Nature’s Song
Albany Center Gallery (ACG) in collaboration with the Freedom Park Foundation, The Kiwanis Club of Scotia-Glenville, and artist Isabella Lotano showcase a series of moveable murals at the Freedom Park Amphitheater (5 Schonowee Ave, Scotia, NY 12302). Titled “Nature’s Song,” the mural was designed and created by emerging local artist Isabella Lotano. This 384 square-foot mural draws inspiration from the pairing of nature and visual sound.
Words from artist Isabella Lotano: "As a resident in Scotia, I have always seen this blank wall behind Freedom Park Amphitheater. When this opportunity arose, I knew immediately that I wanted to connect musical elements into the piece as a form of extending music and vibrancy throughout the year. The concept of visual sound paired with the inspiration of nature led to this design. The white musical notes as clouds, the guitar as a sun, and the shift in background as a passage of time culminate into this free-flowing and cohesive piece. My hope is that it showcases the movement of music, nature and time and how these elements can be intertwined and everlasting, while bringing creativity and community to Scotia.”
ACG & United Way Summer Meals Collaborative Program
Dream Big
Artist Mentors worked with youth to create a large-scale mural, spending a week on each letter that eventually spelled out "DREAM BIG" the mural is now displayed at Creighton Storey Homes. The artists also worked with the youth to paint and draw on small tiles, donated by Hudson Valley Tile, to be able to have small works of art to take home with them at the end of the program!
Each Artist Mentor brought new experiences, processes, and ways of making art for the kids to see! From painting and screen printing to music mixing, or African drumming and spray painting; the youth made so much art and learned so many things!
Artist Mentors:
Week 1 and 2: Sean Mclaughlin (painting and spray painting) and DJ HollyW8D (music making and mixing)
Week 3: Isabella Lotano (painting)
Week 4 and 5: 5ifth Place / Drew (screen printing) and DJ HollyW8D (music making and mixing)
Week 6: Jordan Taylor Hill (traditional drumming and dance from the African Diaspora that included movement and music, spoken word, and storytelling)
Week 7: Isabella Lotano (painting)
Week 8: ACG Staff Emily (painting and drawing)
