New mural in Albion one of 4 in Rochester through CHARM initiative

Photos courtesy of WALL\THERAPY – Justin Suarez works on his mural on the northside of The Lockstone in Albion at 160 North Main St. This is one of four murals in the Rochester region funded by the by Governor Hochul’s CHARM Initiative and supported by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Press Release, WALL\THERAPY

ROCHESTER – WALL\THERAPY is proud to announce the completion of four new public art murals throughout the Finger Lakes region. The works are part of the Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM) program, an initiative from Governor Kathy Hochul and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

The new murals include:

“Starbright” by Pamela Carvalho and Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom, at Rio Tomatlan in Canandaigua. This mural depicts the figure of a woman calmly gazing forward as vibrantly-colored stars swirl around her.

Pamela Carvalho has been tattooing since 2013 and it is a job that she cherishes more every year. Having the opportunity to give someone something that they can admire forever is a privilege she does not ever plan on taking lightly, or for granted.

“Sanctuary” by Sarah C. Rutherford – Located at Dutch Creatives’ Collaborative in Rochester. Surrounded by electric pulses emanating from the figure, the mural portrays a person getting lost in music.

For the past 18 years, Sarah C. Rutherford (she/her) has worked in her chosen community of Rochester as a muralist, painter, educator and community-based artist. She is the co-founder of THE YARDS Collaborative Art Space and the creator of the mural project Her Voice Carries, featuring local women who lift up the voices of others. Sarah was also awarded a Creative Rebuild NY grant in partnership with Willow Domestic Violence Center to expand her multifaceted public art project, Stories of Strength, which directly engages and works alongside survivors of domestic violence.

“Take Care” by Francheska Diaz and Callisto Daly at Lyell Branch Library in Rochester. This mural features five vignettes, two designed by Callisto Daly and three by Francheska Diaz celebrating themes of nature, community and intergenerational relationships.

Roc Paint Division youth and alumni artists assisted with the installation.

Francheska Diaz is an artist based in Rochester. Her work showcases themes of emotion, identity and human connection. Her artwork creates a bridge between her nostalgic inner world and her audience. She develops her dream world through painting; a colorful place full of flowers, plants, fruit, and sunshine.

As a Puerto Rican, family is a huge part of her culture and she honors this by using old family photographs as inspiration for her paintings. Incorporating her family in the work makes her feel connected to them while also connecting her to the viewer through a shared experience.

In addition to her artwork, she co-leads a youth mural arts employment program, Roc Paint Division. She mentors and teaches teenagers in the city about mural work, drawing, and painting. Creating a space for the youth to harness their skills as both an artist and a human.

Callisto Daly is a youth educator and alumnus of Roc Paint Division.

“Blossom” by Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom at The Lockstone in Albion. This mural celebrates local plants and pollinators, featuring a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Swallowtail Butterfly and Bumblebee, along with zinnia, purple coneflower, dahlia, and sunflowers.

Justin Suarez aka Aerosol Kingdom is an artist, educator, and co-founder of Roc Paint Division, with two decades of experience in creating public art. He has painted murals throughout much of the United States, with a particular emphasis on showcasing wildlife and natural species. Through his mural work, Justin aims to engage communities and inspire a greater commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship.

The 2026 CHARM program has led to the creation of 42 works of art in 31 counties, building on last year’s initial program of 56 murals across 21 counties.

“Murals cultivate civic pride, spur community engagement, and become destinations to attract visitors that spark economic development,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts.

“NYSCA is proud to continue this successful program into its second year, supporting more and more public art throughout New York State.”

“We are honored that WALL\THERAPY and Roc Paint Division have been selected to continue with the CHARM initiative in its second year,” said Erich S. Lehman, curator of WALL\THERAPY. “Having our longstanding efforts supported at the statewide level is incredibly meaningful, as it directly allows our programming and impact to evolve through both the murals we produce and the mentorship of our young artists.”

About WALL\THERAPY

WALL\THERAPY is an art and community intervention project in Rochester, using public murals as a means to transform the urban landscape, inspire and build community.

WALL\THERAPY murals have transformed walls, buildings, and neighborhoods. This transformation has sparked inspiration in individuals and communities alike. The murals have become part of the local conversation, the local identity, and the fabric of the city. Local art classes and schools tour the murals as part of the curriculum. Local professionals change their route to the murals as part of their drive home. Local artists, young and old, find inspiration in the works.

WALL\THERAPY mural project is now recognized worldwide. People from 2,000-plus cities in 104 countries have visited the WALL\THERAPY site to learn more. New mural artists from around the world ask about painting Rochester, for the first time or for another time.

About Roc Paint Division

Roc Paint Division is a youth employment and development program. Designed for high school-aged artists of all skill levels, the program offers hands-on training in researching, designing and producing large-scale public murals.

Through a supportive artistic environment, youth participants develop creative skills and build critical life competencies — including teamwork, time management and accountability. Whether participants go on to pursue careers in the arts or other fields, Roc Paint Division fosters pride, confidence and a lasting sense of community impact.

Since its inception, Roc Paint Division has employed more than 60 youth muralists and produced 48 public murals throughout the city. Each mural represents a unique collaboration between young artists, lead staff and guest muralists from across New York State and beyond. Roc Paint Division is made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts.

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. The New York State Council on the Arts will award more than $161 million in FY 2027, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov.