News
September 26, 2022Capital Walls Announces Completion Of New Mural In Schenectady
Capital Walls, a public art initiative founded in 2016, has completed a new mural in Schenectady in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County. This is the first of a series of new three murals in the city of Schenectady thanks to a statewide Downtown Revitalization Initiative award of $67,000. The newest mural, located at 115 North Broadway, Schenectady, NY on the expansive Habitat For Humanity Restore building, is titled “Imagine” and was created by local Schenectady-based artists Dha’Sean Serrano & Oscar Bográn.
Mural Artist Dha’Sean Serrano said “Schenectady has powered my imagination ever since I was a little kid. It had all the right elements to bring my dreams to life. Throughout my years as a local resident, I encountered many teachers from various areas of teachings who all encouraged one common message… ‘to imagine.’ To imagine yourself as this or that, to imagine yourself as anything you wish. This mural is dedicated to that message, philosophy, and the youth of Schenectady.” Dha’Sean “Skillz” Serrano was born in the Bronx and raised in Schenectady. He was a student of the performing arts community and was one of the original members of The Hamilton Hill Steel Drum Band. As a self-taught freelance artist, choreographer, musician, music producer and audio engineer, one thing he never left home without was his “black book” and pencil. Expanding his artwork from sketches to canvases, clothing, logos and murals has led Dha’Sean on a path to create personal pieces for customers all over and to expand his business, Touch of New York (T.O.N.Y), collaborating with all types of artists one piece at a time.
Mural Artist Oscar Alberto Bográn said “Our goal is to empower the community of Schenectady, particularly youth of color who long for role models in their lives. As a father and a Latino dealing with the struggles of today, I want to leave a legacy that will help empower them. To encourage those who are following in my footsteps to never stop dreaming and never stop imagining the possibilities, because truly, they are endless. I dedicate this mural to my son Oscar.” Oscar Alberto Bográn was born in Honduras, Central America and raised in NYC. With a Masters in Fine Arts From Tufts University and The School Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Bográn is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on the social: the state of contemporary religion, American capitalism and the disparity of communities of color.
Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn, Electric City Barn, Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, & Schenectady Habitat Restore collaborated in development, management, and execution of the #CapitalWalls mural. Additional support was provided by Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority and the Schenectady County Legislature County Initiative Program. The DRI award is administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal. Foundational support for Capital Walls by Albany Parking Authority.
Madelyn Thorne, Executive Director of the Schenectady Habitat, said “Schenectady Habitat is delighted to offer our ReStore wall as a canvas for urban art in collaboration with NYS DRI, Albany Barn, Albany Center Gallery and, of course, the talented artists of Capital Walls, whose work will inspire us for many, many years to come.”
Casey Polomaine, Executive Director of Albany Barn Inc, said “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, talented team of people through the Capital Walls program, and for the ability to forge new, impactful relationships with our artists and the hardworking team behind the Schenectady Habitat & ReStore. My hope is that this piece will inspire all those who see it and help us continue the conversation about the importance of public art in the Capital Region.”
Tony Iadicicco, Executive Director of Albany Center Gallery, said “To be able to cultivate community through public art is the whole point. To be able to collaborate with Skillz (Dha’Sean) and Oscar on a mural that is so personal to them is inspiring– to everyone who experiences this artwork. The mural is called ‘IMAGINE’ for a reason. Thank you to the team for making this vision become a reality!”
Kristin Diotte, Director of Planning & Development, City of Schenectady, said “The Imagine piece becomes a key element in the experience of the downtown right before our eyes. A former void in the city is met with love and imagination. The Habitat building becomes an expression of dreams coming to life. When creatives living and investing in their community can express their stories and inspire positive outcomes, true revitalization is realized.
About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative:
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative launched in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment in all ten regions of the state. The initiative represents an unprecedented and innovative plan-to-act strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation.
In the first five years of the program, the state committed $600 million to invest in downtowns that are ripe for revitalization and have the potential to become magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, greater economic and housing diversity, and opportunity. Governor Hochul launched the sixth round of the DRI with $100 million allocated, along with the first round of New York Forward, a new program for smaller and rural communities. Participating communities are nominated by the state’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils based on the downtown’s potential for transformation. Each community is awarded funds to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization.
The initiative is headed by New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. Communities receive support from private sector experts and a team of state agency staff led by the Department of State in close partnership with Empire State Development, and state Homes and Community Renewal.
About Capital Walls:
#CapitalWalls is a partnership of Albany Center Gallery & Albany Barn, with foundational support from Albany Parking Authority. This endeavor seeks to inspire with uplifting, educational, or thought-provoking works of public art. Starting in 2016, there are now 18 murals by local, regional, national, and international artists. Many are first time muralists, but some are well-established, well-known muralists. #CapitalWalls has worked with local and internationally-renowned artists to elevate the cultural profile of Albany (and now Schenectady!) with uplifting, educational, and thought-provoking murals and works of public art that help create a sense of place that is attractive to a broad audience of residents, commuters, and visitors.
