BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (PIX11) – Art wins!
For years, a vibrant image of Biggie Smalls' debut album graced the corner of Suydam Street in Bushwick, adored by residents like James McKenna, who cherished the neighborhood's artistic spirit.
"What I like about this neighborhood is how accepting of artwork we tend to be," he shared.
Hanna, a recent arrival, viewed the mural as a vibrant thread woven into the rich tapestry of Brooklyn, appreciating its contribution to the borough's unique character.
"I know other people feel certain ways about it, but I think it's just a great sense of culture and community," she said.
However, the arrival of the Emerald Cannabis Dispensary last week brought a dark cloud. Regulations from the Office of Cannabis Management seemingly threatened the mural's existence, forcing the dispensary to cover up the artwork.
"We love the mural, we love the neighborhood," said Christina De Giovanni, the dispensary's CEO, emphasizing their forced cover-up as a "bitter pill to swallow."
But amid the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. It turned out to be a "miscommunication" with the Office of Cannabis Management, leading to confusion after they said it violated advertising regulations.
"We're glad to clear up that miscommunication," sighed De Giovanni.
Over the weekend, the dispensary power-washed the anti-graffiti paint and restored the mural, revealing the beloved image of Biggie Smalls' debut album once more.
"We're glad to move forward on this, and we're glad to bring it back," said De Giovanni.
"I think it's great they were able to get it back up there," echoed Hanna, reflecting the community's relief and joy.
It's a victory for art, Biggie Smalls, and Bushwick's vibrant spirit.
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