About the Design:
Stepping Into Tomorrow’s intention was to acknowledge the incredible diversity this community offers to both those visiting and those who call Trenton home. In doing so, we wanted to give special attention to the younger generation in order to celebrate their strength, capability, and passion as they strive to make a difference in this world. representing a handing off of the torch, so to speak, as we “step into tomorrow”. The finished design includes ten silhouettes of students within the Trenton community, ranging from elementary school to college-aged, . representing a passing of the torch this next generation and future leaders as they “step into tomorrow”.
About the Project:
Stepping Into Tomorrow was funded by a 2020 Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Grant. Trenton is one of 16 municipalities nationwide to receive funding in 2020 from Bloomberg Philanthropies for asphalt art projects. Request for Proposals was posted and three semi-finalists were selected to show their designs at a Virtual Public Presentation. George Bates’ design was selected and planning quickly took place for road closures, materials, and community involvement. After 16 hours on September 4th & 5th, 2021, George Bates along with a team of artists, community members, students, and volunteers, installed the final design for the Stepping Into Tomorrow Asphalt Art Project at the Trenton Transit Center (the intersection of South Clinton Avenue and Barlow Street/Raoul Wallenberg Avenue). This project is a partnership between Artworks Trenton and The City of Trenton, made possible through funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Thank you also to NJ Transit and New Jersey Council on the Arts for participating in the Stepping Into Tomorrow Asphalt Art Project through your TRANSTional Art Project installed at the same intersection.
Nelly's silhouette was selected for this mural.