On November 28, 2022, Thrive Collective hosted an interactive art exhibition at the Barclays Center during a game between the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic. While Kevin Durant was busy delivering a 45-point performance, visitors had the opportunity to collaborate on a mural with Thrive’s very own teaching artists. 

As quarter after quarter of the game passed, more and more color filled in the white gaps of the mural, while fewer and fewer stickers and postcards remained at the booths. It goes without saying that the night was a success.

For Brooklyn-born teaching artist Kadeem Phillip, however, the exhibition was more than just a fun and effective publicity event for Thrive. It was a special experience because it hit close to home. 

Five-minutes close to home, that is.

“When I say that I grew up in that neighborhood,” Kadeem wrote the day after the game in a series of social media posts, “I really mean I GREW UP IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.” 

Kadeem shared that he went to daycare, elementary and Junior high school in the vicinity of the Barclays Center, adding that he’s had “some of the craziest life changing moments there too.” 

Kadeem joined the Thrive team in January of 2022. Since then, he has participated and led mural programs at five different schools. 

“This has been a pretty surreal year,” he reflects in a post that depicts him painting at the Barclays Center. He elaborates: “This was definitely one of those moments where I just kinda sat with it & understood how cool it was.”

Kadeem wrapped up his posts with a note of gratitude and anticipation. “Thankful for everything life’s brought my way & I’m excited to see what else comes.” 

Similarly, we at Thrive Collective are grateful for everything 2022 has brought– from the most productive fall season in our history, to the completion of our 300th mural, to the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the Brooklyn Nets. 

And like Kadeem, we look forward to the future.

What will 2023 bring?