{"id":274072,"date":"2026-06-22T16:08:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T16:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/274072\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T16:08:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T16:08:01","slug":"new-community-mural-unites-woodhaven-and-richmond-hill-transforming-local-underpass-into-vibrant-public-canvas-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/274072\/","title":{"rendered":"New community mural unites Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, transforming local underpass into vibrant public canvas \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Community leaders, artists, residents and local partners gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a new mural on Thursday, June 18, beneath a former LIRR underpass along 91st Avenue. Led by the Woodhaven Mural Project<\/a>, the newly minted artwork transforms a once-overlooked underpass into a vibrant public canvas, symbolizing connection, creativity and neighborhood pride.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo courtesy of the Woodhaven Mural Project<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing on the wall for a few months, at regular times, allows me to encourage interactions with the neighborhood community \u2018flying\u2019 beneath the underpasses, hearing, seeing and feeling the real everyday grind for the individual Queens on foot, and even capturing a honk or shoutout from those \u2018flying\u2019 on wheels,\u201d said Jennifer Lambert, the lead artist and co-founder of the Woodhaven Mural Project. \u201cUnderpasses are active and vital passageways in the city, linking neighborhoods, and should be reinvented as desired destinations.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mural, titled \u201cWings of Rich-Haven\u201d between 98th and 102nd Streets, reimagines the underpass as a welcoming gateway between two Queens neighborhoods \u2014 Richmond Hill<\/a> and Woodhaven<\/a> \u2014 reflecting what neighbors describe as \u201ctheir cultural diversity and collective vision for the future\u201d, according to a press release. Through bold colors, community-inspired imagery and collaborative design, the project turns a previously underutilized space into a destination that encourages walking, gathering and engagement.<\/p>\n

What started as an initiative to beautify long-neglected underpasses<\/a> has become a community space<\/a> where neighbors connect over their appreciation for local arts. This, in turn, has created a sense of unity in South Queens \u2014 all through a paintbrush and a dream.<\/p>\n

\u201cJennifer has outdone herself. This is her best mural yet. It\u2019s been a thrill to watch her grow and mature as a muralist,\u201d said Neil C. Giannelli, the co-founder of the Woodhaven Mural Project. \u201cAstrid Giron\u2019s design\u2014what I\u2019ve christened \u2018The Walls of Wisdom\u2019\u2014meshes so smoothly with Jennifer\u2019s overall vision. Amazing. There were about ten CTEA students out here, along with faculty. What a wonderful group of kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing part of this mural was really special for CTEA,\u201d said Rida Khan, the Architectural Drafting Instructor at the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture<\/a>. \u201cIt gave us the chance to work alongside our friends, neighbors and community members to create something meaningful together. Projects like this remind us that when people collaborate, share ideas and support one another, we can make our community stronger, more welcoming and more connected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo via Joann Ariola on Facebook<\/p>\n

Developed through community engagement sessions and partnerships with local residents, schools, businesses and civic organizations, the mural reflects the voices of those who call the sister neighborhoods home. Community members also contributed ideas and artistic inspiration, helping shape the final design and emphasizing the mural\u2019s collaborative approach.<\/p>\n

\u201cJennifer Lambert is the heart of so much that makes Woodhaven special,\u201d said Mahfuza Shammy Rahman, the co-president of Woodhaven Art Circle<\/a>. \u201cHer dedication to beautifying our neighborhood and the surrounding communities is matched only by her generosity, kindness and unwavering commitment to others. While raising two remarkable children, she somehow also finds the time to be an indispensable partner in every aspect of Woodhaven Art Circle, from markets and exhibitions to workshops and networking events. Jennifer wears countless hats, each one a testament to her deep love for 11421 and the people who call it home. I am forever grateful for her friendship, guidance and partnership. She is my right hand, my confidant, my fellow Woodhavenite and truly one of the most extraordinary people I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

As confirmed in a press release, the following was listed as the project\u2019s intent, advocated by the Woodhaven Mural Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the South Queens arts scene:\n<\/p>\n

Strengthen connections between neighboring communities.\n<\/p>\n

Beautify a highly visible public space.\n<\/p>\n

Promote pedestrian activity and neighborhood engagement.\n<\/p>\n

Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Queens.\n<\/p>\n

Inspire future community-led placemaking initiatives.\n<\/p>\n

Fellow elected officials, including Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar<\/a> and State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.<\/a>\u00a0and Phyllis Inserillo, the Chief of Staff at the District Office of Council Member Joann Ariola, were also present at Thursday\u2019s unveiling, expressing their support for local initiatives that encourage neighborly engagement.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo courtesy of the Woodhaven Mural Project<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a proud Woodhaven resident and the first elected official from Woodhaven in a generation, I am thrilled to celebrate the Wings of Rich-Haven\u2014the latest chapter of the Woodhaven Mural Project honoring the cultural and natural heritage of our community,\u201d Rajkumar said. \u201cThis visionary, community-driven initiative brings people together, beautifies our neighborhood and creates a lasting legacy for future generations. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Lambert for her boundless energy and devotion to bringing this dream to life, making our beautiful neighborhood even more beautiful. The Wings of Rich-Haven mural will be cherished by residents and visitors alike for decades to come, serving as a vibrant symbol of everything that makes Woodhaven such a remarkable place to live.\u201d<\/p>\n

The unveiling celebration featured remarks from various community leaders, an announcement of $20,000 secured in the state budget to further the community murals<\/a>\u00a0and opportunities for residents to view the completed mural together for the first time.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo via Joann Ariola on Facebook<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, we celebrate more than a mural; we celebrate community storytelling coming to life,\u201d Addabbo said. \u201cWings of Rich-Haven transforms an overlooked space into a living classroom, inviting neighbors to add their own visual stories and connect across our streets. This project shines a light on Woodhaven\u2019s creativity, supports local artists and reinforces our commitment to accessible public art that empowers everyone to tell their story. I commend the Woodhaven Mural Project for their leadership role in expanding meaningful art throughout our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some neighborhood partners have also offered their thoughts on the project\u2019s impact on local arts, with some calling the initiative a lasting contribution to neighborhood cohesion. Based on their views of the innovative artist collective, the Woodhaven Mural Project has marked itself in the annals of South Queens history.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo courtesy of the Woodhaven Mural Project<\/p>\n

\u201cThe communities of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill have been sister communities since their beginnings,\u201d said Vance Barbour of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s appropriate we let current community members and others know about that long-standing, strong bond.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is rare to see a project that brings so much light, joy and pride to a community,\u201d said Edward Wendell of the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society<\/a>. \u201cWhat makes the Woodhaven Mural Project so special is its ability to transform overlooked and neglected spaces into vibrant places that reflect the care and spirit of the neighborhood. Such a transformation does not happen easily or overnight. The Woodhaven Mural Project is the result of many hands and hearts working together to create something lasting and meaningful. We are grateful to Jennifer, Neil and the countless supporters, artists and volunteers who helped turn this vision into a reality. These murals will endure for years to come, becoming woven into the fabric of Woodhaven and serving as a reminder of what a community can achieve when it comes together.\u201d<\/p>\n

To continue watching their vision come to fruition, donations can be made through the project\u2019s GoFundMe page<\/a>. All proceeds go directly to their beautification efforts in Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, bringing the diverse enclave together through artwork. As of press time, the nonprofit has raised nearly $3,000.<\/p>\n

For more information about the Woodhaven Mural Project and its upcoming events, follow them on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n