to community action?
Fun Fact
New York City is home to nearly 500 community gardens.
Research
The garden is named after Frank White, a neighborhood resident who dedicated his life to Harlem children and who lost his life protecting several kids from a gunman.