The commute to and from work, school and other daily activities for pedestrians and drivers in Long Island City just got more colorful — all with help from the community.
Queens artist Mark Salinas, who is the founder of the mural organization 7Train Murals, joined the Long Island City Partnership and the Department of Transportation on Wednesday to unveil the mural titled “Pedestrian Patterns” on the Thomson Avenue Bridge.
“The mural’s design is inspired by sneaker sole patterns and illustrates our daily commute from bright busy days to peaceful quiet evenings,” Salinas said. “The image begins bold and colorful and then transitions, with the rise and descent of the bridge’s architecture, into a quiet and camouflaged design.”
“Pedestrian Patterns” — which was part of the DOT’s Community Commission open call for art installations — was community-made with support from volunteers and local organizations such The Citizens Committee for New York City, LaGuardia Community College, International High School, Citi, the Falchi Building, Vanbarton Group, Re:Sources, and Janovic Paint and Decorating Centers.
“Thomson Avenue Bridge is a vital connector in Queens for thousands of daily commuter,” said Elizabeth Lusskin, president of the LIC Partnership. “With the addition of this beautiful new mural, we look forward to seeing it become a key point of interest in LIC.”
Going from 44th Drive to Skillman Avenue, the 6,000-square-foot piece is one of the largest community-made murals in the borough.
The mural, which was one of four new projects selected by the DOT, is made up of 25 colors plus one tinted background color on 33 panels.
“The beautification of vacant and vandalized public spaces improves the appearance of our neighborhood for local residents and visitors alike,” state Senator Michael Gianaris said. “The ‘Pedestrian Patterns Mural’ is an admirable addition to our community’s growing cultural fabric. I am pleased to see our community come together to make this area more lively.”
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