News Article

Albany Parking Authority, Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn Reveal Plans for Two Additional Murals Downtown

July 17, 2019

For Immediate Release

July 17, 2019

Media Contact: Andrew Mangini 518-598-6324, [email protected]

Albany Parking Authority, Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn Reveal Plans for Two Additional Murals Downtown

Artists contributing to downtown revitalization set to begin work this week

ALBANY, NY – The Albany Parking Authority, Albany Center Gallery and Albany Barn today detailed plans for the next two murals to be unveiled downtown.

The creations will leave Albany with eleven #CapitalWalls murals throughout downtown, the result of a partnership over the last few years, which also included two murals by artists Arzu Fallahi and Vanessa Mastronardi earlier this year. These new murals will play a key role in highlighting the future Skyway project, which will turn an underutilized offramp into a pedestrian connector to the waterfront. Also, this area of downtown will see significant investment from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding that was announced last year.

For the next two murals, artists John Breiner and NDA are bringing their creative touch to Albany, embracing the city’s past and future through their work. Breiner plans on portraying the intimacy between nature and transportation. Work on each mural will begin within the next two weeks.

“My work is highly-inspired by nature, the passing of time, and the reclaiming of surfaces,” said Breiner. “Upon visiting the location, I was intrigued to learn that Herman Melville, the author of Moby Dick, spent his childhood living amongst the views of the Hudson River, here in Albany. It inspired me to paint a nod to his story and his love for the sea.”

Also noting the importance of such transportation methods to Albany’s history, NDA’s abstract mural will take aim at the relationship between industry and environment.

“The grey and copper areas reference building and industry, while the blue speaks to the Hudson and its historical importance in transportation,” said NDA.

“Art plays a key role in building community and a sense of place, and we’re fortunate to live in a city that encourages public access to art for its residents and visitors. I am thrilled to be part of an effort to highlight creatives who share stories through their art and produce inspiring works that can enrich and transform spaces that have been passed by for decades,” said Tony Iadicicco, Executive Director of the Albany Center Gallery and Curator of Capital Walls.

““The partnership between the Albany Parking Authority, the Albany Center Gallery and the Albany Barn on the Capital Walls project has created truly great public art in downtown Albany. As Albany continues to grow and become more walkable, public art is a key to establishing the City’s vibrancy. Once again, we are proud to be investing in placemaking that further denotes Albany as a destination for both residents and visitors alike to discover the great things our City has to offer,” said Albany Parking Authority Executive Director Matthew Peter.

“The City could not be more excited for another splash of color to be added downtown, especially when focused on industry and transportation that has shaped how and where we each work today. The City applauds all of the partners and we can’t wait to see the finished pieces of art,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

“The City of Albany is a tremendous partner with the Department of Transportation, and we continue to collaborate on a number of projects for the betterment of its residents. We are pleased to be part of this city-state partnership, which will help intertwine the City’s infrastructure with a vibrant arts scene,” said New York State Department of Transportation Region 1 (Capital Region) Director Patrick Barnes.

“As we continue to work through another mural season, it is encouraging to have such positive public response to a project that has created opportunity for local artists, brought internationally renowned artists to work in downtown Albany, and transformed ordinary spaces into vibrant and valuable public assets,” said Kristen Holler, Executive Director of the Albany Barn.

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About the Albany Parking Authority

The Albany Parking Authority’s mission is to provide secure, convenient and affordable parking in support of economic development in the City of Albany. The Albany Parking Authority manages more than 5,000 parking spaces to serve those that live, work or visit New York’s Capital. The Authority was established in 1983 and is authorized to construct, operate and maintain city public parking facilities. The Authority receives no tax support or Federal, State, City or private grants.