Growing Gowanus

Groundswell was commissioned by Whole Foods Market to create a series of murals for the exterior of its inaugural Brooklyn store, located at Third and 3rd in Gowanus. In designing the murals, a team of all-star Groundswell youth first undertook a rigorous research process. They toured the store's location, once designated a federal Superfund site, and investigated community efforts to clean up and restore the Gowanus Canal. They met with the store's design team, to better understand the many cutting-edge sustainable elements planned, including a rooftop garden and state-of-the-art CO2 refrigeration system. Finally, they interviewed Whole Foods corporate staff, to learn more about how the company will support local grassroots efforts to bring healthy eating to children of all income levels through key partnerships. The completed murals are inspired by a theme of healthy and nourishing foods, designed with a goal of connecting food and community. The four colorful completed panels show contrasting rural and urban landscapes, and include beautiful and vibrant images of healthy and locally sourced foods.