Street Art: Exploring Rochester’s Murals & Graffiti

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

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

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 beautiful work.

 

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A post shared by Victor Zarate (@range_fua) on Jul 15, 2018 at 1:39pm PDT

Range (Victor Zarate)

 

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A post shared by Shawn Dunwoody (@shawndunwoody) on Jun 14, 2018 at 12:53pm PDT

Shawn Dunwoody

 

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A post shared by Brittany (@bwilliamsart) on Jul 25, 2015 at 6:58pm PDT

Brittany Williams

 

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A post shared by Thievin’ Stephen (@thievinstephen) on Jul 11, 2018 at 8:44am PDT

Thievin’ Stephen

 

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A post shared by Mr. Prvrt aka Justin Suarez (@mrprvrt) on Mar 22, 2016 at 3:16pm PDT

Mr. Prvrt (Justin Suarez)

 

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A post shared by Sarah C. Rutherford (@msshaftway) on Jul 27, 2013 at 5:20pm PDT

Sarah C. Rutherford

 

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A post shared by Aubrey Roemer (@aubreyroemer) on Nov 28, 2017 at 11:28am PST

Aubrey Roemer

 

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A post shared by Adam Francey (@afrancey_lhmf) on Jul 27, 2013 at 7:24am PDT

Adam Fracey

 

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A post shared by nate hodge (@masiori) on Jul 26, 2015 at 9:53pm PDT

Masiori (Nate Hodge)

 

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A post shared by Lea Yolanda (@lea_yolanda) on Feb 13, 2018 at 4:43pm PST

Lea Yolanda

 

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A post shared by Michael Moncibaiz (@st.monci) on Jul 27, 2013 at 4:01pm PDT

St. Monci (Michael Moncibaiz)

 

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A post shared by John Perry (@jlperry1972) on Jul 27, 2014 at 8:17am PDT

John Perry

 

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A post shared by todd stahl (@todd_stahl_art) on Jul 30, 2017 at 4:41pm PDT

Todd Stahl

 

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A post shared by Salut. 👋🏽 (@young_salut) on Jul 31, 2018 at 2:58pm PDT

Salut (Bradd Young)

 

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A post shared by dellarious (@dellarious) on Jun 3, 2016 at 1:16pm PDT

dellarious

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.

 

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A post shared by WALL THERAPY (@walltherapyny) on Dec 23, 2017 at 11:29am PST

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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A post shared by Brittany (@bwilliamsart) on Aug 1, 2017 at 9:02am PDT

Roc Paint Division

Website

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.

Roc Paint Division

 

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A post shared by @fuakrew89 on Jan 28, 2015 at 6:03pm PST

FUA-Krew

Website

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

Do you have a favorite location for street art?

Share with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!