Neighbors bring new 54th Street mural to life

On Saturday, Aug. 1, residents of 54th Street gathered for a block party and a community paint day for the new mural at the corner of 54th Street and Fifth Avenue. The mural, the fourth iteration of a design dating to the 1980s, was developed by the community and finalized through a series of collaborative meetings with lead muralist Danielle Mastrion.

“I think once I got to know everyone more personally, I really started feeling the spirit of this neighborhood and this block,” Mastrion said. “I love getting to give back to my borough, no matter what neighborhood, so it’s really an honor that the community selected and trusted me to do this.”

A short ceremony opened the painting portion of the block party, celebrating the block’s spirit and the work that went into making the mural a reality. Local businesses received certificates of appreciation, and the block honored Ahmed and Linda Tigani, siblings who lived on 54th Street for almost 20 years and whose time there inspired their careers. Ahmed Tigani is commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, while Linda Tigani is chair and executive director of the NYC Commission on Racial Equity.

“This block has always been a block of diversity, love and community, and that’s played a huge role in why I’ve committed my life’s work to honoring diversity and racial equity,” Linda said. “I was one of the young people that painted the first mural, so this feels very full circle.”

Despite the heat, more than 100 people helped paint the mural during three hours of open painting time.

“It was the first time I’ve done a community painting where there was a steady stream of people from start to finish,” Mastrion said. “It made me feel like this really is a community activity.”

“It was definitely worth the wait, and being able to take part in the painting process was very special,” said project volunteer Antonio M. “The mural is still in progress, but seeing new parts of it get added is something to look forward to every day.”

Support for the mural is due in no small part to its importance to people on the block. “This mural is the expression of a community of immigrants making a new place home,” said 54th Street resident Adriana Alba. “It's the coming together of ideas, drive and legacy that continues to shine a light.”

Mastrion shared the same sentiment. “This mural really belongs to Sunset Park and its community. I hope when people walk by the mural, they see a little bit of themselves in it.”

You can donate to the mural’s GoFundMe. Donations help fund community design sessions, the muralist’s work, supplies, the production team and the community paint day.