Fordham gets a colorful makeover with 2 new murals
Bronx native Daniel Bonilla, who painted the mural on Creston Avenue, said his inspiration was to lift people’s spirits as they walk by.
Fordham got a colorful makeover with two new murals in the area.
The murals, located at Muller Triangle and Creston Avenue, add a burst of color to the Fordham Road shopping district.
The project is part of a $50,000 grant from the Department of Small Business Services, aimed at celebrating the more than 300 businesses in the area.
Bronx native Daniel Bonilla, who painted the mural on Creston Avenue, said his inspiration was to lift people’s spirits as they walk by.
“To break their day, life is hard as it is. Why not just have a couple minutes of a break?” Bonilla said.
Dynishal Gross, commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services, said the project represents the community’s vibrant identity.
“The Bronx is such a rich community, and here you see an expression of that,” Gross said. “This community is excited about this artwork because it reflects them.”
That includes people like Christina, who passes the murals every day on her way to work.
“Instead of having it classified as graffiti, something dirty that people just throw on the wall, it’s something that sends a message. A positive message about what’s going on in the area, ” she said.
Artist Laura Alvarez created the mural at Muller Triangle.
She said her design was inspired by the wide variety of things available to shoppers along Fordham Road.
“I made a big open bag, and there are a lot of things coming out like, what do you pick from all these things you have in Fordham?” Alvarez said.
She hopes her mural not only beautifies the neighborhood but also inspires pride in the community.
