RTG West: Peacemakers Play

During our collaboration with RTG West this year, we were given the opportunity to transform a graffiti-littered wall that has been neglected for many years into a centerpiece that restores play to the neighborhood. Our students explored this theme of “Play,” developing vibrant depictions of children and adults playing instruments, sports, games, and other activities.

Although Thrive Collective and RTG have collaborated in other parts of the Bronx, RTG West is a new region and all participants were new to the process. They embraced the opportunity, brainstorming ideas and exploring color variations. As production started, the students pushed through increasingly cold temperatures as they felt a sense of pride in beautifying their neighborhood. They each claimed their own sections of the wall so that could say at the end that “this was done with my hands.” Throughout the production, bystanders and residents alike gave comments and praises on how the mural was an amazing addition to the community.