Poughkeepsie mural’s new look

(Poughkeepsie) - The Poughkeepsie Weed and Seed Initiative, a federal anti-crime program, will be sponsoring a new mural on Main Street to reflect the renaissance of downtown Poughkeepsie. The mural, which depicts well known figures from the area, is a pictorial representation of the importance of communication, arts and science on Main Street America. The new mural, which will be displayed on a restaurant wall in the upper 400 block, will replace a previous deteriorating mural that was done during more difficult times in the city. “This is an appropriate time to look not only where we came from, but where we are going,” City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Nancy Cozean said. “Throughout our City there are murals that depict different times of our urban history. This mural combines historic figures who have contributed to arts and science in the past, as well as contemporary figures who are laying a foundation for new enterprise on our Main Street corridor.”
Muralist Nestor Madalengoitia of Poughkeepsie is heading the project for Weed and Seed. The mural, he noted, like new development, should draw from the resources of its people and locality. “Artists are the ambassadors, the presenters to the outside world,” Madalengoitia said. “Through art we provide a sense of the uniqueness of our neighborhoods, homes, institutions, history and people.” The muralist will be working with, young people from the Poughkeepsie City School District to paint panels for the new mural. The subject matter of the mural and neighborhood was discussed previously at a public meeting with Weed and Seed officials.
The mural will showcase prominent Hudson Valley personalities such as Samuel F.B. Morse, who was a scientist and inventor of the telegraph, as well as an artist in the Hudson River School of Art. Along with him is scientist and innovator Tom Watson, who founded IBM, as well as a divers gathering of Poughkeepsie area residents. They represent the enterprising spirit of America, the muralist noted. A rendition of the former mural will be painted by Madalengoitia and hung in the Family Partnership Center.
Madalengoitia has created numerous public art projects throughout New York State and Poughkeepsie. Among other projects, he is noted for the mural he created on the 400 block near the new Alexander Hamilton building that depicts important historic and contemporary personalities that have contributed to the development of the Hudson Valley. The new mural is a continuation of a similar theme for the future.
Weed and Seed is a community-based strategy funded through the U.S. Department of Justice. It is an innovative approach to law enforcement, crime prevention and community revitalization. The City of Poughkeepsie is entering its second five year phase of the program.