By Keith Olson
To add to its burgeoning art scene, the rapidly developing Yonkers downtown waterfront neighborhood has a new, creative piece of street art. This dramatic addition comes in the form of a mural, spray-painted on the wall next to the old Yonkers Trolley Barn at 92 Main St.
The mural, which was created by world-renowned street artist Fumero, pays tribute to local hero Jef Campion. Not only was Campion a highly decorated Yonkers firefighter, he was an artist, humanitarian, volunteer, and 9/11 first responder. He passed away in January 2014.
Fumero, also known for his huge “Grandpa” mural on the Herald Statesman building in Larkin Plaza, was a dear friend of Campion. They often collaborated on works of art in Campion’s studio, a space now occupied by the Yonkers Brewing Co., at 92 Main St. Also contributing to the significance of the location of the mural is that Campion lived in the Trolley Barn lofts and that he was an early pioneer of the downtown Yonkers waterfront art scene.
Brilliantly and somewhat abstractly, Fumero created a mural that tells Campion’s story. If you take the time to study it, which so many already have, you learn of his artistic visions, his time spent at Ground Zero, his commitment to activism, his unparalleled dedication to the kids and families at Ronald McDonald House, his life as a firefighter and, of course, his indomitable spirit.
The committee responsible for the concept and execution of this project – including Yonkers firefighters Lou Vellucci, Joe Golusinski, PJ Goldfeder, Barry McGoey and Yonkers Police Detective Keith Olson – expressed thanks to Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, the Yonkers Brewing Co., The Pizza Place and Fumero, and all those who contributed to creating the mural.
There will be a mural dedication and celebration of Campion’s life Sept. 10 at Yonkers Brewing Co.