Folk Art To Beautify UWS Broadway Malls

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A ten-block stretch of the Upper West Side's main drag is about to get a lot more folksy.

The Lincoln Square Business Improvement District and the American Folk Art Museum are teaming up to beautify barriers on the Broadway malls between West 60th and 70th streets, the organizations announced. Volunteers with New York Cares will help install murals using stencils that reflect works in the museum's permanent collection.

"This collaboration represents the colorful culture and lively atmosphere we strive to always provide for the Lincoln Square community, for our businesses, residents and all visitors," Monica Blum, president of the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, said in a statement. "The Lincoln Square BID is excited to expand its beautification efforts to enhance the pedestrian experience and offer a small taste of the many cultural offerings our neighborhood offers."

Barrier murals will be installed in the following locations:

• 60th street (north side);
• 63rd street (both sides);
• 64th street (north side);
• 67th street (both sides);
• 70th street (south side).

The murals will alternate between two original designs created by graphic designer Kate Johnson of the firm Dresser Johnson, BID officials said. Both designs draw inspiration from 19th-century works in the collection of the American Folk Art Museum. The works are "Baskets Quilt" by an unknown 19th century artist and 1853's "Applique Bedcover" by Sarah Ann Garges of Pennsylvania.

"The American Folk Art Museum is thrilled to bring folk art out onto the streets of Lincoln Square," Jason T. Busch, Director of the American Folk Art Museum, said in a statement. "Folk art is art created by those whose creativity comes from within oneself and is often drawn from one’s experiences rather than formal training. Indeed, this self-taught art reflects the diversity and creativity of New York, and a neighborhood that is a learning corridor of the city."

The murals are expected to be fully installed before the Nov. 26 Winter's Eve festival and will stay up for about a year, BID officials said. The BID and the museum hope to keep the project running each year after with newly-designed murals.

Renderings courtesy Lincoln Square Business Improvement District