Must-See Public Art: New Rochelle

Almost everything is special about the mission and work of Project Blackboard, the non-profit begun by former Iona College basketball player Dan Peterson that revives public basketball courts through dynamic murals by an impressive roster of artists. However, the New Rochelle initiative unveiled in October is particularly meaningful for its founder.

“The Lincoln Park project is special to me because it represents my roots both as an athlete and as the founder of Project Backboard,” Peterson tells ArtsNews. “I used to play on that court while I was in college and my family is still in the New Rochelle.” Thanks to Mayor Noam Bramson, through a partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the New Rochelle Basketball Association, with support from the NBA Players Association and New York State, Project Backboard commissioned Brooklyn-based artist Scott Albrecht to bring his signature geometric style to the colorful facelift.

Albrecht is one of the first artists I identified as a dream collaborator in the early days of Project Backboard,” Peterson says. “The Lincoln Park renovation was the culmination of almost three years of work and it is something I hope will be enjoyed for a long time.”

Through Albrecht’s art, regulars and newcomers both have the opportunity to discover this beloved space with fresh eyes. It will be hard to know who is drawing those ohhs and ahhs at this summer’s Lincoln Park Summer Classic – the teams or their backdrop.

A version of this article first appeared in the June issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.