Yonkers Arts Partners With Housing Authority to Bring 150+ Artworks to Seven of Its Properties

The Yonkers Housing Authority and Yonkers Arts recently unveiled a colorful mural titled “Come Up” by Yonkers artist Robin Alcantara at Calcagno Homes. The mural is one of more than 150 pieces of art that have been installed across seven Yonkers Housing Authority properties. The two-year public art project was funded by the Mulford Corporation, with Yonkers Arts coordinating the project using local artists and artists of color.

The Yonkers Housing Authority manages 1,700 units of housing and provides affordable housing through its Housing Choice Voucher Program. The idea to enhance the properties with artwork was the conceived by the housing authority’s president and CEO, Wilson Kimball, who referenced the health benefits of viewing public art.  Reports support the idea that viewing public art helps to increase peoples’ serotonin levels and cognitive brain function.

The board allocated $200,000 to commission Yonkers Arts for the project. Displayed artwork includes colorful murals, framed watercolors, oils, and pen and ink drawings.

Says Ray Wilcox, Executive Director of Yonkers Arts: “Through exploring multiple techniques and mediums, this project allowed us to understand the needs of each resident to enhance their living experiences.”

The artwork not only enhances the visual appeal of the housing properties but also has a positive impact on the residents’ health. This project serves as an example of how public art can uplift and enhance the living experiences of residents in affordable housing communities.

So far, works by more than a dozen artists have been added among the following properties: Walsh Houses, Calcagno Homes, Charles L. Curran Court, Kris Kristensen Homes, John E. Flynn Manor, Martinelli Manor and Monsignor Troy Manor.

About ArtsWestchester

For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest private not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable Westchester County in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue. artsw.org