"Strength in Community" Groundswell x Gurls Talk Paint Day and Dedication- 2024

During NYCxDESIGN / NY Design Week at Industry City, Gurls Talk and Groundswell Community Mural Project hosted a series of community engagements leading up to the creation of a new mural focused on mental health awareness. The collaboration included community conversations, a public panel discussion, and a community paint day, bringing together creative voices to explore mental health, community support, and artistic expression as part of the broader design festival’s programming.

“This mural reflects the importance of supporting the mental health of girls and the power of being there for one another. It shows how, through community and shared understanding, we can create spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and supported. Art gives us a way to connect and remind each other that none of us are alone in facing challenges—it’s about showing up and listening when it matters most.” 
— Chaveli De Leon, Gurls Talk Program Manager

To raise awareness around World Mental Health Day, Gurls Talk and Groundswell partnered with Colossal Media to bring the final hand-painted mural to Williamsburg, featuring artwork by Lina Montoya. The project culminated in a ribbon-cutting at the mural site at 32 Berry Street, Brooklyn, with Councilmember Lincoln Restler attending the unveiling.