Mural at Calcagno Homes in Yonkers is Highlight of Two-Year Public Art Project, 150 Pieces of Artwork to 7 Properties
The Yonkers Housing Authority and Yonkers Arts recently unveiled a colorful mural at Calcagno Homes celebrating local success stories and African-American culture. The mural called the “Come up” painted by Yonkers artist Robin Alcantara is one of more than 150 pieces of art that has been added to Yonkers Housing Authority properties like Calcagno.
From colorful murals to framed watercolors, oils and pen and ink drawings, artwork has been installed at properties across the housing authority as part of a two-year public art project funded by the Mulford Corporation, which raises funds to supplement the housing authority programs. The board voted to allocate $200,000 to commission Yonkers Arts to coordinate the project using local artists and artists of color.
The Yonkers Housing Authority manages 1,700 units of housing in addition to administering more than 5,000 vouchers through its Housing Choice Voucher Program, providing affordable housing.
The project is the ‘brain-child’ President and CEO Wilson Kimball who said she believes in the power of art to inspire. “Not only does looking at beautiful art make us feel better by raising our serotonin levels, it can also increase blood flow which increases brain function. Art is not only beautiful, but it is also beneficial to our health,” said Kimball.
So far Yonkers Arts has added artwork at the following properties: Walsh Houses, Calcagno Homes, Charles L. Curran Court, Kris Kristensen Homes, John E. Flynn Manor, Martinelli Manor, and finally, Monsignor Troy Manor.
“Yonkers Arts believes that art is multifaceted and can break down barriers. Through exploring multiple techniques and mediums, this project allowed us to understand the needs of each resident to enhance their living experiences,’’ said Ray Wilcox, Executive Director of Yonkers Arts. “It also had the benefit of bringing a cohort of diverse and local artists directly to these communities. Something extremely important to the organization.”
The work of the following artists are now on display at YHA properties:
- Shanequa Benitez, Artists in Residence Program
- Luisa Baptiste, Evan Bishop, Brian Cannady, Pedro Fernandes: Walsh Road Window Installations.
- Biagio “Gino” Civale – Walsh Road and Curran Court and Troy Manor.
- Katori Walker – Kris Kristensen
- Satish Joshi – John E. Flynn Manor
- Emily Stedman, Lee Romero – Martinelli Manor
- Mary Hardiman, and Lee Romero – Troy Manor.
- Nancy Mendez – Curran Court
- 90 and Robin Alcantara – Calcagno Homes
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