Arts group transforms White Plains construction projects into vibrant art pieces

Construction sites tend not to be the most visually appealing places, but a Westchester arts group is working to change that.

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2020, 10:38 PM

Updated 1,540 days ago

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Construction sites tend not to be the most visually appealing places, but a Westchester arts group is working to change that.
There's a hole or wooden fence on many corners in White Plains. With around 40 projects either approved or in the works citywide, the redevelopment isn't pretty.
ArtsWestchester is changing that by using bland construction walls as blank canvases.
Professional artist Oscar Lett is working on two of six murals. She's spray-painting on Hale and Maple avenues and touching up on South Broadway.
"Just feeling better than before you saw it. Something that's just generally positive, something that's uplifting," says Lett.
It's not a quick process -- from sketching to the final mural, it can take more than a week. Community members seem to be receptive to the plan so far.
"It changes the way the community sees itself," says Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester's director. "It really is about believing that you live some place that's vibrant and wanting to stay here."
Among the sites that have left residents wondering when things will be finished is the former Westchester Pavilion site, where reconstruction was approved in 2016. Minimal work has taken place since.
The developer, Lennar Corporation, says construction is expected to resume early next year.
 


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