Murals and Artists Brighten Gloversville on a Winter’s Day
The weather outside can be frightful this time of year but despite the weather, there is plenty of art to be seen in Downtown Gloversville.
The AGORA Marketplace, located at 50 N. Main St., is currently hosting the Winter 2022-2023 FulMont Junior Artist Contest. Not only does this give young and inspiring artists a chance to showcase their talent, it gives the community a chance to view art during the doldrums of winter. (Be sure to vote for your favorite when you visit. Details can be seen here. Winners will be announced Feb. 18th). This exhibit will be on display through March 1st, but AGORA Marketplace showcase artists, culture and talent from Fulton County throughout the year.
Micropolis Art Gallery, nestled inside the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market at 30 N. Main St., also allows artists to shine year-round. In addition to showing and selling pieces throughout the year, the Micropolis Cooperative Art Gallery also hosts six shows a year, with receptions opening the exhibits by giving audiences a chance to find out what sparked the artist to make their pieces. Currently on display are sparky new glass vases and bowls by Cheryl Gutmaker, heart pins by Cindy Sheeler, and cards by all the Micropolis artists. For more information, visit here.
As the cold eases up and we see the sun more, be sure to take a walk around Downtown Gloversville to see some murals that also help brighten your day.
Right on Main Street is “Re-Imagine Gloversville,” located in the window at 39 N. Main St. In 2018, artist Nicolina Schonfarber was commissioned to create a piece based off the thoughts, ideas and drawings that were collected from community members at the 2017 Bacon Jam.
In nearby Castiglione Park is a giant mural dedicated to reading and books. After reading the great art and promotional ad for literacy, the admirer can grab a book from the Little Free Library next to the piece or visit the Cat’s Meow Book Shop in the AGORA across the street. Artist Lawrence Clarke noted he worked on the Dragon portion of the mural in 2010.
Just off Main Street at nearby St. Thomas Place, is a 19 by 25-foot mural on the side of the GoodbuyZ Liquidation Outlets (12 St. Thomas Place). Created by artist Alyssa Johnson, called the “FJG Mural,” it showcases Gloversville’s railroad history. Visit here for Johnsons’ video montage of her working on the piece.
On the Rail Trail near Train Station Park on West Fulton Street is an older mural, also dedicated to the railroad history in the city. It has been there since at least 2009.
Not in Downtown Gloversville, but worth seeing, are two murals in other parts of the city. The newest one is located at Gloversville High School, 199 Lincoln St., and was created by artist Hannah Williams and students from the school. A view of the Great Sacandaga Lake, it is 7.5 by 15 feet and took the artists six days to complete. Be sure to call ahead to the school at (518) 775-5710 before viewing to see what hours are available to the public.
A mosaic waterfall mural is housed at the Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, located at 99 E. State St. Created in 2019 with lead artists Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers and Susan Ruscitto, the mural is actually six giant sections that was placed together on the side of a wall that one can admire while sitting in Littauer’s Reflection Garden. It is located on the first floor between the hospital and the Primary Care Center. Be sure to call ahead at (518) 725-8621 to verify viewing hours that are typically between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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