9. Three New Mental Health Murals Around NYC

“Reflections of Ourselves & Each Other (Seeing Through a Unique Lens,” by muralist Aaron Lazansky-Olivas and members of Acacia Network, installed above the elevated Prospect Avenue subway stop in Morrisania, the Bronx. Photo Credit: Will Ragozzino for the NYC Mural Arts Project.

Three murals will be painted in Morrisania and Mount Hope in the Bronx and Crown Heights in Brooklyn this spring! Designed by local artists who have experience dealing with mental health conditions, these new murals have been sponsored by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to support those struggling with similar struggles. The concepts were developed through a series of workshops with peer specialists and community organizers.

“The NYC Mural Arts Project shows how joyful art with strong messages can help educate, heal and beautify our communities,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, who leads the City’s mental health and substance misuse efforts. “When people see positive reflections of mental well being where they live, it helps put an end to stigma, isolation and misinformation.” Volunteers are invited to help paint sections of the murals in the Bronx on May 12th from 11am to 4pm, and in Brooklyn on May 5th from 11:30am to 4pm.