All photos courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr
A new pedestrian plaza and mural in Washington Heights opened this week, setting a city record for the most temporary public art installations on city land. On Thursday, Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez celebrated the opening of a new pedestrian plaza on Audubon Avenue between 165th and 166th Streets, adding 10,890 square feet of car-free space, and unveiled “De Lo Mio,” a vibrant asphalt mural honoring Dominican culture by artist Talisa Almonte. The artwork marks a record 151 temporary public art pieces installed across DOT property.
“Public art enlivens our shared spaces to be places of connection and joy, and Audubon Plaza stands as a testament to the transformative power of Open Streets in celebrating neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and making our streets safer,” Rodriguez said.
“De Lo Mio” pays tribute to Dominican culture and the neighborhood’s strong Dominican community. Inspired by Liliana Mera Limé’s “Muñeca Sin Rostro,” the mural celebrates the richness and diversity of Dominican identity…