Mission Statement

Our Mission
We are a non-partisan, citizen-based network mobilized to promote the revitalization of our community by learning and building upon the best practices of other successful community models. We hope to inspire fellow residents, local businesses and our elected officials by partnering with them to creatively seek new solutions through Arts-Based Community Development and Creative Placemaking. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas in seeking these solutions in an increasingly diverse world.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Marino's mural proposal







The proposed mural designs for Marino’s Pizza aim to significantly enhance the visual appeal of the property by incorporating fresh, organic, and community-focused elements. Here's a description of how these murals transform both the building and the shed:

Main Building Mural Design:

  • Tomato Vine Theme: This central theme showcases ripe, vibrant tomatoes in various stages of growth, symbolizing the fresh, high-quality ingredients that Marino’s Pizza is known for. The vine's design adds dynamic visual movement to the facade, allowing it to grow naturally across the building.
  • Bold, Natural Colors: Deep reds, greens, and oranges, standing out against the neutral brick facade, breathe life into the building, making it an eye-catching landmark.
  • Full-Facade Integration: The mural design flows organically along the architecture, without overwhelming the structure. The vine motif moves across the top and sides of the building, creating a cohesive, flowing artwork.
  • Brand Identity: The mural includes a stylized tomato prominently displayed above the entrance, tying the visual identity of the mural to the restaurant’s brand.

How the Mural Transforms the Building:

  • Aesthetic Transformation: The previously unadorned brick exterior becomes a vibrant, engaging mural that draws attention to Marino’s Pizza, both for its visual appeal and its reflection of the restaurant’s dedication to fresh, local ingredients.
  • Cultural and Community Connection: The mural fosters a sense of place and purpose, with the imagery of the tomato vines connecting directly to the restaurant’s offerings while symbolizing growth and care for the community.

Shed Mural Design:

  • Continuation of Theme: The shed continues the vibrant tomato vine theme, ensuring cohesion between the building and the shed, creating a unified artistic look across the entire property.
  • Local Pride: The shed’s door features an outline of the state of New Jersey with a heart marking Runnemede, emphasizing the restaurant’s roots in the local community and its connection to the state.
  • Transformation of Space: Previously plain and functional, the shed becomes an engaging and artful feature of the property, with bold colors and designs making it stand out in its own right.

Together, these designs reflect Marino’s Pizza’s commitment to both quality food and its role in the Runnemede community. By transforming the building and shed with these engaging murals, Marino’s Pizza becomes not only a local business but also a visual and cultural landmark

Proposed Mural for Phasal






The mural depicted on the building represents the phases of growth, nature, and renewal, which aligns with the theme of "Phasal," meaning "first harvest" in Hindi. The symbolism within the mural incorporates several elements:

  1. The Rabbit: Positioned prominently in the mural, the rabbit is white, symbolizing curiosity and adventure, and is a reference to "Alice in Wonderland." This emphasizes the concept of exploring new possibilities and engaging in transformative journeys—an apt metaphor for the role of the business in the community.

  2. The Owl: Representing wisdom, the owl sits calmly amidst the foliage. It brings a message of insight and foresight, highlighting the thoughtful approach of the business toward the community and its operations.

  3. The Stag: A powerful figure in the background, the stag symbolizes strength and leadership. Its presence mirrors the stability and strong foundations the business aims to establish within the community.

  4. Wheat and Foliage: Surrounding these central figures are elements of growth—such as wheat and flowing plants—symbolizing abundance, nourishment, and a connection to the earth. This serves as a metaphor for the business’s role in supporting the community's growth and sustenance.

The transformation of the building through this mural is significant. The addition of this vibrant, nature-inspired artwork brings life and movement to the previously monochromatic exterior, making the building not just a place of business but a landmark within the community.

 It reflects themes of harmony with nature, the potential for growth, and the richness of local culture, inviting community members to engage with and feel proud of the space. 

The mural will also help foster a sense of belonging and shared identity by involving local residents in the mural's creation, promoting collaboration, and celebrating the community's journey towards development and renewal