Brownsville, NY ArtBridge, Slate Property Group, and RiseBoro Community Partnership, present Brownsville Reflections: Past, Present, Future, a public art exhibition created by three local artists: Jocelyn Goode, Laurent Chevalier, and Sophia Victor, featured on a three-sided site at 326 Rockaway Ave.
326 Rockaway Ave. is a mixed-use project designed as an all-electric passive house that uses zero fossil fuel for heating and operations, and includes a rooftop solar array to offset energy use. The building will provide 215 permanently affordable apartments, including 130 units serving formerly homeless young adults and their families.
The exhibition is made possible by City Canvas, an initiative of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs that transforms the city’s temporary protective structures into platforms for artwork, driven by collaboration between local artists and communities. The mural will be on display for the duration of construction. Completion on the overall project is scheduled for summer 2025.
Chevalier’s photography of local residents is displayed on the East New York Ave. sidewalk Chevalier seeks to contribute new perspectives of Black America and the African Diaspora into the canon. Goode’s artwork, The Return of the Horse Whisperers, is installed on Rockaway Ave.; it is a mythological creation that speaks to the strength, resilience, and empowerment of the women of the city. Victor’s paintings are displayed on Chester St.; these portraits are of NYC residents who have shown incredible resolve, facing and overcoming considerable life challenges.
“This public art exhibition will not only add some much needed color to our city, but will inspire the local community by honoring the City’s rich diversity and highlight the work of three local artists. ArtBridge and Slate have been indispensable partners in the process of bringing this piece to life, and we could not be more proud of and grateful for our wonderful artists, Joscelyn, Laurent and Victor for their hard work.” said Scott Short, CEO of RiseBoro.
“At 326 Rockaway Ave., we’ve been working with our RiseBoro partners to design a building that will feel like a true community. This mural is a beautiful expression of that commitment. We’re delighted to work with ArtBridge to bring this installation to life, and to make this a project that makes its residents and its neighbors here in Brownsville proud,” said John Valladares, managing director at Slate Property Group.
“We are thrilled to partner with Slate and RiseBoro to showcase the brilliant work of three local artists. ArtBridge’s goal is not only to beautify the City’s 300+ miles of construction fencing — we want to showcase local artists, while exploring and celebrating themes and cultures that are specific to the neighborhood of each exhibition. With Slate’s and RiseBoro’s support, along with the community-engaged processes of each of the three artists, we very much succeeded in this mission,” said Stephen Pierson, executive director of ArtBridge.
326 Rockaway Ave.’s amenities will include a community room, recreation room, a children’s playroom, classroom space, bike storage, large laundry room, yoga and fitness studio, and outdoor recreational areas including a roof deck. The architecture firm OSD has designed exterior spaces that form the shared community experience, including gardening, outdoor nature play and social spaces.
Supportive housing services for residents will be provided by RiseBoro’s staff, including person-centered case management and service planning, counseling and crisis intervention, life skills and needs assessments, support for families’ referrals for employment and education opportunities, and opportunities for community engagement and leadership. Additionally, staff will provide mentoring and empowerment services in collaboration with RiseBoro’s education program.
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