Na’ye Perez: From The Source, 2023

500 Main Street
New Rochelle, NY

July 1, 2024 - ongoing

In the more than 300 years of New Rochelle's history, the Black community has played a significant role in its development. As one of the first communities of freed African Americans, they were essential to the city's growth, along with the influence of Caribbean migrants from countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, and the Dominican Republic. From The Source celebrates Black joy and pays tribute to the stories and history of Black and Brown communities in New Rochelle.

The mural, designed as a collage inspired by a body of paintings and drawings, features mixed media works using traditional materials like charcoal, chalk, conte, and acrylic paints, as well as found materials such as brown papers, discarded plastic, lino block prints, and gel transfers representing the local communities. 

The pieces within the mural reflect the city's narrative and the contributions of its beloved residents. Rooted in love for the community and family, the artworks depict everyday moments of life, highlighting the presence of Black and Brown individuals through themes of intimacy, care, love, and resilience.

The work was commissioned by BRP Companies. Curated by Suzanne Geiss with Seven Willow Collaborative.