An annual mural tradition of non-pretense, New York hosted the 6th Annual Welling Court mural festival this weekend in a working class neighborhood in Queens, thanks to a grassroots couple who hustle to match artists with walls and opportunity.
More than a hundred artists, whose styles span the graffiti-urban art-street art spectrum, participate every year in this community event that eschews the creeping fingers of commercial interests and the pontificating tongues of the art critics.
That is not the point here. That's not why you fell in love with street art and the unvarnished expression of the creative spirit..
LMNOPI. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Thanks to hearty and big-hearted organizers Alison and Garrison Buxton, the selection is as varied as the participants and the neighbors who come out to share home made dishes, music, and personal stories. Invariably the kids are racing around on their bikes and skates, people are meeting artists and posing for selfies, and some of the kids get to try their hand at painting.
So if you want to see what some of the organic art work is on the scene at the moment, walk through this unassuming Queens neighborhood with us and enjoy the real beat of New York. It's a small selection, but you can get the flavor.
LMNOPI. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
LMNOPI (photo © Jaime Rojo)
John Fekner (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Amanda Marie (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Icy & Sot. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
broIcy & Sot. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Icy & Sot. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Icy & Sot (photo © Jaime Rojo)
XO. Detail. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Rubin415 . Joe Iurato (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Too Fly. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Too Fly (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Peace (photo © Jaime Rojo)
WANE (photo © Jaime Rojo)
C. Cardinale. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
C. Cardinale (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Damien Mitchell (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Queen Andrea. Mick LaRock. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Queen Andrea. Mick LaRock. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
SHIRO (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Andy Golub . Leif G. Process shot. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Andy Golub . Leif G. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
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