Yonkers-based educator and artist Evan Bishop (IG @evanbishopart) was commissioned to paint a mural on the exterior wall of Nepperhan Community Center (NCC) this past June. He, along with fellow artist Katori Walker (IG @walkerkatori) and a few young people from the neighborhood, painted the mural, entitled, “The Legacy Model”.
This mural features notable men and a woman that championed the causes of civil rights and racial equality worldwide. This mural was made possible by the partnership of Community Change, Inc. (CCI) and the Nepperhan Community Center with funding by ArtsWestchester.
The mural was the final phase of CCI’s Legacy Model, where participating young people explored viable career paths and identified cultural icons that paved the way.
On the top portion of the mural Evan painted portraits of Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez, Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, Fred Hampton and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On the bottom portion of the mural, Katori and the young people decorated the wall with vibrant Adinkra symbols and patterns that are reminiscent of textile designs of West Africa. She allowed them to paint their favorite symbols and educated them of the meanings behind each.
The NCC is located at 342 Warburton Ave. and has a long-standing reputation for providing quality programs for Yonkers residents. The mural is painted on the side of the center facing their parking lot.
This mural was slated to be painted at the beginning of Spring. Due to the closing of schools because of COVID-19, the project was delayed. Evan commenced with the mural and completed it this past June.
The Legacy Model program encourages young people to explore career and life choices that are aligned with their beliefs, talents and areas of interest. The participants use their cultural heritage to guide them to professionals that share the same background. The mural was created with spray paint and exterior latex paint.
Evan and Katori have remained active during this time of quarantine and social distancing. Since late March of this year, they have hosted interactive online children’s art workshops, via Zoom, for art institutions and educational organizations and libraries.
Due to the mandatory nationwide stay at home orders, they, along with fellow Yonkers-based artist Luisa Baptista, felt the need to support other artists. So they co-founded ART 4 WELLNESS (IG @art4_wellness), a weekly videoconferencing event where artists create art live while enjoying the sounds of DJs from Uptown Vinyl Supreme playing upbeat and inspirational music. For 19 consecutive weeks they have welcomed artists into this free event on Zoom. Artists from Yonkers, Westchester County, NYC, Georgia, Florida, San Francisco and Germany log in on a regular basis. Artists from Africa, Australia, Mexico and Canada have use this space to also gain inspiration.
Evan and Katori are passionate about using art as a tool to educate, empower and celebrate people in and around the city of Yonkers.
