FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM JULY 29, 2021 • BUZZ • THE QUEENS COURIER 33
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Photo courtesy of Street Works Studio
Interactive mural will be unveiled in Rego Park
BY JULIA MORO
editorial@qns.com
@QNS
A 2,000-square-foot abstract mural
of the New York City skyline will be
unveiled in early August at the Rego
Center shopping plaza in Rego Park.
The mural was created by Queensbased
artist Rob Anderson, who
emphasizes community involvement in
his art. His interactive paintings have
been featured in New York City, Los
Angeles and San Francisco.
The Rego Center mural will be seen
on the center’s south building at the
corner of Queens Boulevard and 63rd
Road. Anderson will be leaving space
in the accessible areas for members of
the community to contribute.
“For me, it’s a really practical way for
people in the community to get a sense
of ownership and appreciation and joy
for the new artwork that goes up in
their neighborhood,” Anderson said.
Anderson invites the public to come
together and paint in the “Kittizens”
mural from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on July 31
through Aug. 1.
Anderson describes the mural as a
reflection of the city in an abstract way
that emotes joy and positivity.
“I want my pieces to be experienced
as gifts of optimism and hope. I’ve
been told that community and empathy
are at the heart of my identity as a
person and an artist,” Anderson said.
“Though I am humbled to hear that,
I’m just really happy to paint in front
of people and offer them a chance to
join in.”
The mural, which will have taken
about 300 hours to complete, was made
possible by the partnership between
Anderson and Vornado Realty Trust.
Bob Ausburn, the general manager of
Vornado Realty Trust, said that they
are excited that the mural will bring
community members together.
“Rego Center is the commercial heart
of central Queens and draws millions
of visitors annually,” Ausburn said.
“Rob’s mural speaks to everything that
the shopping center strives to be for
the communities it serves — a vibrant
gathering place where people can work,
shop, dine and relax together.”
The rough mockup draft will be used as a guide for the mural.
Photo courtesy of Rob Anderson
A mockup rendering of the location where Rob Anderson’s mural will be located at the Rego Center
mall.
Photo courtesy of Rob Anderson
The painting style the mural is based on.
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