Artist Kristy McCarthy interprets what it means to learn for yourself the power within with two new murals at PS 86 in Queens.

I was thrilled to be asked to come back to PS 86 in Jamaica, Queens this Spring and continue the story! This chapter sticks to a Wizard of Oz theme with PS 86 students represented as the characters Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tinman in their journey to the Emerald City. This mural was a personal favorite of mine, since Dorothy has been my alter ego since I was 4 years old (hence the name D.Gale = Dorothy Gale).

Thank you to Thrive Collective, Ayana Ayo, Miri Cruz, Chey Nelson, and Natalia Soto along with Principal Rivera and all the staff, students and neighbors of PS86 for all of your support and community throughout this process.