Reflections of Us
A Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) Community Engagement Grant-supported project by Gloria Zapata (GZFotografias LLC) in collaboration with André Trenier.
Community Garden Art Workshops
The Community Garden Art Workshops bring together art, nature, and community through hands-on creative experiences for participants of all ages. As part of the Reflections of Us: Bronx Silhouette Mural Project, each workshop invites the community to explore a variety of artistic techniques, including painting, watercolor, silhouette portraiture, collaborative mural-making, and creative garden-inspired projects.
Participants are encouraged to express themselves, build new artistic skills, and contribute to public artwork that reflects the stories, diversity, and spirit of the neighborhood. These workshops create a welcoming space where creativity, collaboration, and community flourish while transforming the garden into a place of artistic inspiration and connection.
Completed Mural: Reflections of Us
Reflections of Us was created by Lead Artist Gloria Zapata (GZFotografias LLC) in collaboration with André Trenier. The mural celebrates community, culture, and creativity while transforming the 138th Street Community Garden into a vibrant public art space.
Now featured as a current public art exhibition through NYC Parks.
View Reflections of Us on NYC Parks → https://www.nycgovparks.org/art
View Reflections of Us on BCA Parks →
Photo by Gloria Zapata (GZFotografias LLC)
From Vision to Mural
Follow the journey of Reflections of Us from blank panels to a completed community mural through sketching, spray paint, brushwork, and layers of color. Led by Gloria Zapata of GZFotografias LLC in collaboration with André Trenier, the project celebrates creativity, culture, and community through public art.
Now recognized as a current public art exhibition through NYC Parks, Reflections of Us continues its journey at the 138th Street Community Garden.
Video created and documented by Gloria Zapata (GZFotografias LLC).
Preparing the Foundation: The Reflections of Us: Bronx Silhouette Mural Project is a collaborative public art experience rooted in community, storytelling, and cultural expression.
Throughout the early stages of the mural, I have had the opportunity to work alongside fellow artist André Trenier, sharing ideas, creative direction, and artistic dialogue that contribute to the vision of the project. The early stages of the mural have been documented by videographer Christopher Zapata, capturing behind-the-scenes moments as the project begins to take shape, alongside additional footage I've captured throughout the creative process.
These early stages reflect the foundation of the work preparation, collaboration, and creative exchange before the full mural comes to life. Each moment is part of a larger story about community, identity, and public art in the Bronx.Collaboration & Creativity
Public art is built through collaboration. Working alongside artists, volunteers, and community members has made each mural project a shared experience. Together we exchange ideas, celebrate culture, and transform public spaces into places that inspire creativity, connection, and neighborhood pride.
Why This Garden Matters
The 138th Street Community Garden is more than a green space, it's a place where art, nature, and community come together. Through murals, workshops, and creative programming, the garden continues to grow as a welcoming space for learning, self-expression, and cultural celebration.
Community Art Workshops | Summer 2026
As part of Reflections of Us, free community art workshops at the 138th Street Community Garden invite participants of all ages to explore creativity through painting, watercolors, silhouette portrait art, garden-inspired activities, and collaborative public art.
The workshops are designed to encourage creative expression, community participation, and connection through art, while giving residents opportunities to contribute to the creative energy of the garden.
All Ages Welcome • Free Art Supplies • Family Friendly
Workshop activities are scheduled based on weather and garden availability.
Community Connection Through Art
Welcoming the Pride Run/Walk participants to the 138th Street Community Garden was a meaningful reminder of why I create art for the community. Moments like these show how art and public spaces can bring people together, encourage conversation, and celebrate the diversity that makes our neighborhoods stronger.
A special thank you to Clarisa Alayeto for bringing the team to visit the garden. I truly appreciate everyone who stopped by, explored the space, learned about the mural project, and supported the creative work happening in the community.
Every visit, conversation, and shared experience reminds me that art is more than something we create it's something we experience together, building connection, belonging, and community one moment at a time.
