BedStuy Walls Mural Festival Returns with First All-Female Artist Lineup

The sixth annual BedStuy Walls Mural Festival took place this past weekend, transforming Lexington Avenue near Stuyvesant Avenue and surrounding Brooklyn streets into an open-air gallery. Founded and curated by Miki Mu and Frankie Velez, the festival featured its first all-female lineup, bringing together dozens of women artists. The featured mural was painted by Miami-based Peruvian-American artist Diana Contreras, known as DidiRok. Richmond, Virginia-based Canadian artist Nico Cathcart created a work celebrating the late African American writer Paule Marshall. Brooklyn-born multidisciplinary artist Jodi Dareal painted on a rooftop, while Chinese American artist Wing Chow was captured at work. Ecuador-born, Queens-bred artist Toofly collaborated with Peruvian-born, Newark-bred Gera Luz. Stockholm, Sweden-born, Manhattan-based artist Scratch also contributed a mural. NYC-based Salvadorian American artist Marissa Molina was documented at work, and Brooklyn-based artist and fashion designer Ladie Ovila also participated. The festival was made possible by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Thrive Collective, Chateau Brooklyn, GOODTIMES, MTN Shop NYC, 1Culture, and the community at large. Photo credits include Lois Stavsky for images 1, 2, and 6; Sara C. Mozeson for images 3, 8, and 9; and Tara Murray for images 4 and 5. A second installment of BedStuy Walls coverage is expected in the weeks ahead.