CLINTON HILL — Muralists from local art group South Of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) plan to decorate walls at a Myrtle Avenue construction site that has become an eyesore, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership announced.
The Associated Supermarket and several small businesses closed their doors earlier this year to make way for a new seven-story apartment building, leaving Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson streets looking desolate.
But a group of community members, with the support of project developers, Silverstone Development Group, plan to spruce things up until the expected completion of the mixed-use building in early 2015.
"We wanted to install a mural on the construction fence in the hopes of softening the fence’s impact on residents and visitors as they travel near the site," said Meredith Phillips Almeida of the partnership. "We are working with SONYA who will develop a design for the project over the next few weeks."
But according to Department of Building regulations, the mural cannot go directly on Myrtle Avenue where most people would see it. Still, a mural on the east and backside of the sites is allowed.
And the community has the chance to shape what the mural will say.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the partnership is hosting a family friendly event in Fort Greene Park where postcards will be provided for community members to scrawl a "message to tomorrow," detailing their hopes for their lives and the neighborhood in coming years. SONYA will compile those messages and integrate them into the mural.
"I think having the community's own voice in this mural is very inspiring," said Ellie Balk, director of SONYA. "It will also brighten up what's happening at that sight."
Local paint store Clinton Hill Hardware is also getting involved in the project. For every can of paint owner Alex Mendez sells, he will donate $1 to the mural project. The developers will also donate funds to the project.
To get a message on the mural, attend the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. in Fort Greene Park. For more information contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org or call (718) 230-1689.
