Lady K Fever’s three murals, ‘Birds Eye View,’ ‘Soaring,’ and ‘Natural Elements,’ painted on the surrounding walls of Mosholu Playground have been in existence for almost four years and are a sight to behold. ‘Natural Elements’ is a visually stunning mural depicting insects and birds, and recently received a new addition, a bigger than life-size squirrel, along with additional leaves.

 

The murals also form part of Friends of Mosholu Parkland (FOMP)’s programming. Collectively, they are called Murals on Mosholu (MOM), and FOMP are encouraging residents to visit and check out the updated artwork. “It’s a beautiful site and very heart warming!” said Elizabeth Quaranta, executive director with FOMP.

 

Quaranta said that current works are on hold due to the pandemic, but anyone interested in joining in on a future project can get in touch via the Facebook group, Murals on Mosholu.

According to the City’s Parks’ department, over the years, Parks’ representatives realized that untapped public spaces became coveted outdoor galleries in which to display contemporary art, and the new forum provided a stage for emerging artists to display their work and reach wider audiences. They said hundreds of artists have exhibited their works in New York City parks, demonstrating an astonishing array of styles, forms, materials and concepts.

 

The department said that through collaborations with a diverse group of arts organizations and artists, it brings to the public both experimental and traditional art in many park locations. The art works can be displayed in prominent flagship parks, neighborhood parks and playgrounds, as well as on traffic islands.

 

Temporary installations are defined by an exhibition period of less than one year, typically remaining on view for three to six months. The works range from steel constructions, to installations made from an assortment of organic biodegradable media, and the public installations have helped launch careers and showcase the work of long-established artists.

 

Meanwhile, Bronx Council of the Arts describes the muralist as an internationally recognized, Bronx-based, graffiti street artist, activist, educator, and curator who specializes in producing unique, social engagement arts and education projects that focus on community through collaboration, compassion, liberation, empowerment, and healing.

FOMP had been under pressure to complete the mural by the end of the year as the group had received specific funding for the Azalea Garden project, making the MTA’s refusal of their application all the more frustrating. Quaranta has since confirmed that the project may be salvageable. “We will not lose the grant, since the goal [of the grant] was to expand the Azalea Garden, and put up a mural for seniors in the park,” she said. Quaranta has since made a mini-documentary about the project, which can be viewed here.

 

 

“Due to COVID, and the accelerating rates these past few weeks, we have to step back with volunteers. We are going back to Parks to talk about a spring 2021 installation instead.” She added that the group may consider an alternative art installation at the same site, without the actual mermaid mural. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” said Quaranta. “This must hold true for community development, for growth.”