Growing Community
Welcoming the Neighborhood into the Garden
The Liberty Collective Learning Garden in Jamaica, Queens works with local schools to provide programs where students can gain hands-on experience learning where food comes from and how urban ecosystems function. Operated and run by the City Parks Foundation, it is also the home of the William Simmons Community Garden, which brings neighbors together to till the earth, sow seeds, and grow their community. The garden includes vegetable and flower beds, fruit trees, a compost station, a greenhouse, solar panels, and live chickens.
What it lacked was a way to invite the community into the space. Tucked away in a nondescript corner of a local park, it was easy to miss. So, this summer, in partnership with Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC), Creative Art Works offered part-time jobs to eight Youth Apprentices (YAs) to paint a mural on the blacktop leading from the entrance of the garden to the various features around the space. They were supported by several SYEP youth working for the community garden.
The mural features a pair of hands planting seeds which are nourished by the warmth of the sun. The rays of sunlight become winding paths. The YAs titled the mural “No Matter Where You Come From…” which is short for, “No matter where you come from, you are welcome here.”
Painting a blacktop mural presents special challenges. The rough texture soaks up paint, it gets hot in the sun, and painting on the ground can be awkward. But our YAs and Teaching Artists persevered and created a beautiful work of art that can be seen from the street and even from the air.
Before and After
The Liberty Collective Learning Garden before the blacktop mural. Drone photo by Wesley Thompson.
The Liberty Collective Learning Garden after the blacktop mural. Drone photo by Wesley Thompson.
Some Details that Can’t Be Seen from 200 Yards in the Air
QCJC Project Director, Erika McSwain, CJI Executive Director Courtney Bryan, CAW Executive Director Karen Jolicoeur, and CAW Program Manager Donna Manganello
The Unveiling Celebration
The official unveiling of the the mural was attended by CAW, QCJC and City Parks Foundation leadership. Notable attendees included Center for Justice Innovation Executive Director Courtney Bryan; Director of Operations, CDCP, Center for Justice Innovation Erika McSwain; and CAW Executive Director Karen Jolicoeur. QCJC was represented by Associate Director Wesley Thompson and staff member Linda Armstrong.
But the stars of the unveiling were the YAs who spoke eloquently and movingly of their accomplishments.
“We are filled with gratitude for the moments shared and the discoveries made during this mural project. Our collaborative effort has not only beautified our surroundings with vibrant colors but has also painted a canvas of unity, growth, and shared achievement. Through our shared vision, we were able to work as a team and transform individual expressions to a harmonious project. This mural stands not only as a testament to our creativity, but also as a reflection of the strength that blossoms when communities unite in a common vision to create joy and unity.”
“Though there were joyous moments, we also encountered challenges, like relentless sun, rainstorms, and persistent mosquitoes. Yet, in these moments of adversity, our bonds grew stronger, and we realized our capacities to adapt and overcome were far stronger than nature’s tests. The dedication and commitment that we poured into this project highlights our community’s resilience and diligence. Let this project be a reminder of the power of community collaboration and the beauty that can be created from our thoughts.”
“We want to thank CAW for their guidance and expertise in transforming our vision into tangible beauty, The Liberty Collective Learning Garden for the space to learn, collaborate, and bring this mural to life and, last but not least, Queens Community Justice Center GROW’N program, Summer Youth Edition for the opportunity to be a part of this transformative project, which allowed us to discover the power of creativity, collaboration and personal growth. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for joining us on this celebration of community and accomplishment. We invite you to explore and immerse yourselves in the space.”
Read the commemorative brochure
Our People
No Matter Where You Come From Team
Ryan Davis, Teaching Artist
Donna Manganello, Program Manager
Staff
Karen Jolicoeur, Executive Director
Ellen Seltzer, Director of Finance and Administration
Ivory Nunez-Medrano, Program Manager | Teaching and Learning
Donna Manganello, Program Manager
Riki Sabel, Program Manager
Madeline De Leon, Program Associate
Clair Vogel, Development Manager
Scott Lucas, Marketing & Communications Manager
Jill Goldstein, Office Manager
Board of Directors
Brian Ricklin, President
Andrew D. Levin, Chairman
Steven Soutendijk, Treasurer
Julia Sanabria, Secretary
Mosely Chaszar
Neil Goldmacher
Gail Holcomb
Cary Levy
Angela Pennyfeather
Andrew Stern
Tiffany Theriault
Janet Woods
Our Thanks…
Creative Art Works’ Public Art Youth Employment program receives support from the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation, the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, the Find Your Light Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the Department of Youth and Community Development, and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President.
