Breath of Fresh Air: Overtown Welcomes new mural by Tierra Armstrong

The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) has welcomed a new mural to their shopping plaza at 1490 NW 3rd Avenue. Artist Tierra Armstrong titled the mural “Breath of Fresh Air,” capturing the community’s enduring spirit and optimism for the future.

From the artist Armstrong and curator Donnamarie Baptiste: “The imagery of a woman at peace, a woman dancing with joy, and a young man carrying a child symbolizes the themes of community, perseverance, family, resilience, and joy. The mural serves as a reminder of the unwavering strength and positivity that permeates the community, akin to a refreshing breath of fresh air amidst challenges, while also looking towards a bright and hopeful future.”

This mural is part of the SEOPW CRA’s beautification efforts, emphasizing public art. Community beautification and public art are at the forefront of redevelopment in the area, inviting residents to engage with art in their everyday lives. It brings art to the people, minimizing the feeling of art being inaccessible, and encourages community pride. When selecting art for community spaces, the SEOPW CRA ensures that the artwork reflects the residents, validating their contributions and ownership of these shared spaces.

In historic neighborhoods like Overtown, public art plays a pivotal role in preserving the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of the past. The essence of Overtown's culture is immortalized through murals, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their community. Most importantly, public art makes art accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers to cultural participation and fostering a sense of inclusivity and shared ownership over the cultural landscape.

For more information, please e-mail cra@miamigov.com.

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