Miracle Garden

For the last several years, my summer gig has been working on a play festival for Clubbed Thumb theater. The venue is across the street from this community garden, the Miracle Garden, and last summer I spent my down time drawing it.

This lot was once occupied by a dilapidated, drug-infested building. In the 1983, it was torn down, and the local community was able to secure the lot for a garden. The initial plants all died due to bad soil, but they were able to resurrect it, hence the name "Miracle Garden." For more of the history of the garden, including a film interview with Penny Evans, one of the main forces behind it, visit their website here.

This was actually my third attempt at this view, drawn from the roof of the Wild Project across the street. I still wasn't 100% satisfied, but three tries was enough for me.

These have been there, unmoved, for at least two years. I think it's hilarious that someone used such a huge chain to secure these two rusted old bikes. They are a 1980s Challenger BMX scooter and Schwinn L'il Chik bike. I wonder if they've been there since the garden was built!

The garden is run completely by volunteers, so you never know when it will be open, but if it is, you can visit and hang out in this little oasis on East 3rd St. between Avenues A and B.