This week I was back in the Lower East Side for another mural project. The amazing folks at the Lower East Side Ecology Center brought me on to facilitate two volunteer days at the East River Park Playground.
During our site visit last month the playground felt a bit like an artwork archaeological dig. There were many remnant murals painted on the ground - the alphabet circling the periphery of the playground I suspect is the oldest piece, perhaps original to the playground design itself. Since then it appears many artists have made artistic contributions to the park - butterflies, fish, baseballs, flowers - the list goes on, are scattered around the playground. They are all slightly different artistic styles and are all in various states of deterioration. Who knows how many people have painted here and when.
Over two days, with the help of about 30 volunteers, we transformed the playground.
This was my first time revitalizing another artists (or likely several artists) work. It was a fun problem solving process as we tried to stay true to the original artistic vision when possible, but working within our own logistical constraints. For example, we decided to limit the color palate to only 4 colors whereas it seems in the past 6 colors have been used. This caused for some alterations - a faded white baseball became a red apple.
This was also the first time I led a group of volunteers in a large painting project since the Barrier Reefs mural last summer. As was the case then, for many it was the first time they had ever painted anything. Teaching and facilitating these groups is always a lot of fun. Somehow despite painting about 1% or the artwork I am covered in the most paint at the end. My specially designated painting overalls barely fit over my growing baby bump, so this will probably be my last mural painting project for a little while.
The murals are of course temporary - they will be played on and run on and jumped on and scooted on and eventually wear off as they have before. Who knows how long this iteration of the artwork will last and what artwork will come in the future. My hope is that the revitalized murals bring color and joy to the playground for the summers ahead and that maybe I can bring Baby Cynamon here soon.
Nice job, Alison!☀️😀