Street art, by definition, is temporary. Something left exposed to the elements will deteriorate over time, obscuring once clean lines and dulling once vibrant colors. When you come across murals you love, it can be sad to see them fade as the seasons pass. But that reality is made better by another aspect of street art – what is old will soon be replaced by something new, and your process of artistic discovery begins again.
Such is the case with the Welling Court Mural Project, in Astoria, Queens. In January, I wrote this post about the murals at Welling Court. Most of the murals featured in that earlier post were painted in June 2015. In the past several weeks, Welling Court has become been renewed once again, as artists from around the world descended on the neighborhood to repaint most of the area’s many murals. (I’ve never counted, but I’ve seen estimates that Welling Court has as many as 150 murals!)
Wanting to catch as many artists in action as possible, I made multiple trips to Welling Court in June. And I was in luck! The Welling Court Mural Project hosted its annual block party on June 12, and many artists were painting in the week prior to and after the block party. I returned to the neighborhood again several days later to capture photos of the finished murals as well.
Part of what makes the Welling Court Mural Project so interesting is that you never know what you will see next. The neighborhood has streets that come together at odd angles, and as you turn the corner and look down the next block there may be another four, six, or even more murals. Don’t forget to look up – sometimes there are smaller pieces high above the streets. Glance into alleys and small parking lots; check the sides of buildings as well. Your diligence will be rewarded with artwork a less discerning eye will not discover.
A wide variety of artistic styles and genres are represented at Welling Court. Some work seems more like fine art, while other pieces draw on the gritty, graffiti-inspired form that traces its roots to New York City’s street scene of the 1970s and 1980s. Most artists create their murals using spray paint and exterior house paint, but there are some fine examples of wheatpaste (artwork painted on heavy paper and adhered to the walls with a flour-based glue), ceramic tiles, and other media as well.
If you wish to explore the Welling Court Mural Project, you can take the N or Q train to the 30th Avenue Station in Astoria, Queens. From the train station, walk northwest on 30th Avenue (the cross streets will get smaller as you go). When you have walked about 10 minutes, you will start seeing murals. The more you walk around the neighborhood, the more murals you will discover!
(I have so many more photos than what I’ve included in this blog – I will be adding them to my Instagram gallery (@findingnyc1) as I have time, so be sure to check it out if you are interested in street art.
Finding NYC 
Brilliant post, there are some real gems in amongst that lot. Next time I cross the post, which may be a while, I’ll make a point of heading there. Fantastic.
Ditto for what scooj said. So many different styles and they all work.I think that’s what I like most about street art–the constant change and re-invention. If you like something you can photograph it and have it forever (however long that is).
I took over 500 photos over the course of 2 1/2 weeks! I don’t consider myself a great photographer, but I am definitely a persistent documenter. This is probably my favorite place in New York City for street art because of the diversity, although Bushwick in Brooklyn is great as well.
Persistent is goo!
So much talent among ordinary people…and so much better than the drivel which we see in our museums over here as “Modern Art”.
Glad you enjoyed them – it is amazing to see the talent that these artists have. Many of them are self-taught. I find it fascinating that they are able to produce these murals on such a large scale, with proper perspective. I know I would find it very difficult.
I really like the work in progress photos. So often street art is clandestine, that you never get to see the artist and their methods. A great idea to take ‘during’ and ‘after’ images.
I really liked that part as well, and it was a real treat to meet so many of the artists. I’m always careful to ask permission before I take photos of street artists (some of them are involved in less-than-legal graffiti and other forms of street art as well), but almost all of the artists at Welling Court were willing to have their photos taken. It was also interesting to be able to observe their process and see the murals emerge over time as I kept coming back. I’m glad you enjoyed my post! Best, Susan
There is some really great art there!
Brilliant coverage! You are amazing!
Well, as my aunt, I think you may be a little prejudiced – but thanks! 🙂
Street art is fascinating. There are some amazing pieces documented in this post. I love how you got the before and after pictures. I too am amazed at how they can get the perspective on such a large scale. You are so right about looking all around to be sure to catch everything. We took a tour of street art when we were in London and our guide pointed out things I never would have seen without help.
These are great pieces! It reminds me of Clarion Alley in the Mission in San Francisco. The murals are constantly changing so there is always something new to see.
It’s already an amazing project! I don’t know when I saw so many in one place. Thank you for documenting this so brilliantly. Faced with a blank wall I would just stand and stare. 🙂