A Celebration of Migration & Diversity in 243Q’s Outdoor Mural

Another Arts Horizons mural is now unveiled at the Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights. This in-person outdoor mural program was part of a special grant award for NYC Summer Rising 2021 made possible by the New York City Artist Corps. Ms. Natalie Alleyne, Lead Muralist, and assistant Lucas Cravo worked specifically with the high school art students onsite to provide meaningful opportunities for artmaking that had been challenging with virtual learning during the pandemic.

Students began with initial visual arts workshops to design individual murals while learning methods for mural design, painting, and scaling work. During the group design process, the team of artists and students had decided on a theme of migration. This theme was picked to reflect the diversity of the neighborhood which is home to many cultures, which is represented vividly by the flags of the many nations. The shadows of the people on the bottom are showing their celebration of “Unity in the Community.” Students, staff, and our teaching artists reflected on why most people migrate and discovered that it is because people search for a better life with wealth and prosperity. The adinkra symbol, Nserewa (which stands for wealth and prosperity), and the cowry shells on the sides echo this idea.  Students participated in several re-designs to help incorporate the input of voices and ideas from other students and the greater school community. 

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Thank you to Mr. Gareth Robinson, Founding Principal and Mr. Ryan Armstrong, Art Teacher and Art Education Liaison for welcoming Arts Horizons into your school community.  We are thrilled to see the final mural greet students and community members of Cambria Heights.

About the Artist:

Ms. Natalie Alleyne is a professional artist and an experienced educator who graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan in 1980.  She moved to St. Martin after a post-graduation vacation, and there she discovered new artistic inspiration in the sights, sounds, and people of the island. “The island life, the colors, the texture, it very much resounds in my work,” says Alleyne.  Her work has transpired from figurative form using light and color, to a more textured, abstract pattern. Although figures still play an integral part in her painting, they are used as a vehicle to express emotions. Lines, shapes and texture convey the inner workings of the soul.

For more information , please contact Kiran Rajagopalan:

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Kiran Rajagopalan
Director of New York Programs
kiran@artshorizons.org 
201-567-1766 ext. 113