Residents Paint
It Themselves

On March 28, 2006 Doug Leblang, a Queens artist, led a group of 50 challenged adults and staff members in painting a 18’ x 7’ mural at the FEGS ( Federation Employment and Guidance Service ) facility at Riverdale Manor in Riverdale, NY .

A firm believer in the invigorating and restorative powers of the arts, Doug has used his artistry to benefit all people, especially those in institutional environments. Among his many community art projects, he has worked with psychiatric patients in Queens, guided homeless people in a Manhattan shelter in producing weekly group collages and directed a sixty foot group painting of the seasons at Morningside House in the Bronx, as well as ten collaborative murals that transformed Harlem’s Ivy House’s cellar into a bright day care center.

The Riverdale Manor mural depicts a peaceful setting in the mountains and has become very popular with the residents and staff.Doug worked with the staff in designing the mural and then projected lines on the wall to guide the painters. He organized the participants into color teams with each person given a specific color and area to paint. Each person was very meticulous and took great care with the area they were painting. Afterwards they pointed out with pride the areas they had done.After completion, Doug performed music for the group in front of the mural.