Together with the Community League of the Heights (CLOTH) and American Friends Service Committee, Groundswell youth explored alternatives to violence and peace promotion to create “Weaving Change Beyond the Shadows” in Washington Heights. The mural team of 15 youth was led by artists Crystal Bruno and Frank Parga. The team interviewed victims of gun violence and their families. With their stories as a starting point, and CLOTHs building as a canvas, the young people created a vision for a more peaceful future. Depicted in the mural are a series of diverse figures representing individuals from the local Washington Heights community. A long, beautiful cloth connects these figures. The cloth is whole in some places, torn in others. By standing together, the figures take responsibility to mend the fabric and restore peace to their community.
