The Capital Walls public art movement is creating new meaning in Downtown Albany’s urban spaces.
In this project, participating artists select an otherwise undecorated and under-utilized space – such as a parking garage, highway underpass, or building facade – and embellishes it with their own interpretation and style.
To showcase the art and artists, CDPHP Cycle recently sponsored a bike tour exploring the downtown murals. CDPHP Cycle is a bike share program made possible through a collaboration between CDTA and CDPHP.
The Albany Center Gallery, a non-profit organization with the mission of showcaseing emerging artists in and around the Capital Region, organized and hosted the mural tour.
Tony Iadicicco and Karina Wojnar, Albany Center Gallery staffers, served as guides and offered insight into each artist and their respective vision.
They also encouraged bikers to have an interactive experience with each mural. Learning from them, you’ll find a new perspective for all elements that the artists need to consider when creating this kind of outdoor, urban art.
As a bonus to this tour, two of the mural artists joined the group to showcase their work, sharing their personal stories and experiences with the Capital Murals project. You’ll find that these murals reflect Albany’s diversity and inclusivity. It’s a highlight of the tour and something you don’t want to miss!
The tour continues for two hours and leaves you off at the Olde English Pub outdoor garden, gathering all participants for appetizers and drinks.
These murals will continue to live and grow in downtown Albany thanks to important partners, and a recent $10 million state grant to improve and enhance downtown.
The Capital Murals Bike Tour is a must see in Albany. Be sure to check out the Albany Barn for more information on The Youth Mural Tour, which is a great opportunity for kids ages 8-18 t get involved.
And visit these websites to learn more: Albanycentergallery.org, Albanybarn.org, Cdphpcycle.com.
NOTE: The Albany Center Gallery requests that anyone taking photos should give credit to the artists when posting on social media or elsewhere.
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