Joel Bergner and Angela F Zirbes, Washington Heights Youth Connection

August 11, 2023 to August 10, 2024
Highbridge Park, Manhattan

Description:

This mural was created by Summer Youth Employment Program participants with lead artists Joel Bergner and Angela F Zirbes. The design begins on the left with an image representing the feeling of being silenced and marginalized in society. Coming out of this image is a hand being greeted by a second hand, alluding to the importance of community and family support and having a network of support. Further to the right, diverse young people have headphones on, which are connected to each other in a visual representation of the importance of tolerance and inclusion. At the far right, two hands are giving a fist bump to illustrate friendship and comradery, a statement of positive connection, with the community of Washington Heights in the background.

This exhibition is presented by the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Choosing Healthy & Active Lifestyles for Kids (CHALK), Artolution, and Community League of the Heights (CLOTH).