THE HUNTS POINT BRIDGE MURAL
The goal of the Hunts Point Bridge mural is to reflect the past, present, and future of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx in 8 panels.
Members of the community will easily recognizefamiliar scenes- apartment buildings along Hunts Point Ave, the Food Market, and Barretto Point Park; reminisce about the vibrant Latin music scene of the 1940s &’50 and the beloved classic cars- both important to the culture and commerce of Hunts Point- as well as glimpse the future of the neighborhood through images of technological advances slated to come online within the next few years, namely low cost wi-fi and a state of the art solar farm. Easy to read and accessible, neighbors and passerby are invited to join the conversation of what has past, what is being revitalized, and what is to come for their home.
Meet the Artist: Laura James:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, painter and illustrator Laura James has called the Bronx home for the past 15 years. In 2007, Ms James was honored with a retrospective of her work at the Castle Gallery, College of New Rochelle. Since then, she has exhibited extensively throughout the United Stated, and currently has a sculpture included in The American Museum of Natural History’s ‘Mini Mythic’ exhibition, which will travel North America for the next ten years. Laura is working to complete several special commissions, and preparing for three exhibitions this September 2019, including solo exhibitions at The Bronx Library Center, and Riverside Church. Ms. James’ second children’s book was released July 2019.
About THE POINT CDC:
THE POINT Community Development Corporation is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Celebrating over 20 years of service, THE POINT offers a multi-faceted approach to asset-based community development. Its programming falls within three main headings all aimed at the comprehensive revitalization of the Hunts Point community: Youth Development, Arts and Culture and Community Development.
A Vision for the Future of Hunts Point:
This installation is part of THE POINT’s dream to occupy ALL the train bridges in Hunts Point, making more humane passages to public transit and shopping services where residents are forced to walk under the divisive and incredibly noisy elevated Bruckner Expressway. This year, THE POINT is celebrating its 25th year with a year-long reflection on "Creating a Culture of Resiliency" which includes a publication, a conference in October and three public works of art, Laura James, has been selected as one of three "Hunts Point 2044" Artists-in-Residence: what will Hunts Point look like in 2044? This and other questions will be explored, addressing the present and future of renewable energy, climate preparedness, and community owned communication infrastructure in Hunts Point.