Groundswell’s Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) program, an emblem of youth empowerment and artistic expression, proudly presents three new murals crafted by its talented participants. This summer, 55 young artists came together under the SLI banner, channeling their creativity and passion into vibrant murals that echo the voices of New York City. The new murals shine brightly in Cypress Hills, Bushwick, and Sunset Park, celebrating community and culture within these three neighborhoods.
Voices Her'd:
The Sky Isn't The Limit
Lead Artist: Kristy McCarthy
Assistant Artist: Eva Mariscal
Mural Site Assistant: Melanie Garcia
Where: P.S. 938 Walter Weaver & M.S. 935
Year: 2023
“The Sky Isn’t The Limit” – Situated at P.S. 938 Walter Weaver in Cypress Hills, this mural is a beacon of inspiration and a welcoming sight as people enter this part of Brooklyn. Positioned with a facing wall to the street, it’s visible to all who come off the conduit, making it a prominent feature of the community. It’s an Afro/Latinx futuristic depiction set in outer space, urging children, especially girls, to reach for the stars and embrace STEAM learning. The mural showcases children as astronauts, engineers, and artists, each exploring a different planet representing a STEAM subject. A prominent feature is a child looking through a telescope, symbolizing curiosity and the endless possibilities of the universe. The mural not only reflects the diversity of the school body and the surrounding neighborhood but also champions careers in fields where women and BIPOC have been historically underrepresented.
Dedications
Youth Artists: Miranda Ramirez, Yesha SanDiego, Anira Kenzeeva, Daniela Ramos, Ashanti Benons, Wisdom Matthews, Nol Ramos, Ithamar Lucero Gallardo, Cherie Campell, Giliana Lasalle-Garcia, Jenna Medina, Mariely Morales Marte, Daniela Paredes-Rojano, Ivy Sanchez, Yoatzin Zayago
Major financial support for Groundswell’s 2023 Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) is provided by: Altman Foundation, Brooklyn Community Foundation, Charles Lawrence Keith & Clara Miller Foundation, Common Sense Fund, Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust, Ford Foundation, Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation, The New York Community Trust Mosaic Network & Fund, Pinkerton Foundation, Sagalyn Family Foundation, Sills Family Foundation, in addition to numerous individuals.
SLI is made possible in part by public funds administered by:
National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Council Member Shahana Hanif and Council Member Oswald Feliz.
Special thanks to PS 938, MS 935
Major Corporate Sponsorship Provided By:
The Brooklyn Nets
Your continued support helps us to continue our work.
Visit The Other Two Murals
Murals for Change (M4C):
Together Under The Sun © 2023
Lead Artists: Julia Cocuzza
Assistant Artist: Lina Montoya
Mural Site Assistant: Mahnoor Sheik
Making His’tory: El Paso Del Tiempo © 2023
Lead Artists: Raul Ayala
Assistant Artist: Carlos Mateu
Mural Site Assistant: Quincy Washington