Hudson Square BID’s new public art initiative, Hudson Square Canvas is transforming Varick Street. Five original artworks by four artists, including hand-painted murals and a 90-foot-long multicolored sculpture, now line the street with vibrant colors and fun patterns. The public urban art gallery highlights Hudson Square’s grand architecture and creative energy and celebrates ten years of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District. You can join Untapped Cities and Hudson Square BID for a free walking tour of all the new artworks on October 23rd! If you are an Untapped Cities Insider, you get first dibs on a free spot. Not an Insider yet? Become a member today to gain access to free behind-the-scenes tours and special events all year long!
The artists were tasked with embodying Hudson Square’s legacy of creative energy into a series of dynamic displays. The result is an array of highly distinct and impactful pieces throughout Varick Street, one of the neighborhood’s central pedestrian boulevards. Along the route, pedstrians will see a mural on 200 Varick inspired by the district’s printing roots by Greg Lamarche, a quilt-like design on 131 Varick’s façade by JMikal Davis, hieroglyphs-style patterns on 61 Varick and 181 Varick by Brooklyn artist Katie Merz’s and a sculptural piece made up of 5,000 pieces of neon-colored acrylic by Claudia Ravaschiere and Michael Moss.
Ryan Muir for the Hudson Square BID, © 2019
Hudson Square Canvas is the latest initiative by Hudson Square BID, which has been working to “bring the creative energy from inside the neighborhood’s buildings out onto the streets” since 2009. The mission of the organization is “to propel, support, and celebrate this great neighborhood with a focus on pedestrian safety, greening and programs that serve our community.” The Hudson Square Canvas artworks will be on display through Summer 2020.
Ryan Muir for the Hudson Square BID, © 2019
On our tour around Hudson Square Canvas on October 23rd, guests will learn about artwork as well as the unique challenges and purpose of creating art in the public realm, and how public art lends itself to a neighborhood wide place-making initiative. The tour will be led by a member of Hudson Square BID staff. You can preview the art pieces on this digital map. On the tour, guests are encouraged to look for the blue squares on the street for photo opportunities and post your experiences to social #hudsonsquarecanvas.
Hudson Square Canvas Walking Tour: Public Art and Placemaking on Varick Street
