WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JULY 2, 2020 15
Local artist creates new mural inspiring
hope at Queens Place Mall in Elmhurst
The mural at Queens Place Mall, which is in close proximity to Elmhurst Hospital, was designed to spread the message that we are all “in it
together.” Photo courtesy of Madison International Realty
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
CMOHAMED@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@QNS
A new mural at Queens Place
Mall in Elmhurst is inspiring
hope during these uncertain
times.
The 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 graffiti artist, Stae2, of
the MAC Collective, a graffiti and
mural company that specializes in
branded artwork with authentic
graffiti 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.
“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. I wanted to
convey a colorful message that despite our diff erences, we have
always been ‘in it together.’”
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.
The mural, located at 88-01 Queens
Blvd., took about two full days to
complete, according to Stae2. The
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 differences, 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. “This 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 first hand. Though it’s
not always sweet, I feel as an artist I
come away more educated with these
experiences and interactions.”
— Stae2
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