Thrive Collective returned a third year to continue the mural makeover of the FDA Campus in Harlem. Artist DAZE worked with students to design murals for the two main entrances to the building: Affirmations for PS 200 and Lion’s Pride for Frederick Douglas Academy High School.

For the student intensive at PS 200, Yasmine Rodriguez led workshops with a 4th grade class to interpret the theme of “Affirmations.” The students reflected deeply on messages of encouragement, unity, and self-worth. Through discussions and creative exercises, they developed a collection of affirmations accompanied by visual elements that represent their ideas.

Daze incorporated their ideas and symbols into the overall design. For example, they represented, “Be reasonable,” with a lightbulb for sparking ideas. They associated the statement, “You can do anything you put your mind to,” with learning and growing and visualized it with computers, pencils and books. They suggested sunflowers and hearts to represent, “Words are powerful,” and “You are loved.” DAZE incorporated the school’s colors — blue, green and white — along with its panther mascot. The panther represents strength, unity and perseverance.