Garden Homes mural by Milwaukee artist unveiled | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sue Vliet
November 5, 2018
A mural depicting the history and resilience of the historic Garden Homes neighborhood was unveiled at a recent ceremony at the northwest corner of West Atkinson and North Teutonia avenues.
Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, the Rev. Christopher Boston, senior pastor of the Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church and other dignitaries participated in the ceremony.
Former Milwaukee Police Chief Art Jones, neighborhood leader Martha Freeman and other longtime residents are on display on the 12- by 24-foot mural by Milwaukee artist Ras Ammar Nsoroma.
The location is in a Milwaukee Promise Zone (MPZ). The Milwaukee Promise Zone initiative is a multi-faceted city effort to improve particular neighborhoods by partnering with community-based organizations. The 30th Street Industrial Corridor is the lead organization for the MPZ.
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The mural project is one of many included in the 2018 Garden Homes Neighborhood Plan, which was created with input from residents and organizations led by The 30th Street Corridor.
The Garden Homes neighborhood was created in 1923, and is recognized as a historic neighborhood both nationally and locally.
The mural will serve as a gateway marker for the neighborhood, depicting well-respected leaders and notable institutions, while highlighting the importance of green infrastructure practices such as rain barrels and native plants. The project is on land provided by New Hope Baptist Church and is sponsored by Clean Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee’s Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp.
“This mural will pay homage to those who pioneered this historic neighborhood and those who continue its amazing legacy today,” said Hamilton in a news release.