PROJECTS

MAKING LEMONADE GARDEN AND MURALS

Women’s Shelter Yard Improvements

This project will beautify the shared backyard space of a transitional housing site for unhoused women and children. Up to five mothers plus their children receive shelter for six months to two years while searching for jobs and longer-term housing. The improvements will create a comfortable and attractive community area with live/play spaces, privacy screening and raised vegetable planters, surrounded by seven colorful mural cut-outs along the perimeter walls. The panels were designed by artist Magdalena Metrycka in association with 333arts.org

"I joined Commotion West Berkeley because it was an opportunity to give hyper local, where I would be able to experience and see the benefits and improvement in community arts in my neighborhood. Community art has many intangible and unmeasurable benefits that accumulate to have a large impact over time."

- Laura L, Commotion member

"The CWB grant allowed us to pay a young professional female artist to design 7 mural panels. It also funded the iron trellis, the solar-powered string lights, a redwood privacy lattice, and all the soil and plantings so the women and children can grow their own fresh produce. What an amazing amount of good this grant has accomplished for so many!"

- Deb Durant, grant recipient

- Laura L, Commotion member

- Deb Durant, grant recipient