Shantell Martin's newest community project is in the form of a 16,000sq foot mural at Seaside Playground — a.k.a. the Big Yard — located one block from the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk’s western end, next to P.S. 225. 

In conjunction with the creation of the mural, Shantell Martin also led multiple workshops, both virtually and in-person, with local children and the students of P.S. 225 where she was able to connect with them on art, creativity, community, and the power of the Line.

The massive work can be seen in its entirety from above, by visitors to The Rockaway Hotel's rooftop and from the windows of airplanes taking off and landing from JFK. It features Martin’s swirling freestyle lines and faces alongside words and phrases like SEA, POP, and WHAT YOU BELIEVE.

“I love that right when you enter the playground there are the words YES, YOU ARE YOU,” says Martin. “It’s affirmative, unapologetic, big, bold, and positive, especially for children as they navigate who they are becoming.” - Shantell Martin

(New York, 2020)