200910 Artpark Lot Art
James Neiss/staff photographer
Lewiston, NY - Artpark announced the completion of 'The Solo Roths Waltz Across the Red Hot Colossus Lot,' a parking lot mural collaboration of the Artpark Bridges program with People Inc. and Parkinson's Community on 160,000 square feet of asphalt canvas. The artwork is in Lot D, just off of the South 4th Street entrance.


NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: September 9, 2020
Contact: Dave Wedekindt 716-472-6030
dwedekindt@artpark.net

Link to press images


Artpark announces the completion of
The Solo Roths Waltz Across the Red Hot Colossus Lot
A Parking Lot Mural Collaboration of the Artpark Bridges program with People Inc. and Parkinson's Community on 160,000 square feet of asphalt canvas

(Lewiston, NY)-- Artpark announces the completion of “The Solo Roths Waltz Across the Red Hot Colossus Lot.” The public art project has transformed Artpark’s lower parking lot (Lot D, South 4th Street entrance) into an expansive canvas of colorful playfulness that expresses universal connections of our shared humanity. The work was made possible with funding by: Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation; Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union; Pam & Joe Priest; and Jeff & Marla Williams.

Early this year a jury selected Rob Lynch & Matt SaGurney (The Solo Roths) as Lead Artists on Artpark’s Parking Lot Mural Project. The artists collaborated with the Artpark Bridges Team (People Inc.; Cynthia Pegado - Director of Artpark Bridges; and Parkinson’s Community) to generate concepts and imagery to be painted in the Lower Parking Lot at Artpark. Through various Zoom meetings held during the spring and early summer months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lynch and SaGurney took influence from the program participants’ sketches and concepts. They then developed that imagery into the nearly 400’ x 400’ work, using an improvisatory method of collaboration akin to jazz. Volunteers from the Parkinson’s Group along with other friends, aided in the painting process. Though not intended as a permanent work because of weather and wear, the basis of the project was intended to bring people and families together in an outdoor setting during a period of isolation.

"The idea of bringing Artpark’s gateway parking lot into a work of art has been years in the making. Specific plans for this project as a community collaboration led by the Artpark Bridges program began last January with the concept of the project’s mission created by a special committee, which included Artpark staff, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area team and members of the Lewiston and New York State Parks community. What followed was months of a truly engaging process that became a relief from isolation for at-risk populations during the COVID pandemic throughout the summer for all involved. With Cynthia’s stewardship and extraordinary dedication to the Artpark Bridges program, and in a big way with Rob and Matt’s welcoming, engaging and very humorous personalities, the work itself quickly became an ongoing live program at Artpark that entertained and inspired so many. The giant canvas became a true playground for so many through the summer 2020 months and now will serve thousands more in the years to come. Personally, I couldn't be more thrilled with the result as it reflects the intended mission of the project, the voices of our community and most importantly is a superb work of art” said Sonia Clark, Executive Director of Artpark.

Cynthia Pegado, Director of Artpark Bridges Program added, "The creative process forged ahead through pandemic restrictions as we created new forms of shared creative space. Our design work and collaborations took place in Zoom workshops and on-site at Artpark where the very nature of a colossal-sized artwork ensured social distancing. Our Artpark Bridges community now sees, knows, feels, that their voices of artistic expression are valued. I witness absolute delight as each individual contributor identifies their contributions in the grand waltz of motifs that came out of our project collaboration with The Solo Roths. I'm deeply moved to see the expansive impact of this project surpass even my dreams for it. This unique collaborative project has formed a tangible sense of community and of thriving, as Artpark Bridges artists living with incurable neurological disease or special needs show us their spirit and inspire us. I think I can speak for all of us at Artpark and our Artpark Bridges mural team members, that we couldn't have imagined a happier outcome.”

The work’s completion will be celebrated on September 18th in a special event for the artists, participants and partners. The general public is also welcome to experience the painting anytime, free-of-charge, during regular Artpark hours (daily, dawn until dusk).

About Artpark Bridges
Artpark Bridges is a year-round community engagement program dedicated to providing people of diverse backgrounds and abilities with empowerment, integration, healing and creative expression tools through drama, dance, visual art, music and interactive initiatives. Participants come from community organizations throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region. People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, was a key partner on this project.

About the Artists
Robert Lynch and Matthew SaGurney (The Solo Roths) have been collaborating on artworks since their Buffalo State years in the mid to late 90's. They share an interest in the absurd and the ridiculous nature of our contemporary society. It's always been a game for them to make each other laugh at their artwork. They challenge each other to shine a light on the foolish treasures around us, to pay close attention to the smallest details of our experiences, and to expose the ludicrous at every chance.

This public art project joins a robust season of programming that was adapted for COVID-19, yet still offered a multitude of meaningful and enjoyable ways for the public to experience Artpark. These programs included the Music in the Woods Series, Art of Walking, Fairy House Festival, Drive-In Films, the launch of a site-specific music composition and free mobile app by the Holladay Brothers titled “Cover the Water,” and the opening of the Native American Peace Garden. Artpark also offers public art installations, the Percussion Garden, walking trails, fishing, and other opportunities for recreation and relaxation open daily from dawn until dusk.

Patrons are also encouraged to join Artpark Live: A campaign for a vibrant future. Tax-deductible contributions help non-profit Artpark & Company continue its mission to create, nurture and present the arts. Please visit http://www.artpark.net for further information.


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The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company, Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under a long-term collaborative agreement.


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Dave Wedekindt
Director of Marketing & Sales
Artpark
450 South 4th Street
Lewiston, NY 14092

P: (716)754-9005
F: (716)754-2741
dwedekindt@artpark.net

http://www.artpark.net