“Gems Of Troy” Seeks to Bring Community Together

By Isabella Smarro, Managing Editor

Known as the Hoosick Street Underpass Public Art Project, a large-scale painting will transform 500 feet of road under the bridge that divides downtown and North central Troy into what brings these two communities together. Using artistic styles that beautify the area and bring activity to the basketball courts, the overall goal is to have many local pedestrians get involved. 

The artist whose inspiration is being used is Jade Warrik (@Trashkid_art), a local visual designer who desires to bring healing and emotional wealth to her community. 

“I wanted to see more BIPOC folks in public art in ways that are joyful, fun and relatable,” stated Jade in an interview. As a lover of nature, she also wanted to combine the two.

For example, since the bridge passes a basketball court, one of the characters painted was a player. This was to bring thanks to the options the space below the bridges give the community, 

The Art Center’s main website shares rough copy artwork of the ideas that will soon be painted on the real bridge. With style choices like bright colors, a wide range of nature, displays of Black excellence and diverse culture appreciation, anyone viewing Jade’s draft would understand how amazing Troy truly is. 

“This area has a lot of soul and connections. My mind went to, how do I visualize soul and community? I kept going through my mind like this is what we love about our community,” Jade said to a question asked about why she created a specific character painted. 

To get more information, Jade asked residents their opinions on what they would like to see painted and what brings them happiness in their community. Many said that it was the soul, with that Jade went forward on creating what she believes embraces just that. 

Now, who’s behind the creation of the general project?  “Uniting Line is a collaboration of the City of Troy, The Arts Center of the Capital Region, TAP, Inc. and Collar Works. The project leadership team includes Barbara Nelson, Executive Director, TAP, Inc.; Deputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski; Elizabeth Dubben, Executive Director, Collar Works; Elizabeth Reiss, CEO of The Arts Center of the Capital Region; and Belinda Colón, Curator, The Arts Center of the Capital Region,” Stated on the main website’s page.

The organizers encourage anyone to participate however they can, if you would like to support in any way; please use this link. https://www.artscenteronline.org/uniting-line/