Finalists announced for Uniting Line public art project
TROY, N.Y. » Mayor Patrick Madden and project partners for The Uniting Line public art project announced the three regional artists selected as finalists to create artwork for permanent display under the Hoosick Street underpass in the Collar City’s North Central neighborhood.
“Public art has the power to transform and inspire community action around neighborhood pride and beautification. I’m proud to support public art projects like The Uniting Line and eagerly await the start of this exciting initiative to reimagine the Hoosick Street Bridge underpass,” Madden said.
Belinda Colón, Curator, The Arts Center of the Capital Region said, “We want to thank all the participating artists in this call for submission, all of whose work was thoughtfully presented and wonderfully creative. With the high level of artwork received, it was challenging to make the final decision. We hope to continue to work with those not chosen for this project in the future, and look forward to bringing this exciting project to life in Troy.”
The Uniting Line partners received 16 applications and chose three finalists to move forward in the process. The finalists were chosen by the Uniting Line partners with recommendations provided by local and regional community members on the Uniting Line Artist Advisory Panel. The three finalists are:
· Fernando Orellana is an Associate Professor of Digital Art in the Visual Arts Department at Union College. Orellana has collaborated with robots for over twenty years to make artwork. As a machine designer, a technologist and a user, Orellana has blurred the line between himself and the machine in the creative process. He received a Master of Fine Art from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Fine Art at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Orellana was born in El Salvador, San Salvador and now resides in the Capital Region. More info, www.fernandoorellana.com
· Jade Warrick is a visual designer who focuses on art accessibility, global design, and using art to bring healing and wealth to communities; especially among communities of color. Some of Jade Warrick’s work explores ways to connect local stories and art into a communicative piece that in turn can bring equity and healing. Jade has experience as a sculptor, muralist, illustrator, and community organizer within the arts. Warrick is originally from Los Angeles CA but now resides in the Capital Region. More info, w w w.instagram.com/trashkid_art
· Simona Bortis-Schultz is an art director, designer, and illustrator with a focus on illustration work aiming to capture the elusive magic and ethereal qualities of treasured stories. Simona holds a double BA in Advertising and Visual Design, from the University of Oregon, and is currently pursuing an MFA in graphic design at the Vermont College of Fine Art. Originally from Romania, enjoys life in rural, upstate NY with her family. More info, www.figure8design.net
The Uniting Line Partners are currently working with the three finalists to present their proposals to local and regional community members to review and provide feedback. Local and regional community feedback will inform the decision that will become the final project.
To get involved with the project, please email Belinda Colón, Curator, The Arts Center of the Capital Region, belinda@artscenteronline.org.