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Council Member Jumaane D. Williams with students and artists at unveiling. Photo Credit: Ernest Skinner, NYC Council
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The mural was completed by Lead Artist Misha Tyutyunik, Assistant Artist Iris Loughran, and a team of Midwood High School students.
Groundswell is a nonprofit that brings together artists, youth, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world.
The students who worked on the mural are Sumiya Alter, Anyi Chen, Ahreema Choudhary, Elyse Cruz, Anya Fang, Ada Jiang, Korina Kemelmakher, Alasia Miller, Zhanna Olevskaya, Paule Ouedraogo, Angela Win, Vicky Yang, Michelle Yatvitskiy, Nga Yu Lo, and Anie Yvon.
"I am exceptionally proud of the artists and students who came together to work on this mural," said Council Member Williams. "Brooklyn holds a special place in my heart and for millions of people who call this great borough home. Looking at this great piece of art, I am reminded of how Brooklyn has evolved and changed throughout the years. I hope that people are filled with a sense of nostalgia and hope every time they walk by this mural."
Founded in 1996 by New York City artists, educators and activists, Groundswell has been committed to collaborative art projects to promote personal expression and community activism. They have completed nearly 500 murals with the help of disenfranchised youth and community-based organizations and elected officials, including Council Member Williams.
"The work put forth by the students of Midwood High School in partnership with Groundswell is absolutely phenomenal,"
added Senator Parker.
"The mural is a great addition to our community's landscape, and I look forward to supporting similar projects that enrich and empower the lives of our students, while simultaneously strengthening the bonds that shape our communities."
Photo Credit: Ernest Skinner, NYC Council
"This project, made possible through a generous CASA grant from Council Member William's Office, is remarkable in many ways. It's vibrant colors and bold graphics are a shining example of Lead Artist Misha Tyutyunik's style, but each and every image and symbol is a product of the extensive work and collaboration of the young people who worked afterschool for many weeks to realize this project. This mural will stand as a testament to the Midwood High School students' vision and dedication for decades to come,"
commented Vanessa Hadox, Director of Development and Communications for Groundswell.
"The mural reflects the enormous talent of our high school students. It is a great way to expose them to community based initiatives that support neighborhood development and pride,"
said Kenneth Mbonu, Executive Director Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID.
"Part of the high school experience is that students become part of their communities, and this mural tied in what they've learned about history of Kings County and the Flatbush Junction, and they were able to beautify a space in the community that was in need of it"
added Principal Michael McDonnell of Midwood High School.
"This mural is based on the ideas of students that live in the neighborhood and outlines the communities history dating back to Native Americans and farmland. Each portrait in the series is a super detailed rendition of a time period, using perspective, scale, proportion and color to depict a composition that is both visually informative, stimulating and readable," said
Lead Artist Misha Tyutyunik.
"The mural is a beautiful celebration of our community's past, present and future. We are grateful for Councilmember Williams' support, and for the talent, hard work and collaboration between Groundswell and the students of Midwood High School," commented Alvin M. Berk, Chairman of Community Board 14.
Since 2014, Council Member Williams has supported 2 previous community mural projects, both aimed at
beautifying
the neighborhood and
combating
graffiti. "Violence Destroys the Light of Day," which was commissioned in 2014, displays a series of anti-violence mural panels for the LIRR underpass in East Flatbush. "Local Heroes," commissioned in 2015, features past and present local heroes of Flatbush, including Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress, Malcolm X, and Council Member Williams.
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