The concept for the Library’s mural was a collaboration between Allen’s signature style and Aliyah’s original design idea. 

“The idea behind it is to depict what reading can do for young people. How it can inspire them to learn more about the culture and be culture bearers themselves,” Allen explained. “When it’s done, it’s going to have three children reading books. And from the books, there will be all these various aspects of New Orleans culture emerging from inside them –– colorful shotgun houses, local wildlife, musical instruments, a brass band –– things like that.” 

For Aliyah, seeing the design come to life has been an incredible experience.  

“It’s cool to watch it all come together and to be able to see your work like this, and to have it out here for everyone else to see, too,” she said. “It just feels good to know that I’m part of something big.” 

In addition to being an artist, Allen is an educator, writer, and illustrator and has deep ties to New Orleans East. While some people might see her and Aliyah’s mural as just a pretty picture, she hopes it will have a deeper impact on the community. 

“When you start engaging people and beautifying spaces in a way that reflects them and their culture, naturally other people want to know what’s happening and will gravitate towards that,” she said. “I think that having those artworks placed around, it shows that community is valued out here in the East, and that they’re investing in people.” 

She said a highlight of working on the project has been getting to watch Aliyah grow in her art and confidence. 

“I am very passionate about working with young people in the arts. I consider myself a master teacher, really and truly, and it has been so rewarding to work with Aliyah on a project like this,” she said. “I’ve worked on murals with youth artists before, but this is a big project. It can be intimidating to look at a blank wall that’s this big and this visible and know that it’s your canvas.” 

Allen said her focus has been getting Aliyah to trust herself and not be afraid of making mistakes while also working on some fundamental skills, like how to use a projector to map out her design. Aliyah said the lessons are helpful, but the project is doing more than just improving her art. 

“This experience is definitely going to benefit me in the future, as an artist,” she said. “But also, knowing that I did something positive for the city, and for the East in particular, that makes me feel really good.” 

Gabrielle Tolliver coordinates Arts New Orleans’ Young Artist Movement program and said the Library’s participation emphasizes its commitment to the community.    

“The East New Orleans Regional Library serves as a hub for the development and enrichment of the New Orleans East community. Through their participation in the Arts New Orleans Mural project, this Library shows its neighborhood that art making not only beautifies a space, but also serves as a vessel for community building.” 

The youth mural project is expected to wrap up in the next few weeks, and an unveiling ceremony is being planned for mid-March.