June 10, 2016 By Jackie Strawbridge
A new mural celebrating Greek philosophers and icons has come to 29th Street, as part of an effort that local officials hope will stave off graffiti.
The mural was painted on both sides of the overpass at 29th Street between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard through the community arts group 501(see)(streets). According to Council Member Costa Constantinides, it was created following conversations he had with the Federation of Hellenic Societies, located next to the overpass at 22-51 29th St., regarding a consistent graffiti problem there.
“We wanted to do something that fit with the Federation of Hellenic Societies’ theme, so we decided to do a mural that captured Greek-American heritage,” Constantinides said. “We felt this was a nice addition to the community and it would also alleviate this consistent graffiti that was going on in our neighborhood.”
Funding for the mural came from local officials including Constantinides as well as U.S. Rep Joseph Crowley, Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and State Sen. Michael Gianaris, the Councilman said. It cost $4,000 in total, according to his office.
Noah Sheroff, executive director of 501(see)(streets), said the mural took about a month to paint and was completed last weekend. The artists were Marthalicia Matarrita and Jorge Matarrita.
“[Astoria] is my favorite place to work because the community is so receptive,” Sheroff said. “They’re appreciative. It’s such a great place to work because of the community.”
501(see)(streets) also worked on an Astoria-themed mural that was painted on a 48th Street overpass last fall.
“I think we’re going to continue to strive to put more of these murals throughout the neighborhood,” Constantinides said. “There’s so many stories to be told.”
The Federation of Hellenic Societies could not be reached for comment.
