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2026
Osisi Obodo
Designed by Creative Urban Alchemy (IfeOma Ebo)
This modular pavilion, ‘Osisi Obodo’, was built collaboratively by Beam Center’s Public Art Production Apprentices, Creative Urban Alchemy and members of the Brooklyn community.
Currently installed at Weeksville Heritage Center, this shade structure was created to counteract the growing climate concerns that disproportionately affect Black communities across New York City, particularly in central Brooklyn.
When you visit Weeksville ‘Osisi Obodo’ is intended to accommodate all visitors as they gather to enjoy cultural experiences, community engagement and artistic expression.
From March through June 2026, the Creative Urban Alchemy (CUA) team & Beam Center’s Public Art Production Apprentices engaged Brooklyn community members in three workshops. The outcome of those workshops was integrated into Osisi Obodo’s final fabrication as an ode to the Black diaspora.
Workshop #1: Inspired by West African textile traditions, participants explored batik wax-resisting dyeing processes. Wax stamps were applied to cloth before dyeing it to create a patterned negative on the fabric. These prints were then photo-printed onto the triangle shade panels at the top of the structure.
Workshop #2: As an ode to the Black oystermen of New York City in the 19th century, CUA and Beam Center partnered with Billion Oyster Project to source oyster shells for this workshop. Community members participated in papier-mâché and accented with gold paint. These shells were combined with epoxy to make a collage to create the base of the structure.
Workshop #3: Hosted at Beam Center during our first ever Spring Thing block party. Young people from Kingsborough NYCHA housing community learned the basics of Woodworking led by our Public Art Production Apprentices. This workshop gave young people hands-on instruction to techniques while seeing firsthand how young artists and builders can teach, lead, and create within their own communities
After months of cooperation, learning and creating alongside communities across Brooklyn, ‘Osisi Obodo’ was unveiled at Weeksville on June 25, 2026. Partners, participants, artists and more gathered to celebrate the completion of another Beam Center Big Project another example of Beam Center's commitment to making, youth leadership, and community focused learning.
Thank you to our partners and supporters in another Big Project across New York City.
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About the Artist,
ifeoma ebo
Ifeoma is a Brooklyn based transdisciplinary designer with a track record in transforming urban spaces into platforms for equity and design excellence. She is Principal of Creative Urban Alchemy an award-winning studio working at the intersection of art, architecture, urban design, and planning centering cultural heritage.
With a career spanning two decades, she has significantly impacted urban design and development projects, partnering with prestigious institutions like the United Nations, FIFA, and the NYC Mayor’s Office.
Her work as an artist has been rooted in dynamic diasporic understandings of the Black experience and she has used her craft to advocate for, design/plan with and visually showcase the stories of communities of color.
“‘Osisi Obodo’ demonstrates how public art and design can respond to climate change while strengthening community, honoring cultural heritage, and creating spaces where people can gather, find relief, and imagine a more resilient future together.””
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