Astoria
May 28, 2014

The 5th Annual Welling Court Mural Project Is Here June 14

With the whitewashing of 5 Pointz still on the minds of some in the community, a great way to continue to enjoy and support street art is by attending the 5th (…)

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pigeons-welling-court

Pigeons, photographed in 2011.

With the whitewashing of 5 Pointz still on the minds of some in the community, a great way to continue to enjoy and support street art is by attending the 5th Annual Welling Court Mural Project’s Opening. In the words of the organizers, Garrison & Alison Buxton, Come celebrate art and community with us as together we make the world a better place! Forever we are one.”

rise-welling-court

Rise, photographed in 2011.

If you haven’t been by the Welling Court murals, you are in for a treat. There is some fantastic art on the walls. I walked around there a few years back and here are some of my photos. The precursor to the Mural Project as an organized sort of thing was in 2009 when when Ad Hoc Art was invited by the community of Welling Court to ” slay some aesthetic blights” in the neighborhood, which can feel somewhat industrial (it’s not far from Two Coves Community Gardens, though). In 2010, the first year of the Mural Project, there were over 44 murals created, and every year since they’ve been able to welcome crews of legendary and groundbreaking artists. Their work really does transform the neighborhood.

combo pack welling court

Photographed in 2011.

The art is, of course, up 24/7 but the Welling Court Mural Project is having their opening event on Saturday, June 14th, 2014 from noon to 8 p.m. Here is more info on the artists: 

These renowned artists in the Welling Court Mural Project create site-specific works to provide new arrays of visual experiences which change how people experience and interact with their environment. This grassroots project has received remarkable appreciation as it brings art from around the world directly to the heart of this eclectic community, which grows more vibrant with each additional wall, creator, and enthusiast.

Artists Include: Abe Lincoln, Jr., AM, Alison Buxton, Beau Stanton, Billy Mode, Brian Life, Cake, Caleb Neelon, Cern, Cey Adams, Christopher Cardinale, Chris RWK, Chris Stain, Clown Soldier, Col Wallnuts, CRASH, Cycle, Dan Witz, Danielle Mastrion, Dennis McNett, Don Leicht, El Kamino, Ellis Gallagher, Free5, Fumero, Garrison Buxton, Gilf!, Greg Lamarche, Hellbent, Icy & Sot, Jamie Hef, Joe Iurato, John Breiner, John Carr, John Fekner, Katie Yamasaki, Kimyon Huggins, Lady Pink, Lmnopi, LogikOne, Mare139, Mensen, Mike Fitzimmons, Never, ND’A, Pablo Power, Peat Wollaeger, Queen Andrea, R. Nicholas Kuszyk, Rene Gagnon, Rex Dingler, Royal Kingbee, Rubin, Russell King, Ryan Seslow, SeeOne, Sheryo, Shok-1, Sinned, Skewville, Sonni, SpazeCraft, Subtexture, Steven Cogle, Thundercut, TooFly, Veng RWK, Vera Times, Vexta, Wane COD, The Yok, Zam, Zed & more.

This fifth round continues the project’s tradition of showcasing the artistry with the annual block party where the multi-talented hosts display their cultural culinary, music, and dance skills. While this tiny neighborhood provides some major ambience & hospitality, it cannot provide for all attendees, so think of this as a big picnic-potluck-art-fun-social and bring some of your favorite tasty foods, beverages, or other contributions to share. 

In addition to the murals and festivities, there will be art activities taught by participating artists. And for the aural side of things there will be music from the eclectic AtotheK & Sleptember, and more of the Project’s favorite DJ’s “blending sublime block party beats to massage your eardrums and keep you moving.” Food will not be provided, so bring something to eat and drink that you can share—organizers welcome some potluck action going on.

This should be a very interesting, stimulating, and artistic day and is an event not to be missed especially for fans of street art.

11-98 Welling Court, @ 30th Ave & 12th Street, Astoria, NY 11102, Facebook invite

About Meg Cotner

Meg Cotner was trained as a harpsichordist and now works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of "Food Lovers' Guide to Queens," and is a skilled and avid home cook, baker, and preserver.

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