A giant wall on West Tupper near Main Street is about to get a redo. The ‘Stars of the Season’ wall that currently exists will undergo a transformation into a vibrant mural, which is slated to get underway this month. Two Baltimore artists have been chosen to create the public work of art – Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn (known as Jessie and Katey). The mural project is a partnership between Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 710 Main Theatre, and the Albright-Knox as part of the gallery’s Public Art Initiative.
The two out-of-town talents were chosen to tackle the 32′ x 240′ work after curators conducted a search for accomplished talents with substantial track records. Jessie and Katey have collaborated on a number of large-scale works, including NYDOT’s 191st Street Subway Tunnel Beautification Project, and another noted piece via Philadelphia’s Murals Arts Program – Summer Kaleidoscope. They have been commissioned to create sensational works from as near as Rochester to as far away as Hawaii.
Jessie and Katey are know as rock stars in the business, creating vibrant pieces that befit gallery-esque works. Their combined portfolio is very impressive, especially in their hometown where they have created numerous bold, high profile works, including the one seen in the lead image – Open Walls 2 (part of an international art show, Open Walls Baltimore, Spring 2014).
The 710 Main Theatre Mural is scheduled to be completed by the end of June, 2016.
The mural is made possible with support from Gregory and Sandra Norwood. The Public Art Initiative is also supported by the County of Erie, the City of Buffalo, and Margie and Sandy Nobel.
