Launched in 2009, Welling Court Mural Project has transformed Welling Court and its surrounding blocks in Astoria, Queens into a welcoming, wondrous open-air gallery. Under the curatorial direction of Alison Wallis, a diverse range of artists are now busily bringing their talents and visions to Welling Court in preparation for this weekend’s festivities. When visiting on Monday evening, I came upon several artists at work and a few newly fashioned murals. Pictured above is artist, curator and arts educator Alice Mizrachi with spray can in hand. Several more images follow:
Style master Noah TFP at work
The renowned Greg Lamarche aka Sp.One
Thailand-based artist Headache Stencil
The legendary Lady Pink, close-up from her almost-completed mural
Another detail from Lady Pink’s hugely impressive and uplifting mural
Japanese artist Shiro brings new vibes to her old spot
These next few days will bring many more artists to Welling Court culminating this weekend in a two-day festival. Featuring live painting a marketplace and more, it will take place June 25 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 11-25 30th Avenue.
Photos: Lois Stavsky
The Grandscale Mural Project, one of my favorite public art projects in town, brings vitality, color and intrigue to East Harlem. Since this past summer, I’ve revisited its current reiteration several times, always delighted by its diversity and charm.
The mural captured above — a portrait of public art administrator and producer Ayana Ayo — was painted by muralist and teaching artist Kristy McCarthy aka D. Gale. A few more images — almost certain to refuel your spirits in these uncertain times — follow:
Multidisciplinary Ecuadorian artist and educator Toofly
NYC-based visual artist and arts educator Lola Lovenotes
Multidisciplinary Brazilian-American artist Phes
Mexico-born artist Sandy Perez
Bronx-based artist and arts educator Lady K Fever
Bronx-bred style master Image
Photos: Lois Stavsky
For over a decade Welling Court and its surrounding blocks in Astoria, Queens have been a mecca of street art and graffiti, engaging a widely diverse group of artists, the local community, as well as the the general public. On our recent visit to Astoria, we were delighted to discover several new murals — curated by Alison C. Wallis — that have surfaced in these trying times on the walls of one of our favorite street art destinations. The image featured above was fashioned by the legendary Chris “Daze” Ellis. Several more murals — painted over the past few weeks — follow:
Bronx-bred El Souls
Lady Pink‘s tribute to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many more whose lives should have never been cut short
Greg Lamarche aka SP ONE, “Lift Every Voice”
Fumero, “The Glariator” with his name in flames
Bronx-based BG 183, Tats Cru
Queen Andrea, Love Always Wins
John “Crash” Matos and Joe Iurato with a message of LOVE
Also among the new works is a mural fashioned by the legendary John Fekner, to be captured when the sun cooperates!
Photo credits: 1, 6 & 7 Sara Ching Mozeson; 2 – 5 & 8 Lois Stavsky
Today, Saturday, June 9th, marks the ninth anniversary of the extraordinary community-driven Welling Court Mural Project, conceived and curated by Ad Hoc Art. While visiting yesterday, travel and street photographer Karin du Maire aka Street Art Nomad captured several artists at work, as well as a few completed murals. Pictured above is the wonderfully talented Queen Andrea at work. Several more images follow:
John “Crash” Matos — posing in front of his mural, based on a painting of his from 1980
Lmnopi
Joel Artista and Marc Evan at work on collaborative wall with Chris Soria
Netherlands-based Michel Velt at work
Cey Adams
KingBee at work
Peat Wollaeger aka Eyez
Herb Smith aka Veng, RWK, alongside his mural
Celebrate the launch of this model community-based mural project from 12pm – 8pm today at 11-98 Welling Court in Astoria, Queens. Check here for directions.
Photos by Karin du Maire