While walking around DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn, doing research for my application for the Downtown Brooklyn Public Art and Placemaking Fund, I spend some time at this mural. I’ve biked and walked by it many times, but yesterday I finally took a closer look.

The mural, titled “Here Goes Something”, was done in 2012 by Groundswell, with lead artists Tanya Linn Albrigtsen-Frable, assistant artist Joel Bergner, fourth and fifth grade students from PS 307, and participants from that year’s Summer Leadership Institute.

The students did research and gathered oral histories from community members to learn more about the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The mural is inspired by WPA-era murals, Brooklyn Navy Yard history, and social realism, which is evident in the characters, themes, and items shown in the artwork. Even though they are meant to show historic events, the signs in the mural that say “Brooklyn Needs Jobs” and “We Want Dignified Work” couldn’t be more true today. I’m glad this mural has either stayed intact or been restored since its installation so we can continue enjoy the beautiful imagery and powerful messages.

“The mural culminates in a vision of a bright economic future based on sustainable industry.” — Groundswell

Founded in 1996 by local artists, educators, and activists, Groundswell leads collaborative art projects in NYC and has created over 500 murals in all five boroughs, featuring local artists and community organizations.

Learn more about Groundswell and their 500+ mural projects.