201216 Youngstown Mural 1
James Neiss/staff photographer
Youngstown, NY - Artist Alessandra Price painted a mural on the side of the Anchor Spirits liquor store and updated one of the 20 lifesize soldiers made by Willy Suitor in 2000. From left are, artists Alessandra Price, Willy Suitor and Anchor Spirits Owners Cheryl Irish-Butera and her husband Mark

INFO:
So this past summer we hired a young local artist Ali Price to make a mural on the side of our store. It's the 2nd of only two murals in Youngstown. Both done by Ali. The Niagara Gazette has not covered this story yet. We can/should discuss the story of the mural.

Then we hired Ali to recreate the soldier that had been part of Youngtown's history for the past 20 years. (We only recently learned that part). The original soldier/soldiers were created by our infamous Youngstown hero William Suitor. (Bill is the original "Rocket Man" from the James Bond movie). We introduced "Willy" to Ali. He shared the photo he used for the original soldier with Ali. It's a photo of his son Beau. So now we have a brand new soldier thanks to Mr Suitor working with us and Ali. When he recently delivered a photo of his soldiers it turns out there were maybe 12 or more! On the back of the photo is the year 2000! The soldiers were used to decorate the village of Youngtown that year being installed on the lamposts lining Lockport Street and Main Street. Imagine how cool that was seeing the link to Old Fort Niagara and our little village?!

So. Ali and Mr Suitor are both willing to be interviewed. We are so excited to share our positive contribution to Youngtown just in time for the holidays.

You can call me at our store 745-7989. We're there 4-8 today and 12-5 tomorrow.
I hope I've peaked your interest.

Thanks,
Cheryl Irish-Butera
Youngstown Business and Professional Association President
http://www.youngstownnewyork.com