9 SPOTS THAT PROVE GREATER ROC IS A CANVAS
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Our artwork isn’t limited to the inside of museums. It’s everywhere you look.
We refuse to limit our art to four white walls.
Don’t get us wrong, we have our fair share of museums and deep love for them all. But if you’re looking for art by and for the people of Greater ROC, all you have to do is take a step outside.
That’s our canvas. The brick walls, the bridges, the public parks, the power boxes. Everything is an expression of who we are and what we’re about. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to look. We’ll give you a lay of the land.
Rochester Subway
Right in the heart of downtown Rochester sits the abandoned aqueduct and former Rochester subway. Inside, you’ll find layers and layers of tags and markings—all contributed by a community of artists who have mastered this form of urban art. The tunnel itself is closed to the public (don’t say we didn’t warn you), but lovers of street art can still catch a glimpse of this iconic spot from a viewing platform just behind Blue Cross Arena.
John Lewis Mural
When civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis passed away in 2020, a group of artists (Darius Dennis, Daniel Harrington, Jared Diaz, Ephraim Gebre) teamed up to paint the 3,000-square-foot photorealistic mural as tribute. It stands across the street from where Frederick Douglass gave his iconic “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech and is a towering reminder of the power we have when we use our voices for good.
WALL\THERAPY
No matter where you go, you’ll see Greater ROC expressing itself. That was one of the goals of WALL\THERAPY, a community initiative that set out to turn urban landscapes into inspirational works of art. Check out their website for a map of all the murals in the region.
Dellarious
Dellarious’s prints and wheatpaste murals can be found all over the region, making him possibly the most recognizable artist in Greater Rochester. Often featuring historical, cultural and local figures, his vibrant, pop-style portraits promote community and optimism while splashing the region with a heaping dose of color.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
The sunken concrete park was colorless for many years, that is until Shawn Dunwoody stepped in and transformed it into a colorful, history-infused installation. Featuring icons of progress like Susan B. Anthony and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the murals tell stories of community and equality—inspiring all who visit.
Lift Bridge Book Shop
Sometimes art can tap into our nostalgia. Take a walk through Brockport and you’ll know what we mean. Just above the Lift Bridge Book Shop sits a mural of an illustration from the children’s book “The Erie Canal.” It has a laidback, easygoing vibe that acts as a mirror to one of our beloved towns.
Water Towers at Cobbs Hill
What if we told you some of the best street art is hidden in the woods? Go see for yourself. Just follow the trails into Cobb’s Hill and you’ll find two abandoned water towers covered in graffiti from many talented artists.
LivCo Murals
Think you can only find art in the city? Think again, then explore the LivCo Murals found in the nine villages of Livingston County, all celebrating their vibrant communities.
Frederick Douglass Statues
We take great pride in our history—and we show that pride all over. Walk through Rochester and you’ll find a series of life-size Frederick Douglass bronze statues, all inspired by the Stanley W. Edwards original from 1899.