By Mary Frost
Brooklyn Daily Eagle

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN -- No one has ever called a “Jersey� traffic barrier pretty. While the hulking concrete slabs ably perform their job of keeping traffic mayhem to a minimum, the nicest thing you can say about their appearance is that it is functional.

Until now. Bike riders and pedestrians traveling on Tillary Street near the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse have been surprised to see, against all odds, images from nature appearing on the traffic barrier separating the bike lane from the vehicle lanes on Tillary between Cadman Plaza East and the Brooklyn Bridge.

A tile mosaic, not yet complete, features bumblebees flying along, reaching a honeycomb, and then transforming into people walking amidst colorful flowers.

“It’s just wonderful,� said Anna-Maria Thomas, a psychologist and counselor at the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, who was walking by the barriers last Thursday. Dr. Thomas had no idea who was behind the artwork, but she was delighted. “It’s just a joy to see – I just don’t know when this came about. It’s amazing!�

Thomas would be happy to hear that at least one of the artists behind the project is a student from her own school. It turns out that the mural is being created by high school-age artists as part of a collaboration between the Groundswell Community Mural Project and the city Department of Transportation. Groundswell brings together young people, artists and organizations to create works of public art.

When completed, the barrier will feature a tile mosaic on the bike lane side and a painted mural on the side facing traffic, said Jackie Chang, program director for Groundswell.

“Most of the students have an interest in art; all are high school students, and all are paid,� she said. “Most work with us during the summer as part of the Summer Youth Employment program.� Chang said that one goal of the program is to teach job skills. “Part of the training is to present ideas to sponsors.�

Emily Colasacco, on the site Saturday as a representative of the DOT’s Urban Art Program, said that the DOT has “an ongoing relationship with Groundswell. The project is part of our Partners Program, where we team up with an artist team and supply funding up to $5,000.�

Michael Lashley, a student artist from the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, explained the theme of the mural. “The bumblebees relate to people. You see honeycombs and hives; the bees metamorphose into humans. Bees are busy all the time, and have to work all the time, like humans. We’re focusing on bees because they’re disappearing.�

“Groundswell gives me a lot of tips,� he said. “I’m being taught about teamwork, how to draw, and a lot of work stuff. I got to see the Department of Transportation offices. We’re bettering the community.�

Fellow artist Anthony Huertero is still learning the mechanics of creating a mural. "Today we're painting the wall. Next week we have to do the bees. We do different drawings, then make a tracing. We're using parachute cloth first, then cut it and stick it on the wall, is my guess. It's my first time."

The lead artist on the project is Clare Herron, assisted by Chris Beck.

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