The Rochester ‘Sterile Look’ is Going Away Thanks to New Murals

I'm so excited for Rochester!  In the last few weeks we've seen a bit more color happening in our town thanks to some local artists creating chalk drawings and painting the cement barriers surrounding some temporary patios for local businesses.   It was just announced that we will now have murals to add to the art in our town.

Back in January, I went on a 3,020-mile road trip and when I came back I wrote a story about how I thought Rochester was missing one BIG thing - art.  You can re-read that story here and see some of the art I found on my trip if you'd like.  But, I am happy to say that Rochester is getting a little less sterile and adding a little more color.  Personally, I am thrilled and very excited to see the talent that some of our local artists will be bringing to our community.

The City of Rochester, in partnership with RNeighbors, is pleased to share that 15 artists have been selected for the creation of permanent outdoor painted murals throughout Rochester neighborhoods in the fall of 2020. This partnership is part of the City Council’s Support for People initiative to create job opportunities for local artists who are not fully employed due to COVID-19. Several of the artists are working with local businesses, who’s walls will serve as canvas for the art. Other locations are public properties throughout the city that will benefit from the presence of art. Work can start on September 22 and needs to be completed by November 1, 2020. - City of Rochester

Where will the new murals be located?  Watch for the new art to show up at Little Thistle, Cook Park, Grey Duck Theatre, Forager, Oak Terrace and the Meadow Park neighborhood. and others throughout our community.

Who are the artists?  15 artists have been selected for the projects.  Get to know a few of the artists below:

• Sierra Renee Garza, - painting a mural at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester  “I’m proud to be a part of such a giving community in which people’s creativity is given credit and limelight. As a small artist I feel grateful that I can experience such opportunities.”
• Amarama Vercnocke - painting mural at Harriet Bishop Elementary   “As a small business owner artist who has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 severely, it means the world to me to be able to go back to work. For years I have been saying “pay artists for their time” and it’s a relief to finally see that happen. I love more art out in the public for everyone to enjoy!”

Learn more about the project and how funding was provided here.

Are you a local artist?  I'd love to learn more about you and what you love to create!  Please, please message me on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.

Listen to Jessica Williams weekdays from 6 am until 10 am on Y105FM's Early Morning Show with James Rabe and Jessica Williams