Project Brief

Alfalfa Studio was approached by See ChangeNYC, a mayoral and DDC initiative to conceptualize, design and produce a large-scale mural to improve the cafeteria of Catherine St. Respite Center in Lower Manhattan

One of the main objectives of the mural was to bring a happy respite, a bit of brightness to an otherwise depressing environment and to create a learning tool. This was particularly important because the resident families of the shelter are in a difficult situation, living in vulnerable conditions for a long period of time.

Approach

In addition to creating a piece that will enhance the space and to be used as a learning tool, Alfalfa Studio’s goal was to give the residents a sense of ownership in their cafeteria.

To meet this goal, Alfalfa Studio gathered residents for an afternoon workshop designed to generate content for the mural.

Inspired by the residents' responses, the mural features vibrant illustrations of fruits and vegetables organized by the months they're in season in New York. Interspersed with these depictions are quotes from both the residents and iconic figures, spanning from Ovid to Stevie Wonder, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences.

Outcome

Alfalfa Studio principal Rafael Esquer is well known for putting his design talent at the service of the public good, reason why See ChangeNYC executive director, Lonni Tanner, approached him for this project. Eager to “give back” and passionate about the need to do something for New York City’s disenfranchised, Esquer agreed to donate his studio’s time to help the organization’s clients improve their lives through design.

Since the project's initiation, Esquer and his design team devoted the July 4th holiday to bonding with shelter residents, both adults and children. They facilitated an engaging workshop in the Catherine Street shelter's cafeteria, using games and thought-provoking questions to encourage self-expression. Although initial participation hesitancy existed, numerous families eventually embraced the activities, contributing to the creation of a mural that would uniquely reflect 'their' stories.

Sandra, 6, has spent too long of her budding life at the shelter. “I love all the colors,” she says. “They make me feel happy; now I want to paint.”

LIFE Family Shelter executive director Alexis Molina commented on the need to provide nourishment for residents’ souls as well as their bodies; Rafael and his team helped to nourish that part.

Says Esquer, who estimates that he and his design team have donated around 500 hours to the project, “Throughout my professional career as a designer, projects like this have given me the greatest personal satisfaction. To create something that enriches the lives of people in need, like this mural, reminds me that design, beyond its commercial uses, can also bring inspiration, hope and change.”

The words of See ChangeNYC executive director, Lonni Tanner, sum it up best: “Making ‘LIFE’ better for those waiting to move on is the goal.”

Mural photography © Albert Vecerka / Esto
Process images © Alfalfa Studio