Rick's Little River Mural

Hi. I'm Rick Midler. I'm a Brooklyn, NY based artists who was invited to add a mural to Little River, a small town in Miami, Florida.



Little River (like it's neighbors El Portal and Little Haiti) is a low-income, working-class town who is just starting to see artists move in. Wynwood (15 minutes south of Little River) has risen in price dramatically since it became a haven for artists. The murals of Wynwood Walls have become a destination. And rents went up. And artists are moving once again. This time they are doing all they can to keep gentrification to a minimum and staying in control by buying cheap property rather than renting. 

My mural, entitled "Big Bang Boom" was originally about how my art is no longer just about me. Once I realized this, more people - wonderful, passionate, loving, kindred people - magically appeared in my life. I likened it to the stories of the Big Bang. The beginning of it all.
 
(Above: the wall)

I made the connection between this influx of people in my life - and the influx of people into this neighborhood. My hope is that this piece serves as a welcome to all who enter Little River - regardless of color, race, gender or religious beliefs.


(Above: color test, photoshop)

I'm asking for your help in raising $1200. This money will go directly towards supplies like paints, brushes, protective gear ($400), airfare and lodging ($450), car rental ($150) and an assistant to document the process ($200).

With my own money, I will personally pay for fees/commisions that Go Fund Me receives, as well as the awards that I'm offering to sponsors of this mural.

Since this mural came up quickly, my goal is to have the funds in one month - by May 1st, 2017.

Your support means everything. I can think of no better way to make this gift to this town possible than to have it come from a group of people who care about creativity, happiness, prosperity and togetherness.

I'm already incredibly grateful to the people who offered me this opportunity: curator Joe Risolia; fellow artist Bryan Lahr; my wife and producer Samara Yeshaiek and the people of Litttle River themselves. I would also be so grateful for any support you give to this project. 

Please look at the different ways you can support the mural and the gifts, from me personally, for being a part of this mural.

$10 - So cool of you!
Thank you for showing the love.

$20 - Really? How kind!
I'll send you a handwritten thank you on a postcard of the mural.

$50 - Wow!
I'll make sure you get an 8'x10" Print of the mural as well as a handwritten thank you on a postcard of the mural.

$100 - Okay. You are really making my day here.
Anyone donating $100 or more before April 1st will have their name appear on the actual mural, under "Thank you Go Fund Me Sponsors." I will still accept your generosity after the 1st, however I may not be able to add your name to the piece for various reasons. An 18"x24" print of the mural as well as a handwritten thank you on a postcard of the mural.

$250 or more - Sincerely, I'm... too... choked... up...
Your gifts will be an original drawing on archival paper as well as an 18"x24" print of the mural and a handwritten thank you.

Thank you,

Rick Midler