THE PROJECT: PAINT BY NUMBERS COMMUNITY MURAL
Saratoga Arts launched an open call in spring 2023, in search of proposals for a new indoor mural in the classroom spaces at the Arts Center in downtown Saratoga Springs. Open to all, the endeavor was designed as a “paint by numbers” participatory mural, to be a free collaborative community project.
THE THEME: ARTS FOR ALL SEASONS
Overall inspiration for the design was the four seasons and the history of Saratoga Arts’ and its mission. Priority was awarded to applications that considered and included references to all genres of the arts, the historical significance of the building and its location in Congress Park, how arts and culture benefit and enrich the local community.
PROPOSAL STATEMENT
“As suggested my mural proposal is inspired by the history of Saratoga Springs captured within the four seasons while highlighting culturally significant structures and paying homage to the local landscape. Starting in the fall, from the natural springs represented in the seal of the city, the roots being symbolic of the original native history that continues into the wild forest. Then, transforming through into the winter, the path leading up to the Saratoga Community Arts Center serves as the centerpiece. Further on, the beginning of spring is lush with lavender bloom, beautifying the populated area of downtown along with one of Saratoga’s public springs, opening into the fields of the revolutionary battlefield, and the summer with the iconic horse racing track. The constant cycle and resiliency of nature mirrors that of the creative work and growth made possible at Saratoga Arts.”
IMPACT
This particularly accessible project has enabled multiple members of the community to contribute to a large-scale work of art that will live on and inspire all that enter to participate in K-12 kids camps, teen and adult classes, workshops, and special creative events for the next decade. The mission of the art center to have a resource for all, where anyone can contribute, create, and be a part of their community, was prioritized by focusing on equity: contributing to a larger project like this by structuring it as a paint by numbers collaboration effort gave every person something to contribute, every piece integral to the final picture. The 94 inches tall by 480 inches wide wall was painted on by over 200 visitors from all walks of life, over a period of 2 weeks, in the summer of 2023, working side by side, gradually filling in the colors.
Developing the strategy for facilitating the process of painting was another challenge in itself that required welcoming the participants, introducing them to this joint effort, and describing the technical procedure, which is based on the pre-made mural painting instructions, serving as guidelines. Considering the diversity of ages and artistic ability, developing the strategy and facilitating the process proved challenging, yet Saratoga Arts and Yuri Leonov devised a flexible and engaging format that met the challenge thrivingly, evidenced by the final mural.