Rewilding the Landscape at Harvard

When we asked Harvard why they approached AFH with the hopes of renovating and beautifying two bike sheds, they answered, “for the sole purpose of delight!”

From the walls of the AFH Painting Studio to the walls of two Harvard University bike sheds, AFH teen artists Asia Gomes, Rose Christian, and Nia Nolan, brought Harvard University’s vision to life, guided by AFH Painting Studio mentor, Luis Urena. Their vibrant art spans the bike sheds at 5 Sacramento Street and 13 Kirkland Street to promote sustainability and “[rewilding] the landscape.”

The Harvard staff project design committee worked in tandem with the AFH team to decide on the perfect designs for the project and facilitate the installation process.

Shelbea West, design committee member and Assistant Director of Communications at Harvard University Housing and Real Estate (HUHRE), proclaimed, “The level of professionalism, talent, and skill that went into this has been a true privilege and an honor to see, and I really love everything that Artists For Humanity stands for.“ The design committee also included Olivia Percy, Assistant Director of Sustainable Real Estate, Office for Sustainability (OFS); Levee Ann Mollineau, Area Manager for Botanic Group, HUHRE; and Veronica Dea Santana, Associate Director of Graduate Commons Program, HUHRE.

With their proficiency in depicting nature, Asia, Rose, and Nia were the perfect team. The teens researched the history of Harvard University, the collections in the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the plants and animals native to Cambridge to develop a set of conceptual drawings for the Harvard staff design committee to review. After four rounds of teen-led presentations to the Harvard team to gather feedback, the painting designs were approved for production. 

The chosen design for the Sacramento Street shed was proposed by Asia. Her design highlighted Harvards’ classic red brick, details from the original Victorian fireplace in the Sacramento house, and local Cambridge biodiversity, such as blue jays and swallowtail butterflies.

When asked about Asia’s achievement, Luis beamed, “I'm glad that Asia's design can live in these spaces, and that I was able to give [the teens] that experience as well. I know from my time as a teen, it's always fun to do murals and be like, ‘I did that, I made this happen.’ Being able to give that to someone else was a full-circle moment.”

The AFH teens worked in the Painting Studio to produce the large panels to be installed on each bike shed. Painting on panels proved to be advantageous both in terms of the flexibility it provided for the teens to work regardless of the weather conditions and eliminate travel time.

By using the sides of the bike sheds, the artwork can be enjoyed by the public-at-large, promoting a sense of community. The residential areas near both bike sheds were recently remodeled in line with Harvard’s Sustainability Action Plan and Goal Zero guidelines. The murals further beautify the area while also celebrating this push for sustainability.

While working to complete the paintings, the teens felt a sense of confidence and freedom with the process. In the Sacramento Street mural, Asia took on the challenge of painting the large blue jay, a major focal point of the piece, with unequivocal encouragement from her AFH mentor.

Though the teens worked in the Studio to complete the paintings, they had the opportunity to see their installed art at Harvard in early August. At the unveiling event, the three teens received certificates from Harvard for their outstanding work, honoring their contributions to the community.

The Director of Operations PJ Connors said to the teens, “The level of effort you went into with your research—incorporating the museum and the Botanic Garden exhibit within the museum—that’s really, really creative and clever, and it shows a real deep appreciation for the work you were doing, and it really came out terrific.”

After seeing the installed paintings, the teens felt so proud of the work they accomplished and excited for their art to be a part of the Harvard community. Asia expressed, “It feels really good because already I see bikes in there, so I know people have seen it, at least a couple of times. I think it's such a beautiful area, and that makes me really happy because [the installation] just emphasizes this whole place and brings more life to the bike shed.” 

The teens' art work provides an inspiring message to the community about the power of art, and the ability to transcend boundaries. Equipped with new experience and confidence, the teens are ready and inspired to tackle their next project.

Enjoyed the story? Read more from our September 2024 issue of Mixed Media.