Albion merchants want to do more murals in community
Photos by Tom Rivers: Key contributors to the new mural in Albion are pictured this afternoon with artist Justin Suarez, in front. Pictured in back from left include Albion Merchants Association President Courtney Henderson and her daughter Blair Allchin, Gary Derwick of the Albion Betterment Committee, Natasha Wasuck of the AMA, Joe Gehl of the ABC, County Legislator Ken DeRoller, Gary Kent of the ABC, Anita Finley of the AMA and Janna Stirk of the AMA.
Group is pleased with success of new Santa/winter themed painting
ALBION – Members of the Albion Merchants Association and other key contributors are pleased with a new mural about Albion being home to the original Santa School.
They watched a stucco wall be transformed into a winter scene, with a prominent reindeer, snowy owl, and a Santa’s outstretched hand in a white glove. The wall acts as a welcome sign, proclaiming Albion as “Home of the original Santa School.”
Justin Suarez is putting the finishing touches on the mural today on the north side of the Lake Country Pennysaver at 170 North Main St.
Justin Suarez works on the reindeer in the new mural.
Courtney Henderson, president of the Merchants Association, and Natasha Wasuck, an AMA member, created a GoFundMe for the project and solicited other donations.
They challenged the community to support the project back in June, when so many of the local festivals and events were being cancelled for the summer.
“Help us beautify the town in dark times,” they wrote. “Together we can help paint a view for a brighter future, lift moods in our neighborhood and for those traveling to or just passing through. Join us to make our city shine with a one-of-a-kind art piece.”
The AMA received $1,290 through GoFundMe, plus $1,000 each from the AMA and Albion Betterment Committee. Other donors also stepped forward outside of GoFund Me.
“It certainly adds a lot as you come into the village from this direction,” said Gary Derwick, an ABC director. “It’s great we have new business people pushing it.”
County Legislator Ken DeRoller gave $500 towards the project. He said it will help brand Albion and adds another spot for people to see in town.
Henderson and Wasuck have their sights on other murals. They welcome people to continue giving to the GoFundMe and they work on the next project.
Click here to be directed to the GoFundMe.
Justin Suarez of Rochester transformed the north wall of the Lake Country Pennysaver building for the mural.
