Here is one of two related posts with photos, quotes and links to share exciting public art created by ponnapa prakkamakul* with active community participation!

You. Me. A Place to Be. outside the Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston, until March 2025

“You, Me, a place to be is a co-created mural between the artist, ponnapa prakkamakul, and community in Allston and Brighton. During fall 2023 and spring 2024, ponnapa conducted artmaking activities and interviews asking Brighton Common park visitors and Allston residents to share their favorite things in Allston and Brighton.” (quote from You. Me. A Place to Be. Harvard Ed Portal )

“The responses from multinational residents and visitors of all ages got translated into the graphic design of the mural. Selected quotes were etched into wood panel in various languages including braille.” (Quote from You, Me, a Place to Be, Harvard Ed Portal)

*“ponnapa prakkamakul (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist and landscape architect from Thailand. Her artmaking process[es] explore the relationship between people and their environment aiming to understand the issue of cultural displacement and how to cultivate a sense of belonging. Ponnapa’s place-specific artwork is inspired by the landscape and engage people who live in those locations.” (quote from You. Me. A Place to Be. Harvard Ed Portal )

“T’he design of the mural aims to celebrate the community’s collective experience of living, learning, playing, exploring, and being in Allston and Brighton areas reflecting on the diversity and uniqueness of the neighborhoods.”(quote from You. Me. A Place to Be. Harvard Ed Portal )

“Navigate through beloved landmarks and favorite foods, Braille stories and lush landscapes to (re)discover and appreciate the neighborhood’s eclectic treasures.” (quote from You. Me. A Place to Be. Harvard Ed Portal )

‘”My public art projects focus on process and I immerse myself in archival research, on-site interviews, community workshops, and pop-up prototype tests to create participatory design opportunities. While the final artwork for each project is different, they share the same goal of supporting community expression to create artwork that truly represents their identity and cultivates a stronger sense of place”(quote from You. Me. A Place to Be. Harvard Ed Portal )

KEY RESOURCES: You. Me. A Place to Be. Harvard Ed Portal ; PONNAPA PRAKKAMAKUL website