Thriving Futures
Public Art Projects
In 2023, Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCE-Tompkins) sponsored 18 murals in Ithaca around the theme of "Building a future where all people and our living environment thrive." Community members juried scores of entries to select local artists who painted murals, large and small:
· on the CCE Tompkins building;
· in the Beverly J. Martin gym; and
· on 16 electrical boxes throughout the City!
See photos from each project with the artists’ statement below.
The murals invited artists and community members to reflect on elements needed to foster healthier relationships among people and communities, and with the air, soil, plants and animals around us that sustain our life. The murals were timed to celebrate the ending of the community-based Get Your GreenBack Tompkins campaign, and the launch of Smart Energy Choices, the Southern Tier's Regional Clean Energy Hub.
“Msit No'kmaq” by Artist Margaret Kops Kuveke at CCE Tompkins
“Msit No'kmaq” means “All My Relations” in Mi'kmaq. This mural at CCE Tompkins by local artist Margaret Kops Kuveke is inspired by her maternal Mi’kmaq heritage.
Transition to green energy and a sustainable future requires all kinds of skills, and respect for all life.
Margaret designed this mural downtown on Lincoln St. inspired by conversation about gratitude & interconnectedness with Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' (Cayuga) Sachem Sam George & Debbie George.
“Legacy Mural” by Artist Margalo Guo in the BJM Elementary School Gym
A large mural featuring portraits of Audrey J. Cooper, Beverly J. Martin, and Kirby V. Edmonds marks the beginning of an ongoing mural of local leaders for educational equity and justice, who have helped to uplift Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, the Ithaca community, and beyond. Read more about these remarkable members of Ithaca’s community at [link needed]
Thriving Futures Electrical Boxes
Do you dream of a better world? Artists from the area were asked to show us their vision of a Thriving Future. They responded with unique and impressive projects!