Photo via MSR Galleries website
Deborah Camp, a Woodhaven muralist, and Stephen Melnick, the Steward of MacDonald Park, will host an unveiling ceremony in the park’s circular plaza in Forest Hills on Saturday, June 20, from 12 to 3 p.m. The neighborhood event will be followed by a family-friendly art workshop for the duration of a year.
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
The community park, located between Yellowstone Boulevard and 70th Road, is ready for multiple live performances to grace its green-lined stage. The Garden Players, John Beltzer of Songs of Love Foundation and DJ Nett are some of the artists scheduled to perform. An array of snacks and refreshments will be offered by Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Forest Hills and Trader Joe’s.
As part of the ceremony’s programming, speeches will also be provided by the following official sponsors: The Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation, Inc., DMV STOP, Ridgewood Savings Bank and the NYC Green Fund Grassroots Grand Program. Other fun activities include balloon making and family photo opportunities.
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
The soon-to-be-revealed mural, titled “Forest Hills Planting the Seeds of Tomorrow,” will mark the first time in 95 years that a wall mural will be painted in MacDonald Park. Camp’s design was approved as part of the Art in the Parks Program, a collaborative initiative with local artists and cultural organizations to exhibit original outdoor art in New York City neighborhoods and parks.
The murals aim to beautify the space by transforming blank walls into vividly colorful imagery that visually narrates personal stories with messages of optimism, hope and unity — encompassing themes that celebrate the power of community. The artwork also aims to nurture the planet through inclusivity across all socioeconomic, generational and cultural backgrounds, using silhouettes for viewers to symbolically see themselves in the mural.
Photo courtesy of Deborah Camp
Camp relayed the meaning of “Forest Hills Planting the Seeds of Tomorrow” with QNS, presented with an inspirational message for future stewards of local arts:
“Our mural will project messages of hope for our future generations to lay the foundation of care and empathy to inspire them to take care of our planet and each other,” said Camp. “If you nurture a seed with positive energy, it’s going to blossom. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our community by planting the symbolic seeds of tomorrow today.”
To find out more information about Camp and her work, follow her on Instagram.