The Rockwell Museum’s latest Alley Art Project mural is in the works at SUNY Corning Community College’s Digital Dome Theater. C-PP High School Learning Center students can be found at the college painting alongside Teaching Artist Tori Burdick and Rockwell Museum staff, preparing for the public unveiling on Friday, August 26.
Ribbon cutting: 5 – 6 p.m.
Free digital dome showing: 6 - 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, August 26 Location: SUNY Corning Community College Digital Dome Theater, 1 Academic Drive, Corning
The mural design will wrap around the over 60-foot planetarium wall, creating an immersive experience as visitors walk around the dome to enter and exit the theater.
The mural design, titled Worlds Collide, stems from an exploration of The Rockwell’s 2022 annual theme, Spark! From Inspiration to Creation. Students studied artwork from the Museum’s collection by artists Rosalie Favell and Robin Tichane. They then created individual artistic responses which were all integrated into the final mural design.
“Public art gives us the opportunity to extend beyond the museum walls and bring the story of the Museum’s collection into unique public spaces,” says Youth and Family Programs Educator Amy Ruza, the project lead on behalf of the Museum. “This is the first year creating a mural outside of Downtown Corning, and we are so pleased to partner with Corning Community College and Art Professor Hiram Cray for this impressive mural.”
The mural design features a student and a great horned owl, framed by a glowing sunset and the deep growth of a forest. The sunset fades to a starlit night sky sparking our human connection to our local landscape. Viewers will find the landscape familiar, drawing inspiration from the CCC campus and neighboring Spencer Crest Nature Center.
“We are so excited to be hosting this year's Alley Art Project in our new Digital Dome Theater. In addition to working with the high school learning center, Rockwell Museum, and muralist Tori Burdick this project also showcases the work of CCC students mentored by Hiram Cray. This collaboration captures the interdisciplinary nature of the dome and the college, but even more it captures the community spirit. Once finished the mural will help us create a colorful and welcoming space for our community to enjoy,” says Jennifer Sellers, director of innovative learning sites at CCC.
The public is invited to the ribbon cutting and celebration of the new Alley Art Project mural on Friday, August 26. Witness the unveiling of the mural, meet the student artists and designers, and check out the latest mural up close. After the opening ceremony, all attendees will be invited into the new Digital Dome Theater for a free showing.
The 2022 Alley Art Project is supported in part by The Triangle Fund, by Guthrie and by John and Sue Tobin.
About The Rockwell Museum: A Smithsonian Affiliate
The Rockwell Museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of the evolving American experience through a display of stunning art about America. Founded in 1976, The Rockwell is an evolving community center which showcases the best of America through compelling exhibitions and imaginative programs. The diverse collection includes a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures, landscape paintings and other works that embody America. Housed in the beautifully restored 19th century Old City Hall building, The Rockwell is active in the local community and holds special events and educational programming with area public schools. The Rockwell provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience.
The Rockwell Museum’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
