The scenery along a protected walkway on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst is about to get a makeover.
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has teamed up with New York Cares — a volunteer organization that runs programs for the NYC nonprofits, city agencies and public schools across each of the five boroughs — to beautify 820 linear feet of concrete barrier in both Queens and Manhattan.
The beautification project, which begins on Oct. 26 in Manhattan and Nov. 9 in Queens, is part of the 13th installment of the DOT’s Barrier Beautification program.
During the fall and spring, the Barrier Beautification program helps transforms concrete barriers from standard traffic safety equipment into extraordinary art canvases. The program also revitalizes public spaces throughout the city with bold, colorful designs.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9, 15 volunteers from New York Cares will assist Flushing-based artist Brittany Baldwin in painting the concrete barriers located along a protective walkway at Queens Boulevard between Woodhaven Boulevard and 59th Avenue.
Baldwin’s design is titled “Bounce” and is an abstract design inspired by the rebellious energy of graffiti writers and ancient writing, the artist said. Baldwin concentrated on the interaction between form, line and color in order to capture and convey the excitement of the city in her design.
Baldwin is an accomplished artist who was born and raised in Queens, and still lives in the borough. She received the Hugh A. Wilson Award for Excellence in Abstraction from Adelphi University, and her solo exhibitions include “Serious Fun” at Pratt Institute, as well as an upcoming solo show at Adelphi University in January 2017.
On Oct. 26, New York Cares volunteers will help install artist Frank Parga’s design onto concrete barriers located along the protected bike lane at South Street between Pike Slip and Clinton Street in Manhattan.
Since 2008, the DOT Art Program has installed more than 240 engaging temporary art installations across the city. As part of the Barrier Beautification program, a total of 33 barriers, spanning nearly six miles, have been beautified throughout four out of the five boroughs.
