Changing the Face of the Quackenbush Garage
Six larger than life birds have transformed one side of a downtown Albany parking garage, thanks to a collaboration between the Albany Parking Authority, Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn, and a number of Downtown organizations.
The soaring mural, approximately 25 feet by 85 feet, will adorn the north side of the Quackenbush Parking Garage and will most noticeable when exiting I-787 southbound onto Clinton Avenue (exit 4B). Featuring Eastern Bluebirds - the official New York State bird - in various stages of flight descending toward Broadway, the hand-painted addition to the garage will be seen by thousands as they arrive at a primary point of entrance to Downtown.
Designed and painted by Albany-based artist Michael Conlin of Conlin Studios, inspiration for the piece was in part downtown Albany as a gathering place to which people flock. “I am honored to have been selected to paint this mural. It is symbol for so much of the positive movement that has happened in Downtown Albany as of late,” he Conlin. “This is the biggest project I’ve ever taken on and it’s humbling to know that my work will be seen by tens of thousands of people every day.”
“Art inspires people to visit and explore communities. It is a connector and something that truly benefits everyone,” said Tony Iadicicco, executive director of the Albany Center Gallery. “There is no reason Albany can’t have an even more vibrant arts scene. The mural will quite literally paint the picture from the interstate that Albany is a city that has embraced the arts.”
"Downtown is home to the Grammy award-winning Albany Symphony Orchestra, a James Beard Nominee, three world class entertainment venues, destination retailers, and unparalleled history and architecture," stated Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. "With recent investments in residential and commercial projects, as well as the new Albany Capital Center, downtown Albany will be welcoming visitors from all over the world, and this mural is an excellent addition to the growing list of amenities in our Capital City that everyone can enjoy."
Curated by Downtown's Albany Center Gallery (located at 39 Columbia Street) and Albany Barn. The installation is being funded by the Albany Parking Authority, and will be completed in two to three weeks - depending on the weather. For updates on the mural, follow the BID on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
