Let's Start With Art

Local Artists Featured Above (Left to Right): Luke Austin, Cassandra Buck, and Aaron Druliner

The 3rd Street Alley Project is one of the biggest and most exciting projects taken on by the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) since our formation in 2005. The 3rd Street Alley lies between 3rd and 4th Street Southwest and improvements will include hanging lights, repurposing alley doors with art, murals, and working with businesses on facade improvements.

The initial phase of this project includes the expansion of the RDA’s ARTWalk with a call-out to artists during the month of March to submit new or existing works of art for consideration. After the call-out, the RDA will be approaching alley businesses for selection and sponsorship of a submitted artistic work to be photographed, transferred to vinyl, and applied to their alley entrance. Submitted works will also be considered for placemaking projects throughout the year in various locations Downtown.

ARTIST SUBMISSIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

“In the alley, we are putting a heavy focus on creative arts-based placemaking and the inclusion of our arts community,” says RDA’s Senior Director for Placemaking Karli McElroy. “By including art in the beginning of this project not only are we are making an investment in this place, but we are investing in our community,” she said. The RDA hopes to receive as many local art submissions as possible this month, as this support will help strengthen the initiative and in turn, grow the local art scene.

NEXT STEPS FOR ARTISTS

The call for art entries opened March 1, 2019 and closes for initial consideration on March 31, 2019. For more information about the call-out for artists please click here or contact RDA Senior Director of Placemaking, Karli McElroy at kmcelroy@rdowntownalliance.com or at 507-216-9883.