In the heart of Queens, New York, the vibrant neighborhood of Rego Park is witnessing a remarkable transformation. A once-ordinary facade at 9262 Queens Blvd has become the canvas for a breathtaking mural that not only beautifies the area but also carries profound symbolic meaning. This transformation is the result of an innovative partnership between WXLLSPACE, a pioneering art-tech company, and Sonny ‘Sundancer’ Behan, a globally acclaimed artist known for his striking wildlife murals.
Titled “Lionheart,” the mural depicts a majestic lioness and her cub against a backdrop of vivid colors and dynamic compositions. It stands as a powerful symbol of protection, bravery, and nurturing strength—values deeply embedded in the ethos of Lionheart, a transitional housing development created by Westhab. This piece of public art serves as a daily reminder to the community of their potential for new beginnings and the significance of supporting one another.
Sonny Sundancer’s artistic journey has taken him across continents, from the galleries and streets of South Africa to New York City’s bustling urban landscape. His work blends realism with abstraction in a unique style that captures the essence and movement of nature. Sundancer’s commitment to conservation has led him to collaborate with esteemed organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), United Nations (UN), UNICEF, among others, using his art to advocate for protecting our natural world.
Jordan Giha founded WXLLSPACE with an ambition to revolutionize urban spaces through art. By commissioning stunning murals worldwide, Giha’s company contributes significantly to enhancing neighborhoods’ cultural and economic vitality. “Our venture is more than just a marketplace; it’s about building communities through art,” Giha shared. This collaboration between WXLLSPACE and artists like Sundancer exemplifies how street art can serve as much more than aesthetic enhancement—it can inspire change.
The Lionheart mural signifies an important moment for Rego Park—a beacon of hope reminding us all about resilience and unity. This initiative aligns perfectly with Westhab’s mission since its inception in 1981: providing supportive housing and services while fostering community development across Westchester County and New York City.
Westhab’s partnership with WXLLSPACE on this project reflects both entities’ dedication to leveraging creativity for social impact. “Art has transformative power—it can instill pride, foster connections, and inspire individuals,” said a spokesperson from Westhab. Through this collaboration, they have managed not only to adorn an urban space but also imbue it with hope and inspiration for residents and visitors alike.
The depiction of the lioness and her cub in Sonny Sundancer’s mural echoes Lionheart’s mission—providing shelter with dignity while encouraging courage among those it serves. Such imagery transforms Lionheart into more than just infrastructure; it becomes a vibrant emblem radiating hope for all who seek refuge within its walls.
This fusion between artistry, community service, and social responsibility represents how collective efforts can produce impactful results far beyond aesthetics alone—the Lionheart mural stands testament to this belief.
As this inspiring artwork continues to draw attention from residents and visitors alike in Rego Park, those interested in learning more or experiencing “Lionheart” firsthand are encouraged to visit 9262 Queens Blvd., Rego Park NY 11374. For media inquiries or interviews with Sonny ‘Sundancer’ Behan regarding his creative process or insights into this collaborative masterpiece, please reach out via www.wxllspace.com.
This initiative demonstrates that when communities come together through creativity and shared values, they can create something truly magnificent—not just visually but also in terms of social impact—setting an example for urban development projects everywhere.
Published By: Aize Perez
