Groundswell Community Mural Project
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We are artists, youth & community members coming together to use art as a tool for social change.
In 1996, a group of New York City artists, educators, and activists founded Groundswell based on the belief that there is something unique and powerful about the collaborative artmaking process. This process combines the sanctity of personal expression with the strength of community activism. Groundswell’s programs are based on principles of individual, group, and community development. Collaborat
06/23/2026
There is only a few more days to visit our Peace in Destruction: Art From Rikers Island Exhibition at Weeksville Heritage Center.
Make sure to visit to see some of the amazing artwork and inspiring stories being showcased. Entry is free.
Visiting Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am-5pm
Sat: 11am-5pm
Sun/Mon: Closed
We recently held a dedication ceremony for our newest mural with Queens Botanical Garden, titled "Flying," done by teaching artist Peach Tao🌿
The mural shows elements that are important to the Queens Botanical Garden community and will be displayed near the construction site of the garden's new Education Center!
Thank you to the team at Queens Botanical Garden for a wonderful partnership and thank you to NYS Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for making this project possible.
Thank you also to Leslie Wright from NYS Parks for joining us and sharing remarks.
06/19/2026
"Hidden Treasures of Brownsville" 2014
Lead Artist: Chris Soria
Assistant Artist: Ramiro Davaro-Comas
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the journey of self-discovery reflected in this mural. Through research, artistic collaboration, and community engagement, the youth artists came to recognize that one of the greatest treasures within Brownsville is their own strength, creativity, and potential.
Their artwork invites others to discover the gifts and possibilities within themselves and their community.
Visit Peace in Destruction: Art from Rikers Island at Weeksville Heritage Center, open till June 27th 🍂
📍158 Buffalo Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Hours:
Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm
Sat: 11am-5pm
Sun/Mon: Closed
06/12/2026
Groundswell Community Mural Project is excited to collaborate with the Office of the Mayor, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and the NYC Parks Department this summer to create 12 community murals across all five boroughs as part of the World Cup Activations Events ⚽️
We are seeking your feedback through a community survey to help inform the murals' designs. Please submit your ideas before the survey closes on June 17, 2026 at 11:59pm by visiting the link in our bio!
Groundswell was thrilled to celebrate the opening of Peace in Destruction: Art from Rikers Island at Weeksville Heritage Center with artists, youth participants, community members, and partner organizations last week.
Peace in Destruction: Art from Rikers Island is on view through June 27 and features murals created by young people incarcerated on Rikers Island, which were photographed by Martha Cooper.
It also highlights a series of mobile murals by artists impacted by the carceral system. Additional immersive film, photography, and music engage the senses and invite visitors to reflect deeply on the meaning of the art on display.
We encourage you to visit Weeksville Heritage Center and to experience Peace in Destruction: Art from Rikers Island firsthand before it closes.
Weeksville Heritage Center
158 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Tuesday–Friday:
10 AM–5 PM
Saturday:
11 AM–5 PM
Closed Sunday and Monday
06/02/2026
Make sure to RSVP today for the opening reception of our exhibition, “Peace in Destruction: Art from Rikers Island,” happening tomorrow, June 3rd, at Weeksville Heritage Center.
Between 2008 and 2019, Groundswell created murals at Rikers Island alongside young people impacted by the carceral system. Few of these works have ever been seen outside those walls.
This exhibition brings them into public view for the first time in images by celebrated street photographer Martha Cooper, alongside new works created in direct conversation with the murals by youth impacted by incarceration.
RSVP through the link in our bio and hope to see you there!
06/01/2026
We had a blast at our Community Paint Day this past Saturday at Queens Botanical Garden with teaching artist Peach Tao 🌼
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to help us paint and we can't wait for you all to see the final mural!
Our Community Paint Day with Queens Botanical Garden and teaching artist Peach Tao is TOMORROW ! 🌻
Peach will be leading a community painting activity for a new mural that will become part of the Queens Botanical Garden Education Center site.
🗓️: May 30th, 2026
⏰: 10:30am-12:30pm
📍: Queens Botanical Garden; Vistor & Administration Building Terrace
RSVP through the link in our bio and stories! All ages are welcome and free admission and parking for paint day participants.
We hope to see you there! 🖌️
05/27/2026
“Peace in Destruction: Art from Rikers Island,” presented by Groundswell at Weeksville Heritage Center.
Between 2008 and 2019, Groundswell created murals at Rikers Island alongside young people impacted by the carceral system. Few of these works have ever been seen outside those walls.
This exhibition brings them into public view for the first time in images by celebrated street photographer Martha Cooper, alongside new works created in direct conversation with the murals by youth impacted by incarceration.
Join us on Wednesday, June 3, at 6 PM for the opening reception. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSez3NYPAQeJx6CSBs_cVITAxJQ2IHtiTdY2WWTMOrujzRZGiA/viewform
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Address
540 President Street, Ste 1A
Brooklyn, NY
11215
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 7pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 7pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |