Underground Railroad Mural by Jonathan Matas

The City of Ithaca Public Arts Commission and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance will introduce the latest mural to the public with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:45 pm, on Friday September 3rd, prior to the start of First Friday Gallery Night. 

The 30 by 16 foot mural is located on Green Street beneath the Aurora St. bridge and was created by Brooklyn based artist Jonathan Matas.  The mural depicts scenes from the Underground Railroad in Ithaca as well as two prominent black leaders; Fredrick Douglas and Harriet Tubman.

A brief ceremony at the mural site will take place at 4:45 pm with cake and lemonade to follow in the butterfly/art alley connecting Green Street to the Commons. The public is invited to attend. 

 

The City of Ithaca Public Art Commission has three available seats for members of the community who are interested in the furthering public art opportunities within the city.  The Public Art Commission aims to facilitate the showcase of outdoor visual arts in the city's public spaces.  The Public Art Commission prepared and now implements the City of Ithaca's 2003 Public Art Plan. 

As part of these duties, the Commission is responsible for reviewing and advising the Common Council on all proposals for the display of public art and on the selection of acquired and donated art that will be added to the City's public art collection.  The Commission frequently works with artists as they develop proposals for public art as well.  Recent projects of the Commission include "Windows on Green" and "Watershed Wall," both of which are public art installations on the City's Green Street parking garage.

If you are interesting in joining the Public Art Commission, complete this "Resume Application for City Committees and Boards" and return to the City Clerk's Office.  For more information, please contact Megan Gilbert at (607) 274-6550 or mgilbert@cityofithaca.org.