Capturing Operation Clean Up is the first interactive exhibit featured in The Garden Of Resilience. This art project highlights the past four years of Operation Clean Up. The neighborhood initiative was founded by a group of Laurelton residents and business owners led by Melva M. Miller. Operation Clean Up launched in the Spring of 2017. The grassroots initiative organizes over 40 community residents once a month from late Spring to Fall in leading clean-up initiatives, beautification projects and driving the importance of economic empowerment amongst small business owners. The initiative personifies community engagement. The Southeast Queens communities of Laurelton, Rosedale and Springfield Gardens defy stereotypes and exemplify community pride excluding gentrification. Capturing Operation Clean Up images are juxtaposed with a sustainable wooden pallet gallery wall designed by the community and inspired by the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora. Wooden pallets were donated by Brandon Phillips of the Laurelton UPS Store. Along with the photography by Clarisa James, there are QR codes which tell the story of the progression of this community group taken from Laurelton.nyc.
The Garden Of Resilience will be open from 12-3 PM on Election Day for a soft opening of the exhibit for community residents to walk through the garden and have a space for reflection.This project received support from The SEQ Clean Up Initiative, The Pinkerton Foundation & Councilman Richards through The Cultural Immigrant Initiative.
