“Sunburst” Mural Wall Being Rebuilt, Public to Have Input on New Mural

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced that reconstruction of the iconic “Sunburst” wall at Liberty Bell Park is underway and a new mural will be commissioned to anchor downtown. The city will seek qualified artists and a public process will determine the final design. The city welcomes all proposals for the mural site including the recreation of the current “Sunburst” mural or alternative concepts.

The wall being restored is part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and is funded through a State and Municipal Facilities Grant. In its current state, the wall is in disrepair and the city must rebuild the structural elements of the wall obscuring the decades-old mural on its surface. 

The city will put out a Request for Qualifications this week to find a qualified artist, artists, or collective to paint a new mural. All artists that meet the qualifications will design proposals for the mural site.  The top proposals will be made public and a public selection process will be used to determine which proposal will become the new mural.

The city has convened a committee charged with overseeing the commissioning of the project and anticipates completion by Fall 2023.

Last month, the city announced the restoration of the fountain at the foot of the wall and several efforts to revitalize downtown are completed or in process, including:

• The city has redesigned the landscaping and re-sodded the grass at Mini Hanna Park and is refurbishing the sculptures in the park.
• The wall adjacent to Pizza Classic has been restored.
• Councilperson Katie Aiello has made Franklin Square alley the focus of her $200,000 American Rescue Plan expenditure and is currently working with an architect to make the alley an artistic, unique, and functional public space.
• The city has restored the dilapidated walls that run parallel to form Franklin Square alley.
• The city created a new parking lot adjacent to Bagg’s Square.
• Both Washington Street and Utica Place Garages have received significant structural upgrades.
• The city ordered new planters along Genesee St. and is in the process of ordering new benches, bike racks and street accompaniments.
• Hanna Park at City Hall is being completely rebuilt, along with Chancellor Park.

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “The Sunburst Mural has been a part of our cityscape and our culture for decades and has served as a showcase for all to see. It’s only fitting that the public will help select the artwork that will showcase Utica for decades to come. My administration is committed to having world-class talent painting the mural that will help define our city.”