[2003-2004 Projects]

* The True Pioneers...

* Train to Read

* Lead Safe House...

* Girls Deal, Girls Do...

* Fifth Avenue Committee...

* Art of Remembering...

* NYC AIDS Housing...

Great Walls: Lead Safe House

LIVE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL AREA OF YOUR DESTINY Groundswell Community Mural Project © www.groundswellmural.org Acrylic on Wall 60 x 30 Ft 2004 Lead Artists: Christopher Cardinale and Youme Landowne Youth Artists: Samantha Akwei, Jessica Binion, Chris Matos, Zakkyya Miller, Ali Jorge, Amy Ramirez, Geraldo Negron, Misael Soto, Randy Wilson, Anthony Reyes Assisted by: Walfrido Hau Location: 168th & Amsterdam, Washington Heights Community Partner (s): Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation's Lead Safe House; Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

During summer 2004 Groundswell collaborated with the NMIC to create a six-storey mural on the Lead Safe House Building at 2183 Amsterdam Avenue. The first month of the project was spent educating the youth about mural making and its components such as, composition and color, conducting research in the community, learning about Lead Safe House and its mission and creating the design for the mural.

The theme of the mural addresses the health of the Community of Washington Heights in contrast to environmental poisoning. The threat of lead paint poisoning is represented by the chipping paint that frames the bottom portion of the mural. The large embracing hands that separate the threat of lead poisoning from the rest of the figures in the mural are the maternal embrace and a protective force. The fruits and vegetables represent the healing qualities of a good diet, which can combat lead poisoning, as well as referencing the healthy components of the traditional Caribbean diet. There is a mother with a newborn baby being approached by a female doctor, signifying the medical community's role in treating environmental illnesses. The urban landscape rises behind the figures and is transformed into a giant palm tree at the top of the composition. The palm fronds embrace and shelter a group of children of adults that are healthy and playful. The palm also references the Caribbean communities who make their home in Washington Heights.

The mural took a month to complete after the final design approval. The youth transferred the design to the wall using a grid system, working responsibly and safely together on nine levels of scaffolding. The mural was dedicated in September, with Manhattan Borough President, C. Virginia fields in attendance, and the team explaining the symbolism in the mural to community members present.

Special thanks to all the staff of Lead Safe House for their support throughout this project. The mural was made possible by funding and support from: Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation/ Pepsi Hip Hop Challenge/ Ludacris, Valspar Paints, Lowes, Manhattan Borough President's Office, C. Virginia Fields, and the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation.