YOUNG NYC ARTISTS TO UNVEIL A NEW MURAL AT MONTEFIORE SQUARE AS PART OF A CREATIVE ART WORKS PUBLIC ART YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Download the press release as a PDF HERE.

CONTACT: Karen Jolicoeur
Deputy Director
karen@creativeartworks.org
(646) 424-0392 x803 (o)
(917) 669-8193

Twenty-nine NYC residents between the ages of 16 and 24 will be unveiling a new public mural at the extensively redeveloped Montefiore Square in Hamilton Heights on Wednesday, August 10th, at 3:30 PM. The mural was created as part of a Creative Art Works (CAW) Public Art Youth Employment program. Youth Apprentices (YAs) worked full-time for six weeks and were paid through the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

For many of the YAs, this was their first summer job of any kind. While a few of the YAs are returning for a second summer with CAW, for most this is also their first experience creating public art. YAs are guided by CAW’s professional teaching artists (TAs) from the initial concept development through client presentation, to the final brush stroke and public unveiling. YAs also learn transferable job and social skills.

To ensure that the themes of the mural truly reflect the neighborhood, CAW YAs surveyed community representatives and local residents. After an extensive period of brainstorming, sketching and color studies, every YA on the team contributed ideas that were incorporated. The YAs presented the final design to NYC Parks, leaders of the adjoining schools, Hamilton Grange MS and PS 192, and representatives of City Council Member Abreu’s office. Figurative elements include street musicians, a child smelling a flower, domino players, jazz musicians, and a young woman absorbed in a good summer book. The result is a love letter to Hamilton Heights.

As part of an $18.4 million project by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, Montefiore Plaza recently tripled in size, expanding the area onto Hamilton Place between Broadway and West 138th Street, and upgrading nearby water mains. The plaza features a central terraced 13,140-square-foot lawn with 1,030 feet of curved granite walls and 19 benches for seating. Evening visibility was increased with the installation of 12 street lights. Thirty-six new trees were planted areas along the perimeter, acting as buffers from the busy surrounding streets. The plaza features new gardens, new plumbing and a drinking fountain.