An Oasis in the Heart of The City
“Oasis,” Creative Art Works’ new mural in the food hall at 601 Lexington Avenue, as seen from the 53rd Street entrance. The artwork will be visible from a multitude of perspectives within the space and from the street.
An Oasis in the Heart of the City
CAW Youth Apprentices, Teaching Artists and staff pose with representatives of Boston Properties and Bentel & Bentel at the official unveiling of Oasis.
The creation of Oasis, Creative Art Works' new mural at 601 Lexington Avenue, has been an extraordinary experience in many ways. For most of the eleven Youth Apprentices who contributed to the design and execution of this mural, this was their first work experience and, for many of them, it was their first time making art of any sort. None of them had ever imagined themselves taking part in a program in which they would create a large-scale mural in a prominent public place, yet they succeeded beautifully.
The ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity of these young people is a reflection of, and a testament to, the creative dynamism that makes New York the greatest city in the world. Our Youth Apprentices flourished as individuals and succeeded as a team because of the unique attributes and different perspectives they brought to the table.
About the Mural
CAW Executive Director Brian Ricklin, Stripes Group Operating Partner David Swinghamer, Bentel & Bentel Partner Carol Bentel, Boston Properties Senior VP and CAW Board Chair Andrew Levin
This mural was created as part of a Creative Art Works Public Art Youth Employment program. The work was commissioned by Boston Properties for the redevelopment of the atrium of 601 Lexington Avenue. Bentel & Bentel, the architects, and Local Culture Management, the managers of the food hall, provided input on the design concept and vibe.
Key themes and aesthetic priorities were established during a series of meetings and interviews between the Youth Apprentices and the clients. The site-specific design was largely informed by the immediate surroundings, including the art of Louise Nevelson in the neighboring Saint Peter’s Church and the 1970s modernism of the building itself.BXP’s John Powers Thanks the Youth Apprentices
John Powers, Boston Properties Executive Vice President, NY Region, speaks directly to CAW Youth Apprentices at the unveiling of Oasis.
“During our first meeting, I told you that this mural is a very important part of a very big project. Boston Properties wanted a design that would be consistent with the image we have for this space. It was a challenge, but the design came together, as your group came together, in a collaborative way... and we ended up with something very exciting, something we truly appreciate. Thank you!”
Watch the Big Reveal
Experience the Excitement
Meet the Creators of Oasis
On Ladders: Aissatou Diallo, Khaled Mare, Mohammad Khan, Teaching Artist Assistant Willa Hut, Teaching Artist Mario Naves
Standing: Asma Akter, Binta Bah, Adela Rivera, Ronel Ingles, Raldyn Espinal
Seated: Lubna Shahbaz, Teaching Artist Michael Mitchell, Christy Tom, Alondra Mora
Read the Commemorative Brochure
Find out more about Creative Art Works’ Public Art Youth Employment program and read brief bios of all the Youth Apprentices and Teaching Artists. Click on the image below.
