{"id":169478,"date":"2026-03-20T18:50:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T18:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/169478\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T18:50:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T18:50:51","slug":"woodhaven-mural-project-fundraiser-paints-colorful-future-for-south-queens-art-scene-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/169478\/","title":{"rendered":"Woodhaven Mural Project fundraiser paints colorful future for south Queens art scene \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A crowd of supporters at the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s inaugural fundraiser, cheering for Jennifer Lambert, the founder of the project, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens.<\/p>\n

Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

\t\t Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Queens<\/a> for more local events \u2014 or submit your own<\/a>!<\/p>\n

On Saturday, March 14, the Woodhaven Mural Project<\/a> held its inaugural fundraiser at Maple Grove Cemetery<\/a> in Kew Gardens<\/a>, where residents and community advocates gathered in support of the project\u2019s continued beautification efforts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A crowd of supporters at the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s fundraiser in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Maple Grove<\/a>, a historical society dedicated to preserving the cemetery\u2019s storied significance, the fundraiser \u2014 aptly named \u201cSupport The Walls\u201d \u2014 drew an afternoon of connection and celebration of public art in neighborhood spaces. The walls of the Celebration Hall showcased a collection of over 30 photographs depicting the progress on the murals at Woodhaven<\/a> and Richmond Hill<\/a>. The photographs are on display for public viewing until the end of March.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A photo exhibit of the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s progress in Woodhaven and Richmond Hill. The collection will be on display at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens until the end of March. Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"<\/a>More photographs from the ongoing exhibit at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"<\/a>Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"<\/a>Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"<\/a>Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

Jennifer Lambert and Neil Giannelli, the founders of the Woodhaven Mural Project, aimed to revitalize the South Queen arts scene through unnoticed underpasses, sketching a canvas for local engagement.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jennifer Lambert, the founder of the Woodhaven Mural Project, at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

\u201cI also want it to be known that art builds communities,\u201d Lambert said to the crowd at Saturday\u2019s fundraiser.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jennifer Lambert, the founder of the Woodhaven Mural Project, and her family during a speech at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

In solidarity with the project\u2019s collaborative mission, several Woodhaven small businesses donated gift baskets for the fundraiser\u2019s raffle. The featured small businesses were Schmidt\u2019s Candy<\/a>, M.M. Housewares<\/a>, Deegan\u2019s Wine and Liquors<\/a>, Hetman Polish-European Specialties, the Forest Park Trust<\/a>, Beat the Clock Printing, Inc. and Neir\u2019s Tavern<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar joined the attendees in support of the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s mission, admiring the photographs adorned on the walls. Rajkumar, a Woodhaven local, commended Lambert for her drive to strengthen south Queens through art \u2014 an initiative that has been embraced by community members.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar speaking to attendees. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of us in this room believed in beautifying our neighborhood with art, and we made it happen,\u201d Rajkumar said. \u201cAnd I think of Margaret Mead, who said, \u2018Never doubt [that] a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar presented Jennifer Lambert, the founder of the Woodhaven Mural Project, with a New York State Proclamation for her contributions to the local arts scene after the unveiling of the \u201cTrust the Journey in Queens\u201d mural in November 2025. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

Rajkumar also described the formation of the Woodhaven Mural Project as a \u201ctestament to the community coming together,\u201d reinforcing the project\u2019s impact on the district. The involvement of neighborhood artisans in the project\u2019s endeavors lends further to how much the initiative has resonated with them \u2014 a desire for a more cohesive collective.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jennifer Lambert (third from left) and Neil Giannelli (left), the founders of the Woodhaven Mural Project, posing with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (second from left, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (fourth from left) and community members at the unveiling of the \u201cTrust the Journey in Queens\u201d mural in November 2025. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

An emerging artist, who goes by the name DARKRECONSTRUCTION<\/a>, reflected on the essential role public art plays in local communities. They noted how important it is for residents and families to have access to murals in their backyards, rather than traveling to Manhattan and
Brooklyn \u2014 a considerable commute for many living in the borough.<\/p>\n

