From teaching youth aerial photography to park revitalization, four Trenton creatives have launched community projects with $10,000 in grant funds.
Isles, a Trenton-based social justice organization founded in 1981, awarded its Creek to Canal Creative (C2C) district Trenton Creative Network grant in May to fund artists’ community projects in Trenton’s downtown Creek to Canal district.
Trentonians Joseph Deacon, Raven George, Habiyb Shu’Aib, and Phillip McConnell each received $2,500 of the $10,000 grant.
“I am proud that we can do it in this current political and economic climate and strongly believe in the projects that were selected,” said Tyquan Benton, a special projects manager at Isles. “They are all aligned with Isles’ and C2C’s mission and goals, and they all provide educational components where residents can learn.”
The C2C district, Benton said is a community-driven initiative led by Isles, designed to uplift creative projects that celebrate culture, encourage community connection, and activate downtown public spaces in Trenton.
Benton said each of the artists’ projects, “incorporate opportunities for residents to volunteer and participate. I believe they will inspire more artists to do projects with or without grant funding.”
Earlier this year, Isles’ opened applications for the grant and received 27 applicants.
Benton said the winners were chosen by a grant selection committee comprised of members from arts nonprofit Artworks Trenton, the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, and Isles.
Here’s more about the four artists who are using their creative talents to better their home city.
Trenton FireCapt. Joseph Deacon, 39, who’s also an entrepreneur and real estate developer, has been a firefighter with the Trenton Fire Department for over 10 years.
When he’s not helping put out fires, Deacon said he is a visual storyteller and public engagement artist who works with drone photography and videography.
“As a firefighter and community builder, I’ve always believed in empowering the next generation through mentorship and hands-on skill-building,” said Deacon. “The C2C grant gives us the opportunity to merge technology, creativity, and youth leadership to spotlight the beauty and resilience of Trenton.”
Deacon’s “Sky’s the Limit Project” is a youth-driven drone initiative where students will use aerial photography and videography to document key community landmarks, stories, and events.
“I chose this project because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when young people can see their city, and their future, from a new perspective,” said Deacon, who launched his project in August.
Raven George, 29, is a multimedia artist who explores themes of healing, identity, and emotional intimacy through drawing and painting.
“I’m deeply grateful to be the only Black woman selected for this creative experience. This platform is giving me the space to lean fully not only into leadership, but into my highest self,” said George. “Trusting myself to show up with intention, to inspire while being inspired, and to use both my voice and art unapologetically, that’s the key to it all.”
In early June, George launched her “Creek to Canvas: Creativity Flows Like Water” project where she hosts a series of free art and nature centered events aimed at transforming Trenton’s Roberto Clemente Park into a community hub.
George said the events include interactive workshops, eco-inspired art making, gardening, improv acting, neighborhood cleanups and mural painting.
The series will culminate with a celebration event where a permanent public art installation at Roberto Clemente Park will be unveiled in October.
“With the current climate of our environment, there’s no telling what tomorrow holds,” said George. “That’s why I choose to invest my energy in solution-driven action that organizes the people. Because when we move as one, we are truly unstoppable.”
Phillip McConnell, 34,is a multidisciplinary artist who works as a filmmaker, writer, director, poet, spoken word performer, and photographer.
On June 28 and 29, McConnell began filming the behind-the-scenes production of Artworks Trenton’s “Art All Night” 18th annual 24-hour art and entertainment event at the War Memorial building, in Trenton.
With his project “Art All Night–The Documentary,” McConnell said he wants to show, “the people, the process, and the passion that brings the event to life. I chose this project because Artworks is the reason I became an artist. It’s not just a space — it’s a cornerstone of the community.”
Throughout this year, McConnell said he will also film other Artworks Trenton events and exhibitions to capture the nonprofit’s impact on the Trenton community.
“This is the first time I’ve ever received funding to support a film project. Up to now, everything I’ve created has come out of my own pocket,” said McConnell. “So, for an organization like Isles to not only read my proposal but believe in it enough to fund it, (this) means a lot. It shows they see value not just in me, but in the story I’m trying to tell.”
Habiyb Ali Shu’Aib, 39, a photographer and visual artist, said he primarily works with digital photography, focusing on street and documentary style photos.
Shu’Aib’s project, “Trenton Through the Lens: A Creative Photo Walk,”aims to bring together local photographers and community members to explore and capture downtown Trenton’s culture, architecture, and everyday life.
“Trenton is home to me and I want others, both locals and those from outside, to see the city’s beauty and stories through fresh eyes,” said Shu’ Aib.
Shu’Aib plans to host his first community photo walk in September.
“Winning this grant means the world to me. It validates my vision and gives me the support needed to bring my (project) to life,” said Shu’ Aib. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to highlight the beauty and stories of Trenton, and I’m excited to share this journey with the community.”
To attend or support each artist’s project/events: Phillip McConnell at be reach via his website or Facebook page; Habiyb Ali Shu’Aib can be reach via his website or Facebook page;Raven George be reached via her website and Facebook page; and Joseph Deacon can be reached via email at Info@learnedpotential.com.
Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com.
Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom, on Facebook at MosaicNJcom, on Twitter (X) at @MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.