New mural brings Brooklyn Heights community together

The Brooklyn Heights community and local representatives gathered to unveil a new mural under the Atlantic Avenue Gateway to Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 6 on Monday, June 13.

The Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the New York City Department of Transportation cut the ribbon with local artist Nelson Rivera, who took a month to create the new mural, titled “Into the Wild, Brooklyn.” Josef Szende, executive director at the BID, is thankful for the partnerships with the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the DOT that made the mural possible.

“This mural enhances that we have two destinations. It’s an oasis between Atlantic Avenue and Atlantic Bridge,” said Szende.

The mural is part of the DOT’S Artervention program, which allows community based organizations and local artists to present their art across the city. Regina Myer, who is president of Brooklyn Bridge Park, is excited for the park’s latest addition.

“We’re always looking for ways to make everyone’s experience at the park better, and now we have this beautiful mural,” said Myer. “I’m so proud of this. It brings the community closer and makes us stronger.”

Rivera, also known as “El Cekis,” was excited to introduce his artwork to the park and the community. “I wanted to change the perception of this place, so people can walk under the passageway and see a super colorful piece of art instead of a dark underpass,” he said.

Rivera’s mural bested 28 other entries. Born in Chile, Rivera moved to Brooklyn 12 years ago to continue his passion for art. After painting for 25 years, knowing that his artwork will be seen everyday by park-goers is a great feeling for him.

“This is a great opportunity to give back and share my work with the rest of the community,” said Rivera.