We’re excited to unveil the design for the 12th Alley Art Project mural, created in collaboration with students of the High School Learning Center (HSLC).
The 2020 design was conceived and developed under the direction of Amy Ruza, youth and family programs educator, alongside artists Tori Burdick and Gigi Alvaré, former Rockwell director of education.
Art and design classes began in February, and during the COVID-19 school closure students continued to work with the artists remotely to imagine and finalize the design. We invite you to explore this presentation, celebrating the youth artists and their contributions that led to the final design.
The mural design represents growth, relationships, human connection to nature, personal transformations and the navigation of obstacles in their lives. Congratulations to students of the High School Learning Center who were part of the 2020 mural design course at The Rockwell and integral to the conception of the design:
- Jackson Allen
- Maya Barrett
- Alexis Cook
- Jordan Merchant
- Cory Morrow
- Carter Pavlik
- Katherine Reilly
- Lorelei Swarthout
This year’s mural was inspired by the exhibition Three Generations: Pablita Velarde, Helen Hardin and Margarete Bagshaw, currently on view at The Rockwell, that recognizes the multi-generational artwork of one family of the Santa Clara Pueblo. The design connects to the Museum’s 2020 annual theme, Advancing Women, by highlighting women artists and empowering women’s roles and contributions to society. It also emphasizes our connection to plants, water, air and the environment and the vital role we play in protecting and preserving mother earth.
The Alley Art Project is a powerful program for everyone involved, especially for the students who build a strong network of relationships; the program encourages self-expression and fosters community by extending art outside the museum walls and into the outdoor public sphere.
We greatly value the special partnership with the High School Learning Center and the C-PP Area School District. The tremendous support provided by Dave Quackenbush, Lead Teacher and the team of HSLC teachers and administrative staff strengthens the success of the program year after year. Together, students, teachers, professional artists and educators have brightened up Corning’s alleyways with stunning, student-led masterpieces. The production of public art in the Corning community is a result of substantial partnerships with Corning’s Gaffer District, the City of Corning, local and professional artists and supportive business owners.
The Alley Art Project would not exist without the building walls of business owners who provide the blank canvases to paint. Owners Tammy and Joe Carey have graciously provided their building façade at Carey’s Brew House (58 Bridge Street) for a second mural to be painted on their building this summer. We look forward to adding another mural to Corning’s Northside!
*Please note that the mural timeline is subject to change based on COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. Painting of the mural is slated to begin in September; all necessary safety precautions will be taken to protect students, teachers, artists and staff.
The 2020 Alley Art Project is made possible in part by support from The Triangle Fund and Great Circle Foundation, Inc.
About the Alley Art Project
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The Alley Art Project is a result of a special collaboration between The Rockwell Museum and the High School Learning Center of the Corning-Painted Post Area School District. Each year, students create individual works of art that evolve into elements of a larger mural design to be painted in the Corning community. Students earn arts credits and community service hours toward their high school diploma during the time spent with Rockwell educators. The Alley Art Project supports students through the vigorous process of designing and producing public art – while cultivating a sense of pride and ownership in the community. This program, which continually receives positive feedback from community residents and leaders, continues to provide an excellent opportunity for students to strengthen their connection to the community in which they live by enabling them to meaningfully contribute to the aesthetics of the city.
For more information or questions about the Alley Art Project, please contact Amy Ruza at ruzaa@rockwellmuseum.org.