DARKRECONSTRUCTION also felt inspired by the project\u2019s warm reception. Despite receiving a grant from City Artist Corps<\/a>, it was difficult to find a small business owner or manager who would be willing to place one of the art pieces at their storefront \u201cabout five or six years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roughly four weeks after finding a Woodhaven storefront to host her mural, however, it was tagged. Moving forward from this experience, DARKRECONSTRUCTION, after seeing the recent successes<\/a> from art collectives like the Woodhaven Art Circle<\/a>, is confident in the future of the south Queens art scene.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer work definitely makes it easier for other artists in the neighborhood to want to do events or murals,\u201d the artisan commented, \u201cSo she\u2019s really helping to pave the way for the rest of us as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking with QNS in the days following the fundraiser, Lambert described her mission to raise awareness not only of the need for public art but also of the support for small businesses that make up the diverse fabric of Woodhaven.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you saw there, we had musicians, we had local politicians, our civic group leaders, teachers and our local schools,\u201d Lambert said. \u201cI mean, everybody\u2019s so hungry to come together and create.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A crowd of supporters after listening to the harmonious piano notes of William Gati, or \u201cRichmond Hill\u2019s Piano Man,\u201d as locals have affectionately called him. Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"<\/a>The duo of Density Black Cat, an NYC-based band influenced by the sounds of blues and punk rock, playing at the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s fundraiser in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

Lambert emphasized that she intends to keep the Woodhaven Mural Project for the locals. The founder shared that ideas have been pitched for her to create murals at other parks in the borough \u2014 Brooklyn and Midtown Manhattan were among the spots that were mentioned.<\/p>\n

She also envisions a \u201cmoving gallery\u201d at various public schools in the area, as previously shared<\/a> in a story last year. including P.S. 254 Rosa Parks School<\/a>, P.S. 60 Woodhaven<\/a>, P.S. 97 The Forest Park School<\/a>, P.S. 306 The New York City Academy for Discovery<\/a> and others. Through
her art, Lambert wanted to instill a sense of neighborhood pride and identity in the next generation of stewards.<\/p>\n

As the growing call for a vibrant arts community in south Queens spreads, further preservation for mediums that allow self-expression is inevitable.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s keep creating opportunities for culture, history and art to come together like today,\u201d Lambert said in her speech. \u201cAnd I promise you, this is the start of many opportunities where we can collaborate like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The raffle segment of the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s fundraiser at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"<\/a>One of the event\u2019s volunteers at the raffle table in Maple Grove Cemetery, displaying gift baskets from participating Woodhaven small businesses. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

The following are completed murals that are currently showcased in the sister neighborhoods:<\/p>\n

\u201cKids Make Neighborhoods\u201d \u2013 98th Street and 101st Street at Park Lane South underpass
\n\u201cTrust the Journey in Queens\u201d \u2013 Jamaica Avenue and 98th Street at Jamaica Avenue underpass
\n\u201cFlora and Fauna of Forest Park\u201d \u2013 Myrtle Avenue and Freedom Drive at Myrtle Avenue underpass \u2014 completed by Heather Dunn, an adjunct associate professor at St. John\u2019s University<\/a>, and her students.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jennifer Lambert, the founder of the Woodhaven Mural Project, explaining the draft sketch of an upcoming mural, entitled \u201cWings of Rich-Haven,\u201d at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

A forthcoming mural, entitled \u201cWings of Rich-Haven,\u201d is set for development at the 91st Avenue underpass, between 98th and 102nd Streets, in spring 2026. To stay updated on the Woodhaven Mural Project\u2019s endeavors, follow them on Instagram @woodhaven.mural.project.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A display of the completed murals in Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, along with a sketch for a new mural, entitled \u201cWings of Rich-Haven,\u201d slated for development in spring 2026. Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

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