Transforming Pain into Purpose: LTYC Awarded Legacy Grant to Inspire Healing Through Art at BayBrook Elementary/Middle School
It’s been a journey of healing and recovery for the residents of the Brooklyn Park neighborhood of Baltimore, MD after a mass shooting shook the community in July of 2023. The tragedy that occurred during the annual Brooklyn Day Block Party on Gretna Court took two lives and injured 28. In efforts to bring a sense of normalcy and positivity back to the neighborhood, LTYC has been awarded The Gutierrez Memorial Fund. The funding will be used to create a mural at LTYC partner school, Baybrook Elementary Middle School located in Brooklyn Park. The scars of that day run deep, yet amidst the heartache, a beacon of hope has emerged. And now, with this grant, Baybrook Elementary Middle School is about to embark on a project that promises to bring both beauty and solace to the area.
The mural represents resilience and unity. It is likely that many of our students attended Brooklyn Day in 2023, leaving a tragic memory time won’t erase. We believe that this artistic project will offer an outlet for expression and healing. The mission is to create a visual narrative that honors those lost while also looking forward to a brighter, more connected future. The mural will be a source of hope giving our students and their families a project to pour their talents into that supports connection and productivity. With its vibrant images that celebrate the spirit of togetherness, this beautiful work of art will offer peace.
One of the most touching aspects of this project is the involvement of the students, teachers, and families. LTYC held a Community Building Circle where parents, students, and educators gathered to discuss their ideas and determine each person’s specific contribution. It’s a wonderful way to ensure that the finished product belongs to the community. Imagine the joy and sense of accomplishment the kids will feel every time they walk past a mural they helped create!
None of this would be possible without the Gutierrez Memorial Fund. Established in the spring of 2010 to honor the life of artist, visionary, community leader, and Baltimorean, John K. Gutierrez, the annual Gutierrez Memorial Walk raises money to support the arts in Maryland.
The grant will cover the costs of materials, professional artists to guide the project, and community workshops. This initiative embodies the community’s strength and determination to heal and grow together.
LTYC would like to give a huge shout out to the Gutierrez Memorial Fund, Baybrook administrators, and our students and their families. The dedication of everyone involved in this incredible endeavor is turning our pain into a source of inspiration and promise for future generations. And to the Brooklyn Park community, thank you for showing us that, no matter what, we can always find a way to rebuild, heal, and create something beautiful together.
Stay tuned for more updates on the mural’s progress, and if you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and witness this amazing transformation in person. Let’s keep spreading love, art, and hope!
Thank you to our amazing muralist: Jaz Erenberg
