Artists For Humanity NYC Unveils Vibrant Teen-Created Mural at Katonah Art Walk

On Saturday, April 18, from 3:00–7:00 PM, Katonah Art Walk visitors will

experience the unveiling of a dynamic new mural created by teen artists from Artists For

Humanity NYC (AFH NYC). Installed in the parking lot of the Katonah Reading Room, the

mural transforms an everyday space into a bold expression of creativity, color, and community

spirit. The mural was commissioned by Gretchen Menzies, owner of the Katonah Reading

Room, whose vision for the space embraces art, beauty, inclusivity, and community engagement.

By partnering with AFH NYC, Menzies has brought an innovative, youth-driven creative project

to the heart of Katonah.

This project highlights the extraordinary talent cultivated within AFH NYC—a nonprofit

organization, based in Bushwick, NY , dedicated to employing and empowering city teens

through paid work in art and design. The mural, conceptualized and executed by AFH NYC teen

artists, embodies the organization’s core belief that young people are not just the future of art and

culture—they are actively shaping it now, in the present.

The Katonah Reading Room installation brings AFH’s signature vibrancy to Katonah, infusing

the space with joyful, colorful energy while demonstrating the transformative power of

youth-driven public art. Known for turning overlooked or underutilized spaces into meaningful

visual experiences, AFH projects are both aesthetically compelling and socially impactful. To

Menzies, this project, from its inception, was meaningful at every touch point: “At the heart of

this project is connection and community. The project was born out of a conversation during our

weekly Paint Break between me and AFH NYC board member Christina Lunny, and an idea

immediately took wings to bring the Reading Room and the AFH team together. With the help of

some equally excited benefactors we were able to make this collaboration a reality. We are SO

excited to bring this project to Katonah and immerse the community in beauty, while supporting

artists and students in getting their work into the world.”

What sets AFH apart from traditional arts nonprofits is its unique employment-based model.

Teens are not volunteers or participants—they are paid artists working on real commissions for

real clients. This model not only validates their creative contributions but also provides economic

opportunity, mentorship, and pathways to future careers in the arts and beyond. The partnership between AFH NYC and Katonah is a natural fit. Katonah has long been

recognized as an inclusive, vibrant, art-loving community that celebrates creativity in all its

forms. Through Menzies’ leadership and vision, this collaboration further strengthens the town’s

and The Katonah Reading Room’s commitment to supporting emerging voices and fostering

cultural connection.

The mural will serve as both a visual art piece for the Art Walk and an impactful reminder of

What’s possible when communities invest in young talent.

Event Details

What: AFH NYC Teen Mural Unveiling

When: Saturday, April 18, 3:00–7:00 PM

Where: Katonah Reading Room Rear Parking Lot, Katonah, NY

In Conjunction With: Katonah Art Walk

For event questions, please contact Gretchen Menzies at g@katonahbooks.com or Christina

Lunny at cvlunny@aol.com.

For more information about Artists For Humanity NYC or to inquire about future collaborations,

Please contact: Rich Frank

[rfrank@afhboston.org]