Celebrating Reflections of Us in Mott Haven
The completion of Reflections of Us was celebrated with a special community gathering at the 138th Street Community Garden, bringing together artists, garden members, community supporters, and visitors to experience the finished mural.
Lead Artist Gloria Zapata of GZFotografias LLC, alongside collaborating artist André Trenier, welcomed guests and shared the story, creative process, and community inspiration behind the mural.
The celebration was made even more memorable with a visit from Clarisa Alayeto and her team, who joined us at the garden to recognize the project and share in this special community moment.
The day was filled with art, conversation, community connection, and celebration, reflecting what Reflections of Us represents creating public art that allows people to see themselves, their culture, and their community reflected in the spaces around them.
A special thank you to News 12 and BronxNet for coming to the garden, capturing the celebration, and helping share the story of Reflections of Us with a wider audience.
Thank you also to Christopher Zapata for continuing to document the journey of the project and capturing photographs and special moments throughout the process and celebration.
Gallery Highlights: Moments from the celebration, community gathering, artist interviews, special guests, and the completed Reflections of Us mural.
Reflections of Us — Documentary Sneak Peek
Take a look behind the scenes of Reflections of Us, a documentary by Christopher Zapata capturing the mural’s journey from the beginning of the creative process to the ribbon-cutting celebration at the 138th Street Community Garden in Mott Haven.
The video highlights Gloria Zapata and André Trenier collaborating on the mural, developing ideas, painting, and bringing the artwork to life throughout the summer. It also captures community moments, special guests, and the celebration of the completed project.
A special thank you to Christopher Zapata for documenting and editing this story, preserving the creative process and community moments behind Reflections of Us.
The project was supported through the 2026 Community Engagement Grant from the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA).
Lead Artist: Gloria Zapata | GZFotoGrafias LLC
Collaborating Artist: André Trenier
Documentary: Christopher Zapata
Location: 138th Street Community Garden, Bronx, NY
Reflections of Us — Documentary Sneak Peek 🎥
A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Reflections of Us, featuring Gloria Zapata and André Trenier working on the mural, community moments, and the ribbon-cutting celebration at the 138th Street Community Garden. Documented by Christopher Zapata.
Media Features: Reflections of Us — Bronx Silhouette Mural Project
Reflections of Us: Bronx Silhouette Mural Project has been documented through News 12 and BronxNet , highlighting the completed mural, the creative process, and the community engagement behind this public art project at the 138th Street Community Garden in the Bronx.
As the lead artist, Gloria Zapata of GZFotografias LLC brought the project to life through her creative vision, signature silhouette art, and commitment to celebrating identity, culture, and community stories. She collaborated with André Trenier to bring this community-centered project to life.
The BronxNet interview and recording offer a look back at the project's artistic development, the story behind the mural, and the role of public art in bringing people together. The News 12 feature captured the completed mural and community celebration, showcasing the project's presence within the neighborhood.
More than a mural, Reflections of Us represents the power of art to uplift voices, honor cultural identity, and create meaningful connections through creativity, education, and community engagement.
I am proud to see this work documented and shared with a wider audience. These experiences continue to inspire my growth as an artist and strengthen my commitment to creating meaningful public art and educational experiences throughout the Bronx and beyond.
Explore the media features:
Watch the News 12 feature → https://longisland.news12.com/bronx-artist-uses-murals-to-honor-cultural-icons-during-hispanic-heritage-month
Watch the BronxNet interview and recording → https://youtu.be/5cKvKDjfK1A?si=d1RuueRadi0WpVn3
Art in Action | 2023
2023: Water Bottle Spray Paint Workshop
2024: Uplift The Community mural
2026: Reflections of Us mural project + free community workshops
Special thanks to the Bronx Council on the Arts for supporting this community arts initiative through the 2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG), and to NYC Parks/GreenThumb for partnering with the 138th Street Community Garden and supporting the mural's installation on Parks property.
