After a workshop with more than 125 residents of LIFE Family Shelter, a large-scale mural now graces the cafeteria, thanks to the efforts of Alfalfa Studio, which brought together its staff and 10 artists to turn bleak into beautiful.

 

One of the main objectives of the mural was to bring a happy respite, a bit of brightness to an otherwise depressing environment and to create a learning tool. This was particularly important because the resident families of the shelter are in a very tough situation, living in beyond-sad conditions for too long a period of time.

 

The mural, inspired by the residents’ answers collected in a workshop held at the shelter on July 4, 2012, comprises illustrations of fruits and vegetables grouped by the month when they are in season in New York, as well as quotes from renowned personalities ranging from Ovid to Stevie Wonder. The project is a collaboration between See ChangeNYC, an initiative of the Mayor's Office and the New York City Department of Design and Construction and Alfalfa Studio, a New York City branding and graphic design firm.