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Flushing artist’s new mural in Elmhurst inspires hope
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
cmohamed@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
A new mural at Queens Place Mall in
Elmhurst is inspiring hope during these
uncertain times. Th e mural, which is in
close proximity to Elmhurst Hospital,
was designed to spread the message that
we are all “in it together.”
Madison International Realty commissioned
the original mural by Flushing
graffi ti artist, Stae2, of the MAC
Collective, a graffi ti and mural company
that specializes in branded artwork with
authentic graffi ti roots.
Evan Walke, portfolio manager of
Madison International Realty, said the
company commissioned the mural
because of its interest in public art and
the presence it can have in the community.
“We welcome the opportunity to provide
artwork at our properties as a way to
bring authenticity and inspiration to the
neighborhood. Queens Place Mall is an
integral part of the Elmhurst community
and we believe in supporting local artists.
We hope that this mural conveys the
message that we are all “In It Together”
as we navigate the current crises of a
global pandemic and social injustices,”
Walke said.
Th e mural, located at 88-01 Queens
Blvd., took about two full days to complete,
according to Stae2. Th e artist
said the opportunity came at a perfect
time as he was hoping to contribute to
the community during some challenging
times.
“It meant a lot to me that I would be
able to paint the mural in the borough
I have called home for most of my life,”
Stae2 said. “I wanted to convey a colorful
message that despite our diff erences, we
have always been ‘in it together.’”
Stae2 combines his background in
street art with traditional elements
of typography and graphic design.
His mural designs often focus on a
word or phrase, and, in this case, he
wanted to focus on the word ‘together,’
he said.
“I planned on the word being BOLD
but also wanted to dissect it. My intention
was to create layers using various
colors and shapes to draw a parallel to
Queens’ cultural layers, as the nation’s
most diverse county, Stae2 said. “Th is
Photo courtesy of Madison International Realty
diversity is what makes Queens so special
to all of us.”
For Stae2, it’s a delight to see his artwork
displayed and viewed by the public.
“Unlike a planned museum trip, there
is something special to me about seeing
unexpected artwork on your day to day,”
Stae2 said. “I also enjoy the painting process
where I interact and hear what the
community has to say fi rst hand. Th ough
it’s not always sweet, I feel as an artist
I come away more educated with these
experiences and interactions.”
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY
AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY!
NY State Senator John C. Liu
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(718)765 6675
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johnliuny
liu@nysenate.gov
/WWW.QNS.COM
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