Transform/Restore Mural Dedication

Pitkin2

Artwork Dedication Ceremony: Monday, June 30 at 4:30 pm Location: 1788 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212

Murals created as part of “Transform/Restore: Brownsville,” a two-year participatory public art project in Brownsville, BrooklynNEW YORK, NY – Groundswell, the New York City Department of probation (NYC DOP), and the Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) announce the unveiling of two monumental public artworks along historic Pitkin Avenue. These artworks were created as part of “Transform/Restore: Brownsville,” a two-year participatory public art project focused on the transformation of vandalized walls into painted murals by young adults on probation.

Launched with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through its national Our Town initiative, “Transform/Restore: Brownsville” is designed to engage young adult probation clients, local businesses, and community members in supporting the creation of visible and permanent change in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Additional support for the project is provided by Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative.

Since the start of project, Groundswell has worked with young adults identified by the Department of Probation to conduct community interviews and surveys that reveal Brownsville's hidden strengths and then translate their findings into visual imagery for large-scale murals.

The first mural to be unveiled on June 30 is entitled “Welcome to Brownsville” and is located at 1788 Pitkin Avenue at the intersection of Mother Gaston Boulevard. Created by 17 young adult artists in collaboration with Lead Artist Chris Soria and Assistant Artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas, the mural helps to create an inviting gateway at the entryway to this historic Brooklyn neighborhood. The text-based image captures the cross-sector dynamism present within the neighborhood and reads “Brownsville Moving Forward.” Important community figures are highlighted throughout the mural, including renowned activist and educator Rosetta “Mother” Gaston, who founded local hidden treasure Heritage House, housed on the second floor of the Stone Avenue Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library.

Contact: Sharon Polli – Groundswell (718) 254-9782 TBC – NYC DOP (212) 361-8957 Daniel Murphy – Pitkin Ave BID (718) 922-9600