[2005 Projects]

* A New Day

* The Higher We Climb...

* Home in our Eyes

* Voices

* Our Doors are Open to You

* 4th World Mural

* An Environmental...

* Roots & Wings

Summer Leadership Institute: Voices

VOICES Groundswell Community Mural Project © www.groundswellmural.org Acrylic on MDF Panels 8 x 60 Ft 2005 Lead Artist: Duane Smith Assistant Artist: Clifford Mondestin Youth Muralists: James Dixon, Gerallyn Aquino, Du'Vaughn Wilson, Denaiah Johnson, Issakiah Bradley Location: 143 rd St between Broadway & Amsterdam, Harlem, NYC Community Partner: The Brotherhood Sister Sol

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This mural was 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 brought to life the mission of Brotherhood Sister Sol in providing "Positivity, Community, Knowledge and Future".

As part of Groundswell’s Summer Leadership Institute the team worked during July to build their art skills and develop imagery to bring to life the ideas outlined in the Brotherhood Sister Sol’s mission. Through working in the community and seeing the day to day use of the community garden, the teens in the mural team were being able to get a better sense of what is really needed in urban communities. The imagery of the mural - in communities coming 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 use of the entire community.

The 2005 Summer Leadership Institute was made possible by generous foundation support from the Rush Philanthropic Arts Pepsi/Hip Hop / Ludacris Challenge, The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation Inc, The Puffin Foundation. We are also grateful for the generous support of The Brotherhood Sister Sol.