Mural Project to create Employment and Increased Vibrancy

Mural Project to create Employment and Increased Vibrancy

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Artists Selected and Announced for Local Mural Project to create Employment and Increased Vibrancy throughout the City

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.

Sierra Renee Garza and Ben Rivas will paint their mural at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester site.

Sierra Renee Garza, who will paint a mural at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester shares, “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.”

Grant amounts will be provided based on the square footage of the mural, with compensation ranging from $1,500 – $4,000.  Some of the site included in the proposals are Little Thistle, Cook Park, Grey Duck Theatre, Forager, Oak Terrace and Meadow Park neighborhood and others.

Amarama Vercnocke’s mural will be painted at Harriet Bishop Elementary.

Local artist Amarama Vercnocke, who will paint at Harriet Bishop Elementary, said, “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!”

“Art brings neighbors together, as we saw with the Chalk the Walk event. This project is allowing for permanent murals to be spread throughout our community. This art will be visible throughout neighborhoods for all to enjoy, in parks, on small businesses, and on schools,” shares Rene Halasy, Executive Director with RNeighbors.

Funds for the project are from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) funding.   More information can be found here.

A digital version of the release can be found here.

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