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. We will be expanding this article in the future to include any public art: statues and memorials, sidewalk art and chalk art, light installations, etc.
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. You absolutely have to witness these in person to fully experience the environment and contemplate the meaning.
(MR. PVRT / AEROSOL KINGDOM)
Washington Grove & Cobb’s Hill Water Towers
The water towers serve as a rotating exhibit of graffiti. Often you’ll find artists creating new pieces and practicing their technique for bigger projects.
There are several places to enter Washington Grove. I tend to park on the east side of the reservoir. Look for the trail head toward the north-east along the treeline. Head down the hill, and at the bottom look up and to the left. You’ll see the water towers looming large behind the trees. Follow the trail east of (or to the right of) the towers to head up the hill.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square
Manhattan Square has been deteriorating most of my life. When they painted over the last mural I thought it was the end. But now it’s MLK & there’s color, water, people, healthy signs of life & community again! The inner loop era is over, and I can’t even begin tell you what a joy that is.
Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
South Wedge Neighborhood
Tucked behind and in between South Ave. boutiques, bars, and restaurants, take walk and look for these exceptions pieces and more!
City of Rochester Public Market
Keep your eyes open as you’re shopping—art is everywhere!
Learn more about the Public Market
El Camino Trail
Much of this exquisite art—created during WALL\THERAPY in 2013—is concentrated on the north end of the El Camino trail, near Ridge Road.
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
These were created during WALL\THERAPY events.
Fedder Industrial Park
These were created during WALL\THERAPY events.
Abandoned Aqueduct and Subway
The old subway and canal tunnel under Broad Street is still accessible to urban explorers, but not easily to the general public. Rather, you can still take a peek in from the bottom of the stairs next to Blue Cross Arena & War Memorial.
“Child’s Basin” mural was painted by Cazenovia College Art Professor Corky Goss. Looking out through a stone archway is the first Mayor of Rochester and son-in-law of Nathaniel Rochester, Jonathan Child (1795-1860).
You can also experience the reproduction at the Memorial Art Gallery in a temporary installation celebration 30 years of FUA Krew influence on Rochester’s street art culture.
Legal Wall behind Village Gate
The wall is no longer legal to tag or view on property, but you can catch a legal glimpse from behind Rochester Brainery.
Erie Canal
Check out more art at Mural Mania and learn more about the Erie Canal.
More Personal Street Art Favorites
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.
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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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Aerosol Kingdom / pka 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
Street Art on Utility Boxes
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.
Street Art Organizations
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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FUA-Krew
From Up Above Krew, est. 1989.
celebrating over 30 years of dedication to the visual element of hip-hop that we call GRAFFITI…
FUA-Krew
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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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Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square is in the heart of Rochester, right next to the Strong National Museum of Play.
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.
100+ Other Museums Around Rochester
Explore some off-the-beaten-path, and odd-collection museums around Rochester, like those dedicated to trains, planes, and brains!
Erie Canal Aqueduct & Subway: Rochester’s Transportation Heritage
Before the canal coursed through Genesee Valley Park, it flowed through the city using the Erie Canal aqueduct to cross the river.
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
Jennifer, I don’t know how I missed your comment until just now! Thank you for sharing, that is a great quote. Speaks volumes.
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!