Art at Affordable Program Related Affordable weaves artwork into residents' daily lives Related Affordable recognizes that artwork has the ability to uplift and empower individuals and their communities. This has resulted in a program that brings contemporary artwork into Related's affordable residences, inviting creatives to share their vision with residents in a lasting and impactful way. By working with local artists and incorporating residents' feedback, Related Affordable's program sets out to improve residents' wellness and to involve them in the creative conversation. Explore some of the most recent artistic collaborations below.Featured Video: Rehabilitation of Hacienda Del Rio Apartments Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program Mural unveiled at South Shore on The Park Apartments The Related Affordable Foundation, Related Midwest and After School Matters unveiled the “Love and Unity in the Community” mural at South Shore on The Park, a Related Midwest affordable development. The mural showcases the creativity and talent of 19 local teens from After School Matters, including 11 residents of South Shore on The Park. It is amazing to see the colorful installation brightening up the residents’ community center and bringing everyone together! Read More Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program Montgomery Gateway connects residents with community-driven mural event On September 2, residents of New Jersey affordable community Montgomery Gateway Apartments participated in a meet-and-greet event with local artist Emilio Florentine, who has been selected to create their home's new mural. Related Affordable, in partnership with Artrepreneur, organized the experience so that residents could get an inside look at the creative process and share their feedback for the new artwork, which will reflect the spirit of their community and enhance their home. Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program "Build Chicago Together" art mural unveiled at HIRE360 Training and Business Development Center The Related Affordable Foundation, Related Midwest and nonprofit After School Matters brought together young residents of Chicago affordable developments to create a mural honoring their city and its workers, dubbed “Building Chicago Together.” Local artist Erick “ROHO” Garcia designed the artwork and guided teens who spent the summer developing their creative and teamwork skills. Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program Parkway Gardens Teens help beautify the community In partnership with After School Matters and local artist Erick "ROHO" Garcia, teenagers from Parkway Gardens have worked on the mural project “Positive Productivity,” which has been installed on South Martin Luther King Drive. Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program Shoreline Plaza reveals dynamic mural in Minneapolis Alongside Shoreline Plaza, local artist Ryan Peltier has created a bright and colorful mural that honors the convivial spirit of Minneapolis. The artwork nods to the city's history of throwing parades that make people from all walks of life feel included and part of the greater community. Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program Holly House residents welcome bold and colorful mural Residents of Asbury Park, NJ's Holly House Apartments will now benefit from a more vibrant home, thanks to a new large-scale mural of lily flowers. Contemporary artists Remington Robinson and Justin Suarez joined forces to design and paint the expansive artwork, which will permanently brighten up the building's exterior. Art at Affordable Program Art at Affordable Program Skyview Downtown residents celebrate collaborative artwork Residents of Springfield, MA's Skyview Downtown left a creative mark on their building's parking garage with a mural spanning over 5,000 square feet. Residents contributed with their time and talent to help paint the massive mural, which represents the diverse cultures that make up their city. Stories from our communities Celebrating residents in vibrant color Stories from our communities Championing neighborhood pride Stories from our communities Capturing local experiences What's Happening in the Program Related Affordable Foundation partners with After School Matters for summer art program at South Shore community On August 1, Chicago nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) wrapped up the Sketch and Design to Shine program for teens at affordable residence South Shore on the Park. Funded by Related Affordable Foundation, ASM's 2025 summer initiative invited teen residents and members of the community to develop their own individual art projects and collaborate on a custom rolling fence mural at Marshall Field Garden, another affordable residence in Chicago. Led by local artist Erick “ROHO” Garcia—who has worked with ASM on a number of Related Affordable Foundation-funded programs, such as the creation of South Shore's mural in 2024—the engaging six-week experience offered hands-on creative and teamwork experience for South Shore's young residents. The program also helped solidify South Shore's newly renovated community center as a vibrant hub where residents can express themselves, connect with their neighbors and get involved in their community. Meet the Artists Cedric Michael Cox Local to Cincinnati, OH, visual artist Cedric Michael Cox specializes in painting and drawing and has established a unique and colorful style influenced by early 20th century Cubism. When he worked on a mural commissioned for affordable community White Oak Townhomes, he drew inspiration from his roots in the area and from residents themselves. After one resident mentioned wanting to see sunflowers, Cox integrated them into the design, along with visual celebrations of African American culture and the joy of being home. "I want [residents] to be proud when they drive up the hill and return home," says Cox. "They are going to walk past these monuments of joy." Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao Known as Chiaozza, NYC-based husband and wife duo Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao explore play and craft in a variety of artistic mediums, such as painted sculpture, installation, collage, photography, design, and public art. At The Harriet Tubman Supportive Housing Building in Far Rockaway, Queens, the team designed a custom, site-specific mural and installation that would brighten up the space and make playtime more fun for the building's youngest residents. Ryan Peltier An artist for most of his life, Ryan Peltier's dream come true is making a living as an artist and being able to put positive energy into the world. He created a mural for affordable community Shoreline Plaza entirely in his art studio, panel by panel, and was delighted to see his work come to life. As a Minneapolis local, he wanted his mural to represent what the ideal summer day would look like in Minneapolis. "I'm hoping to inspire people," says Peltier, "and hopefully show them how things could be." Erick “ROHO” Garcia A successful artist living and working in Chicago, Erick “ROHO” Garcia combines a love for visual arts with music, embodying his personal motto, “Life is art." Garcia also enjoys sharing his love for the arts with high school students who are developing their talents, and has been working for years with non-profit After School Matters to involve young people in art. Garcia has produced multiple murals with After School Matters for Related Affordable communities, where he designs a work of art and then guides young residents as they create it. Not only do these art projects help young people build the skills they need to succeed, but they help reflect their individual voices in their residences. Featured Partner Featured Partner Art on Sedgwick brings the community together through art Initially formed as a response to neighborhood violence, non-profit Art on Sedgwick has become a vital force on Chicago’s near north side. Founder Charlie Branda opened Art on Sedgwick's studio to connect her community and involve them in the power of art. At Marshall Field Garden Apartment Homes, Branda led young residents to create a mural from their own drawings, allowing them to express their creativity and beautify their home.
