Latest and largest art mural in downtown Schenectady draws community together

ElectriCity Arts and CREATE Community Studios create “A New Day” off Broadway

SCHENECTADY—Few things draw the community together like art. Its uplifting force brings smiles to faces and calms the heart; and that is the hope with “A New Day” —the new mural bringing light to Lamp Lane off Stratton Plaza in downtown Schenectady. The creation is a true testament to collaboration.

Brought to the public by ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District and CREATE Community Studios, “A New Day” was inspired by students in the Collaborative School of the Arts Broadway Camp and with Empire State Youth Orchestra’s CHIME program, both housed at Proctors.

“Like nearly all good things, this mural has been in the works for a very long time, first as part of an application for Schenectady’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative request to the State of New York in partnership with Metroplex,” commented the CEO of Proctors Collaborative, Philip Morris. “When we finally got through the COVID shutdown and it was possible to actually imagine what this mural could be, it was clear that celebrating the half million students that our Collaborative School of the Arts has touched should be our focus.”

The mural, the largest in Schenectady at 40 feet tall, has been making an impact on those in the area even before its completion. Using bright colors and symbolism, the artist hopes to elicit hope for all who see it.

The mural’s design started in 2023, when Heather Hutchison, executive director of CREATE Community Studios, began brainstorming sessions with the students at Proctors. Several key themes emerged such as hope, optimism, inclusivity and belonging. The final design also features a musical score, a nod to Proctors history and theatre. While the dark cloud symbolizes the hard days we must overcome.

“I hope that the design of the mural speaks for itself. It’s about how the arts help capture our emotions. And as an art therapist myself, that’s what I wanted to convey, that the arts bring us together, but they also really help us take a more difficult, like depression, anxiety, isolation, and then we’re moving into a new period of coming together in unity,” Hutchinson added.

ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District hosted a community paint day on Aug. 25 to draw people together. During the event people’s silhouettes were traced and added to the mural.

“I think the one thing that’s going to be unique is that the design of the mural features people dancing and celebrating. We’re going to be outlining a few actual people for their silhouettes to be featured on the mural. So that’s something that will be really, really unique!”

This public art initiative was made possible thanks to funding from New York State Homes & Community Renewal as part of Schenectady’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District is administering the project, with invaluable assistance from Schenectady Metroplex and the Albany Barn.

CREATE Community Outreach Coordinator Charlotte Mack and Proctors staff Virginia Montanye have been instrumental in helping with the implementation and painting of the mural.

The mural is currently available for viewing and is on track to be completed by the end of September. Don’t miss the opportunity to appreciate this symbol of togetherness.