ART ON THE BLOCK MURAL DEDICATED AT ROBLES PARK

I. C. H. HOUSE

         Last month, Mayor Jane Castor, Chief Brian Dugan and the artist, Ya Levy La’Ford dedicated a new mural at Robles Park. La’Ford is a professor, installation artist, and muralist. The first generation American moves between her Jamaican heritage and vulnerable communities to try to find a universal language through her art. La’Ford maintains her studio practice in St. Petersburg, Washington, DC, and New York  (www.yalaford.com).

         The R.I.C.H. House, supported by the Tampa Police Department and RISE Tampa, Police Foundation, works to enhance neighborhood safety through collaboration between police and residents in high-crime areas. Among those who attended the dedication along with a group of children were: left to right, Ocea Wynn, Administrator of Neighborhood and Community Empowerment; Sherisha Hills, Director of Parks & Recreation; Ya La’Ford, the Artist; Tampa Mayor Jane Castor; and  Edwin Galvin, MPO. (Photograph courtesy City of Tampa)