Related Midwest, Related Affordable Foundation, and After School Matters Unveil Mural at South Shore on The Park
A New Public Mural
More than 100 guests, including elected officials, project partners, community stakeholders, and residents, attended a ceremonial event to celebrate the unveiling of a new public mural at South Shore on The Park, an affordable housing community in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood owned and managed by Related.
The mural was designed and painted by local teens participating in the After School Matters program, a nonprofit organization that provides paid opportunities for up to 19,000 teens across Chicago annually to develop their talents and gain critical life skills.
A Community-Driven Art Project
Eighteen Chicago teens, 11 of whom are residents of South Shore on The Park, worked with Mexican-American artist Erick “ROHO” Garcia to design and paint the mural. The theme of the project, “Love and Unity in the Community,” showcases teens supporting one another, overcoming challenges, and receiving love and support from adults.
The teens collaborated with South Shore on The Park residents, who had the opportunity to offer input and have a voice in shaping the mural’s theme and design.
Teens’ Perspective
“Working on a mural like this and partnering with Related is important for teens because it brings focus to the neighborhoods they live in,” said Garcia. “The teens take ownership of all the hard work they have done. It’s important to understand the long journey of coming up with ideas to realizing the finished product. Teens can recall what it takes to create something of this scale, creating magic.”
Residents’ Feedback
“Creating a piece of art that the entire neighborhood can see and enjoy has been an amazing experience that I am incredibly thankful for,” said Samantha Caraballo, a participant in the After School Matters program. “Not only did I get to express myself through art, but I also learned so much about working with others and seeing a project through from start to finish.”
Sustainability and Significance
The South Shore on The Park mural represents one of several collaborations between After School Matters, Related Midwest, and the Related Affordable Foundation. Their most recent project was “Building Chicago Together,” a mural at HIRE360’s Development and Training Center, which opened last month.
“The community-inspired artwork unveiled today is a testament to our shared commitment to providing young people with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and showcase their talents while making a lasting impact on their community,” said Janell George Smith, Executive Director, Related Affordable Foundation. “South Shore residents contributed their voices and points of view to this beautiful piece of art that honors their experiences, their aspirations, and their neighborhood, and it’s inspiring to see such a rich and vibrant perspective come to life.”
Conclusion
The South Shore on The Park mural marks a new chapter in the ongoing partnership between Related Midwest, Related Affordable Foundation, and After School Matters. This innovative project not only showcases the artistic talents of local teens but also provides them with valuable opportunities to develop their skills, build their confidence, and make a positive impact in their community.
FAQs
* What is the theme of the mural?
The theme of the mural is “Love and Unity in the Community.”
* How many teens participated in the mural project?
Eighteen Chicago teens, 11 of whom are residents of South Shore on The Park, worked on the project.
* What is After School Matters?
After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that provides paid opportunities for up to 19,000 teens across Chicago annually to develop their talents and gain critical life skills.
