PERTH AMBOY – A celebration of the intergeneration of women and their ancestral line as well as the city’s diversity and culture is on display along Smith Street as part of a new downtown shopping mall mural.
The mural, called Generations of Hope, She Is Within Me, is a colorful piece created by Perth Amboy-based artist Julisa M. Mugica that was unveiled Thursday at 272 Smith St. in a ceremony with the artist, community partners, residents and city officials. . The Perth Amboy Arts Council recommended Mugica to the City Council for the mural project.
The mural, located on property owned by Alameda Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, measures 16 feet by 70 feet, making it highly visible to pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic in the city’s downtown mall.
Covering nearly 1,100 square feet, the mural is Mugica’s largest painting.
“As a female artist, I wanted this design to represent the strength within women,” said Mugica. “This piece was possible with the support of Solanyi Pena, another influential female artist in our city, to collaborate on this mural.”
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The mural project is an initiative led by Mayor Helmin J. Caba, funded by the Perth Amboy Neighborhood Preservation Program and Perth Amboy Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by the Arts Council, to bring high artistic quality public art to downtown .
The mural is designed to beautify downtown Perth Amboy, and to revitalize the arts and cultural identity, while encouraging economic development by creating inspiring spaces that make downtown an area for residents and visitors to shop, to eat, work, live and connect.
“This mural celebrates our diverse community, shows hope and helps commemorate the history that has been impacted by women,” Caba said of the new artistic landmark.
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“Art and public murals not only tell a community’s story, but are economic drivers for urban cities,” said Tashilee Vazquez, director of the Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD). “It attracts tourism, increases foot traffic, inspires change and increases citizen engagement.”
This is the second mural project to be completed as a result of the partnership forged between the BID and OECD through local and state funds, which have been leveraged to maximize investment in the downtown area, according to Noelia Colon, BID executive director.
“For more than 25 years, the BID has supported business and economic development by providing resources for the success of our business owners by investing in capital, promotional and beautification projects,” said Colon.
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Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please sign up or activate your digital account today.
