M2

We're thrilled to share our four completed murals at NYCHA’s Harlem River Houses, by artists Marthalicia Matarrita (@marthalicia ) and Paul Deo (@planetdeo ). Marthalicia’s murals, “Courtyard's Embrace” and "The Macombs Bridge that Unites the Past and Present,” stand at the northern entrance to the campus, while Paul’s mural, “Portal to Infinity” (on two walls) anchors the southern end. The murals serve as entry points, welcoming the community into Harlem River. Over 12 weeks, Marthalicia and Paul worked with residents to weave their stories into the designs. "Courtyard's Embrace" (Image 1) reflects memories shared by elders of the community–they would look out their windows, keeping an eye on the children at play. Communal care built a sense of security among neighbors, knowing younger generations were kept in sight. "The Macombs Bridge that Unites the Past and Present" (Image 2) highlights the impact of migration on the evolution of the Harlem Renaissance and the rich cultural fabric of Harlem. The presence of the natural world reflects the relationship between the migration of humans, plants, and animals and their effect on the landscape over time. “Portal to Infinity” (Images 3, 4, 5) celebrates community, honoring local heroes and history. One side depicts a joyous gathering inside a Harlem River apartment. Where generations unite, the wall honors the sacredness of family and strength found in collective history. On the other side, Paul depicts the exterior of Harlem River as a vibrant garden of life. Figures soar, transcending earthly limitations, portraying each person’s innate power to rise. The mural reflects the community’s boundless capacity to create, love, and heal. An official opening for the murals and our engagement at Harlem River will take place this spring when we unveil artist Kim Dacres’ (@kim_bo915 ) “Fountain Keepers,” four site-specific bronze sculptures that will be installed around Harlem River’s central fountain. This project was produced in partnership with Settlement Housing Fund (@settlementhousing ), with special thanks to Eliot Hetterly. ⁠ 📍 Harlem River Houses 🎨 Artist: @marthalicia / @nycm2 & @planetdeo

Gothic mermaids ~

A few days of work lead to this beautiful collaborating with the Fukton Fish Market Cooperative in the Bronx.

The unveiling of the mural will be held (On October 17, 2025 – in New York, NY) from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. 🇵🇷 1680 Lexington Avenue | 2nd floor Theater | New York NY NYCEDC and Council Member Diana Ayala Announce New Mural Honoring Julia De Burgos at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with the Office of Council Member Diana Ayala (District 8 – New York City Council), proudly announces the unveiling of a new mural titled “Glimpse of Julia” at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center, located at 1680 Lexington Avenue in East Harlem. The mural, commissioned by NYCEDC and project-managed by 3RD ETHOS @3rdethos_gallery , celebrates the life, work, and enduring legacy of Julia De Burgos — the renowned Puerto Rican poet, civil rights activist, and cultural icon of El Barrio. Designed and hand-painted by Harlem native artist Marthalicia Matarrita, the vibrant 18 x 14 ft mural will be installed at the entrance of the second-floor theater, welcoming all who enter this historic cultural center established in her honor. “Julia De Burgos was a powerful voice for justice and artistic expression, and we are honored to celebrate her legacy with a mural that reflects the spirit of East Harlem. This project uplifts the heritage of El Barrio and reinforces the importance of arts and culture in our communities, and we are proud to have worked with NYCEDC and Council Member Ayala’s office to bring this meaningful vision to life,” said Connie Byun, founder of 3RD ETHOS and project manager. About the Design The mural, “Glimpse of Julia”, places Julia De Burgos at its center as a powerful and unifying figure, holding an open book to symbolize her literary legacy and honoring her as a poet and civil rights activist. To her left, the composition celebrates El Barrio with the Puerto Rican flag and the Julia De Burgos Boulevard and 106th Street signs, grounding her voice in a community recognized as the heart of Puerto Rican culture in New York City. To her right, a bomba y plena dancer accompanied by a conguero highlights the performing arts of the Cultural Center, with the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center built

This summer's art recap at Artbridge murals at Harlem River Projects on 151 +153 street between Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and Fredrick Douglass Boulevard. This is the second mural I was able to complete in this project. A tremendous thank you goes to @artbridge and @maniphes for placing this opportunity together along with extraordinary artists @planetdeo for his vision and style in his set of empowering murals! "The Harlem River Houses is a New York City Housing Authority public housing complex between 151st Street, 153rd Street, Macombs Place, and the Harlem River Drive in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City."

Live Art confirmed by: MARTHALICIA @nycm2 Marthalicia Matarrita is a Costa Rican-Dominican artist born and raised in Harlem, NYC, known for her live art performances, large-scale murals, and educational children’s books. Did you know she also served in the US Army National Guard! —- Her art often focuses on the harmony between humans and nature because if you know her well, she’s got a big heart. Ladies Love Project 💕 Holiday Pop-Up Shop Sat. Nov 8th / 1-7pm @ampmgallery 108 Marcy Ave, Williamsburg Brooklyn Art, design, and makers culture event ⚡️⚡️⚡️ #ladiesloveproject #ampmgallery #nycpopupshop #williamsburgbrooklyn #nycart #popupshopnyc #popupny #brooklynpopup #nycreatives #nycmakers #nyartists #smallbusinesssturday #shopsmall #shophandmade

Thrilled! One out of 2 murals completed! This mural project consists of 2 large murals held inside the Harlem River projects. Brainstorming with residents and community leaders to gather a visual translation of what they wanted to be shown. More details will be provided soon, and the joy of sharing all our hard work for months since the fall of 2024.

Sunday, August 17th, by 2:50 pm I began working on this piece, and by 6: 30 pm the same day, I completed it! I had such a great time !!! 》》 Swipe to see the sketch! Thank you @graffitihalloffame_nyc !!!

BIG THANK YOU @graffitihalloffame_nyc !!! My contribution this year, August 17, 2025 addition ~

"Mother and Child" is my inspiration for my recent mural in harlem, at the @uptowngrandcentral this past weekend. Please 𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙥𝙚 ➡️ to some amazing folks ! I was able to reconnect to many of our neighboring artists and meet new ones! Thank you all whom I connected and others by sharing stories and laughter under the radiant Sun Rays 🌞. For those celebrating this weekday, have a pleasant and joyful time with close friends and loved one !

Thank you @uptowngrandcentral !

Work in progress ~ thank you @uptowngrandcentral !