Queens, NY – Queens Botanical Garden, in collaboration with Groundswell Community Mural Project teaching artist Peach Tao, is proud to announce a new community-created mural, Flying, located on the construction site fence outside what will be the newGarden’s Education Center building. Developed through collaborative design sessions with Queens Botanical Garden community members and staff, the mural celebrates nature, imagination, and the power of collective creativity.

“It’s my first time creating an illustration for a botanical garden, and Queens Botanical Garden is such a beautiful place. The staff’s deep care for both the gardens and the community really shines through,” said Peach Tao. “I think it’s wonderful to have a place where people can connect with nature right in the heart of the city”

During the brainstorming sessions, participants shared favorite memories of the Garden through drawing games and storytelling exercises. Conversations about local and migratory birds inspired the mural’s heron imagery, while stories about a beloved neighborhood cat led to scenes of the cat enjoying a picnic surrounded by fruits from the Garden farm. “Magnolia Man,” a playful figure tending flowers and watering plants, emerged from a spontaneous garden-themed word association game during the workshops.

Inspired by these collaborative conversations, the mural features a vibrant heron composed of flowers soaring across the landscape, alongside the cat and Magnolia Man, reflecting themes of growth, stewardship, joy, and connection to nature that emerged throughout the design process.

The mural was painted with the participation of community members, families, and Garden visitors during a public outdoor painting session at Queens Botanical Garden.

Funding for the project was provided by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic in collaboration with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

“This partnership between Groundswell and Queens Botanical Garden reflects the power of public art to bring people together,” said Executive Director Yvonne M. Brathwaite. “From the first community conversations to the collaborative paint day and upcoming celebration, “Flying” was shaped by the people who care the Garden and its commitment to environmental justice.”

"We are grateful to Assembly member Rozic for supporting this collaboration between Queens Botanical Garden and Groundswell," said Evie Hantzopoulos, QBG Executive Director. "We share a love for community engagement and the enhancing our public spaces and environment through beautiful art." 

"Public art has the power to bring communities together and transform everyday spaces into inspiration for all," said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “I am thrilled that state funding I allocated will support this partnership between Groundswell and the Queens Botanical Garden--reflecting the creativity, diversity, and community spirit that make Queens so special."

The completed mural will be formally dedicated at Queens Botanical Garden on June 12, 2026.