In January and February of 2013, I worked with a group of refugee artists and gardeners every Saturday for two months to design and paint a mural (4' x 24') for the New Roots garden. The final design illustrates that the garden is a place for newcomers to create their own roots in Baltimore, represented by the country flags that decorate the vegetables and flowers growing in the garden. The sun shines down on both sides of the mural, symbolizing the hope (written in English and the main languages of clients) that the space provides in their new life.
The core group of 5 participants was joined by more than 30 refugees and volunteers to complete all aspects of the project, including: priming the plywood boards, outlining the mural, painting the design, and installing the final project in the New Roots garden at the Baltimore Orientation Center.
Below is the original design, which was altered and expanded upon during our painting sessions.
