Color, Culture & Collaboration at the 138th Street Community Garden in the Bronx
Mural Title: Uplift The Community
Art has the power to bring people together, transform spaces, and celebrate stories that matter. This vision came to life with my mural “Uplift The Community,” created at the 138th Street Community Garden in the Bronx a vibrant public art project that celebrates culture, creativity, and unity. Painting Icons That Inspire
This mural celebrates cultural strength and creativity through the faces of Maya Angelou, Tupac Shakur, Celia Cruz, and Bob Marley four timeless voices of art, truth, and empowerment. Each brushstroke was a tribute to their impact: Maya’s wisdom, Tupac’s raw honesty, Celia’s rhythm, and Bob’s message of unity.
Creating these portraits in such a meaningful space felt like connecting past and present honoring those who’ve shaped music, poetry, and culture while inspiring a new wave of community expression.
Gloria Zapata painting a mural of Maya Angelou, Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley, and Celia Cruz at the 138th Street Community Garden in the Bronx, alongside portraits of other cultural icons. The project, titled “Uplift the Community,” celebrates creativity, unity, and empowerment through public art and collaboration.
🎥 Media Feature
The mural was also featured on BronxNet, where I had the opportunity to talk about the meaning behind the project and the importance of creating art that uplifts others.
🎥 Watch the BronxNet Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhsqepMxgZ0
Collaboration & Creativity
Working with @LoveNotes made the process even more special. We shared ideas, colors, and creative moments that reminded us why public art is so powerful it brings people together. Residents and visitors stopped by daily to watch the progress, share stories, and express their excitement about seeing these icons come to life on their community wall.
Reflection
Creating “Uplift The Community” reminded me of why I paint to inspire others, to celebrate our cultural roots, and to use art as a tool for healing and connection. This mural will always stand as a symbol of creativity, collaboration, and community pride in the Bronx.
Art That Belongs to the People
The 138th Street Community Garden is more than a green space it’s a place of growth, healing, and creativity. Bringing another mural here was my way of giving back to the Bronx, a community that continues to inspire me every day.
This project reflects everything I stand for as an artist through GZFotografias LLC connecting culture, identity, and empowerment through art that speaks to the heart.
