The Doors of Hope project continues CITYarts’ mission to empower youth to address civic and social issues through the creation of public art within CITYarts’ newest program, Global HeART Warming. CITYarts has given New York City youth the opportunity to express their empathy, encouragement and support for the children of New Orleans, who are still coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Groups of schoolchildren at eight New York City schools were each given a standard-size wooden door to paint with inspirational messages and images that celebrate nature while raising awareness of global warming. The students designed the doors specifically with their contemporaries in New Orleans in mind. The students worked under the guidance of Paul Deo, a professional artist from New Orleans who moved to New York after Katrina. Upon completion, the doors were assembled together into a paneled mural. The finished mural was displayed at CITYarts' 40th Anniversary Benefit and Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2008, that kicked off our Global HeART Warming project. Following the benefit, the Doors of Hope panel was sent to the Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans as a gift from the youth of New York City to the youth of New Orleans.
CITYarts Doors of Hope were inspired by Paul Deo (left)
Students from the Dwight School
Paul Deo loves the Doors of Hope
Pippa Cohen
Moira & Tony Cohen
Jeremy & Marci Cohen
The Andy Fund
Anonomous Doner