Mural wishes Sutphin Blvd. ‘Happy Holidays'

The Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District (BID) commissioned Jamaica, Queens artist Antarah Avent to create a holiday season mural on the unsightly construction fence located at the intersection of 90th Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard in downtown Jamaica. The mural that reads &#8220HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID” was installed to kick off the holiday season and spread holiday cheer for those who work, live and visit the Sutphin Boulevard BID.
The project’s sponsor, the Sutphin Boulevard BID, was formed in May of 2004 to serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization along Sutphin Boulevard. The District that runs from Hillside Avenue to 94th Avenue was established to make the area clean and safe, and beautification is an important component of the organization’s core services. Sutphin Boulevard is an important gateway not only to Jamaica, but to all of Queens and the holiday mural not only promotes the District, it helps enhance neighborhood quality of life for local businesses and residents.
Avent, the visual artist commissioned to create the mural, is a Jamaica resident who is far too familiar with the need of these types of activities in the community. Avent received his formal education at York College.
Avent says he commends groups like the Sutphin Boulevard BID which takes the initiative to include the community in the revitalization process of their own neighborhood and hopes that the mural will inspire young people to take their own talent and desires, work through them from the beginning until they achieve perfection.
Melva Miller, the Executive Director of the organization, says the revelation for this particular mural was set into motion to inspire those who frequent the district and send encouragement that new life is on its way to the location that once housed five important businesses lost to a tragic five alarm fire back in March.
The holiday kick-off was accompanied by the Third Annual Sutphin Boulevard BID Holiday Celebration on Tuesday, December 5.