Mural With 200 Contributors Can Now Be Viewed In Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The organizers of a community-based mural project, "Rivers" in Maplewood, said anyone 5 and up could contribute during the last week in July — and as it turned out, approximately 200 people did.

"You are invited to participate in 'Rivers,' the Yale and Springfield Avenue Corner Mural Project, conceptualized by local artists Barbara M. Bickart (Fire in the Belly Artmaking) and Andrew Dean, together with 15 of our young local artists," organizers announced, allowing contributors to choose a time slot to paint, or contribute a "doodle design," through Saturday, July 23.

The project was sponsored by the Springfield Avenue Partnership through the Neighborhood Preservation Program, meant to beautify the area. The program had first requested proposals in May.

Ultimately, more than 200 people contributed to the mural.

Now, the mural can be viewed, a colorful giant painted piece of art at Yale Corner, the lot at 1866 Springfield Ave. in Maplewood.

You can see the project at Yale Street and Springfield Avenue.