The term street art means different things to different people. It covers everything from traditional sanctioned or non-sanctioned graffiti to community-sponsored wall murals.
Here, we interpret street art to mean any outdoor, free, public wall art. In an article on rochestersubway.com entitled “Art is All Around Us“, author Mike Governale shares,
Rochester’s streets are a hotbed of modern artistic expression. All too often we dismiss street art as thoughtless vulgarity or worthless scribble. I say it depends on the frame; and the lens.
Mike Governale
So let’s view Rochester’s public wall art through our day-trip lens. Find these locations and more using our Google Map. Our maps are public, so feel free to edit and add locations within the Rochester area.
Locations with
concentrated street art
Below we have included just a few samples from each site. Many have 10 or more pieces that you absolutely have to see in person to fully experience and contemplate.
Washington Grove & Cobb’s Hill Water Towers
Martin Luther King Jr.
Memorial Park
at Manhattan Square
South Wedge Neighborhood
City of Rochester Public Market
Abandoned Aqueduct and Subway
Legal Wall behind Village Gate
The wall is no longer legal to tag or view on property, but you can catch a legal glimpse behind Axom Gallery.
El Camino Trail
Each year, Genesee Land Trust hosts the annual 5k @ El Camino. It’s a great opportunity to support this community trail and check out the incredible wall art along the way.
Atlantic Ave & Greenleaf St
Fedder Industrial Park
Erie Canal Mural Mania
More personal favorites
street art
Rochester-Area Artists
As you can probably imagine, many are also fine and tattoo artists! Check out their Instagrams to see their collection of beautiful work.
Range (Victor Zarate)
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Shawn Dunwoody
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Brittany Williams
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Thievin’ Stephen
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Mr. Prvrt (Justin Suarez)
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Sarah C. Rutherford
Also, check out Her Voice Carries, “a public art project featuring women who are lifting up the voices of others. The intention is to create a network of murals across America that weave a collective story laced with individual truths. In addition, each story becomes part of a larger dialogue through audio recordings, social media and a traveling exhibition. This series emphasizes the commonalities of our human experience through the leadership of empowered women.”
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Aubrey Roemer
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Adam Fracey
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Masiori (Nate Hodge)
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Lea Yolanda
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St. Monci (Michael Moncibaiz)
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John Perry
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Todd Stahl
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Salut (Bradd Young)
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dellarious
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Utility boxes
street art
Dellarious’ art is the perfect segue! I think what I love about our painted utility boxes is that they appear at intersections. While you’re driving along, you stop at a red light and take a moment out of your hectic day to enjoy a spark of art. These are just a few of my favorites.
Organizations
street art
There are many organizations that support art in Rochester, but these three in particular support street artists.
WALL\THERAPY
Website | Map of 124 locations
WALL\THERAPY is an art and community intervention project, 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.
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Roc Paint Division
Roc Paint Division murals are inside, except for Black Lives Matter created during WALL\THERAPY in 2017 which can be seen outside the Flying Squirrel Comm Space from Troup St.
Created in the fall of 2015, Roc Paint Division’s mission is to beautify the city’s R-Centers through mural arts while providing employment and training opportunities to young developing artists.
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FUA-Krew
From Up Above Krew, est. 1989. Check out their year-long installation in the Memorial Art Gallery, and their work at the George Eastman Museum.
celebrating over 20 years of dedication to the visual element of hip-hop that we call GRAFFITI…
FUA-Krew
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Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park
Five-acre Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square is in the heart of Center City, right next to the Strong National Museum of Play.
100+ Other Museums Around Rochester
Explore some lesser-know, off-the-beaten-path, and odd-collection museums around Rochester, like the ones dedicated to trains, planes, and brains!
Erie Canal Aqueduct & Subway: Rochester’s Transportation Heritage
Before the Erie Canal ran its current course through Genesee Valley Park, it flowed right through the city using the aqueduct to cross the Genesee River.
The view from Cobbs Hill, the quiet, the breeze, the friendly nature of people walking and taking it all in—there’s nothing quite like it in Rochester.
Do you have a favorite location for street art?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
There is one on Main St that I love. “They tried to bury us, but didn’t know we were seeds.” Next to Minq Lounge
Can you add the murals “Her Voice Carries” to your links? This takes you to the website, with locations of the murals in each quadrant of the City of Rochester.
https://hervoicecarries.blog/rochester/
Joan, I apologize, I thought I had responded! I had added some info when I received you note near Sarah C. Rutherford’s section. Thank you so much for recommending it!
Thorough and wonderful compilation of wall art in Roc City! Many thanks!
You are most welcome, Mary! I’ve enjoyed researching it. I hope you have the opportunity to see them all in person!
Are the locations for your “more personal favorites” available?
Jazmin, I added captions with link to Google Maps for each of the photos. If you have any questions let me know!
@enjoy canvas, I’m thrilled you stumbled upon us! I hope you’re able to find some new places to check out around Rochester. I love being able to share new and hopefully inspiring ideas.
Admiring the commitment you put into your blog and the detailed information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Wonderful read!