Park News Article
Newest Capital Walls Mural Coming to Quackenbush Square this Weekend
September 2, 2022
The Albany Parking Authority funds new mural painted in downtown Albany by NYC artist
ALBANY, NY– The Albany Parking Authority, along with their partners at the Albany Center Galley and the Albany Barn, have officially announced a new mural coming to Albany’s Quackenbush Square, which is currently undergoing a number of renovations and enhancements funded by the New York State Department of State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
Once competed, this project will bring a new vibrancy to the area around theAlbany Skyway and encourage visitors to further explore Downtown Albany. Work is set to begin on Friday, September 2nd and be completed by Tuesday, September 6th.
Located on the I-787 support wall that is north of the Skyway entrance on Broadway, this newest painting is part of the Capital Walls mural collaboration which helps spread creativity throughout the city while promoting walkability and tourism. The murals that have been created as a part of this program have become landmarks in the city and attract visitors from all over the country who wish to experience these stunning works of art firsthand. The Capital Walls program continues to deliver on its goal of helping to drive development in the City of Albany by of providing artists the opportunity to help transform often overlooked areas of the city with meaningful, uplifting works of art.
As part of this collaborative effort, the Albany Parking Authority has brought in New York City Muralist Adam Fujita. Throughout his childhood in San Francisco, Fujita spent time making artwork with spray paint, and eventually transitioned into public art when he moved to New York City. Now, his work focuses on letter-based murals with an overarching theme of inclusivism and community, with his signature bright neon and whimsical style.
“With all the division and marginalization that has become commonplace in our society, I wanted to create an inclusive mural based on a phrase of belonging. I wanted to design signage that was bright and playful but that also has a profound meaning. The additional illustrations of the dripping heart, emojis and rose are commonplace in my work and my hope with this mural is that the viewer will feel invited to come up close to it and that the message will bring peace to the community,” said Adam Fujita.
“We are excited to welcome Adam to the #CapitalWalls mural program in the City of Albany. Each new mural shares a special message, and Adam’s message of belonging is something that will shine bright and will connect us with the City, ourselves, and each other. This message continues to illuminate how we can bring people together through the power of art,” said Tony Iadicicco, Executive Director of Albany Center Gallery and Curator of Capital Walls.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, talented team of people through the #CapitalWalls program, and for the ability to play a part in this process that will ultimately give the City another beautiful, uplifting piece of public art. And the work is that much more impactful when you have great partners to work with, which includes Albany Center Gallery,Adam Fujita, and the Albany Parking Authority,” said Casey V. Polomaine, Executive Director of Albany Barn, Inc.
“The Albany Parking Authority is pleased to help bring another Capital Walls mural to Downtown Albany. Since the completion the first mural in 2016 the Parking Authority has had the privilege to partner on more than a dozen of these transformative works, all of which have brought new and returning visitors to New York’s Capital City.Adams mural will bring a vibrant and unique energy to area around the Skyway and the newly updated Quackenbush Square. This piece will be a must see for both residents and visitors alike, it is like nothing we have done before with Capital Walls.” said Matthew Peter, Executive Director of the Albany Parking Authority.
“Public art is an integral component in revitalizing our downtown urban communities. The Capital Walls initiative is transforming concrete slabs into an urban canvas and making the entranceway to the Albany Skyway even more welcoming. Thank you to the Albany Parking Authority, the Albany Center Gallery and Albany Barn for coming together to further reimagine and beautify Quackenbush Square, and to artist Adam Fujita for showing visitors and residents alike what makes Albany a great place to live, work and visit,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
September 2, 2022
Media Contact:
Andrew Mangini
518-598-6324
