PUBLICOLOR PAINTS A KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOPE AT HUDSON YARDS

You’ll find bold lines, sharp angles, vibrant colors, and, especially, cause for optimism in the newest mural for HYxOffTheWall 2.0. The graphic piece is a collaboration with Publicolor, a non-profit art and design organization that seeks to transform the lives of local at-risk students by giving them the chance to transform school walls, community shelters, playgrounds—and now, a prominent corner of Hudson Yards.

Publicolor has been offering its after-school program to struggling institutions around the city since 1996, engaging the most disengaged students in a renewal project that turns drab spaces into welcoming learning environments with fresh coats of energizing hues. Participating students also learn important real-life habits and skills in workshops on project management, financial literacy, leadership abilities, entrepreneurial know-how, and more, while gaining access to the organization’s mentorships, scholarships, and job training.

The impact of the program is felt long after the paint is dry. “Publicolor is helping me access resources for my future,” says high school senior Christina, an aspiring software engineer who worked on the Hudson Yards’ mural. “I live in a minority neighborhood. Publicolor has given me opportunities that others around me don’t have.”

Of course, it offers a good time, too. “My favorite part of Publicolor is meeting new people,” says Yoshilda, another senior. Over the coming weeks, she is sure to find lots of those admiring her vibrant new work at Hudson Yards.

You can see the vibrant mural - which will be on display for the next several months - in the Public Square & Gardens located between 30 Hudson Yards and 35 Hudson Yards.