Murals bring life to Main Street buildings

Stephen Romano

A touch of art just got added to Main Street in Port Washington.

Residents For a More Beautiful Port Washington on Wednesday unveiled the Port Washington Mural Project, two large murals painted by local artists on the side of buildings on Main Street.

The murals, funded by a grant from the North Hempstead Business Tourism and Development Corp., are painted on 5 Main St. and 9 Main St., with a small makeshift park in between the two where 7 Main St. used to be.

The mural on 9 Main St. features the Port Washington waterfront with a jagged, stamp-like border and says “Welcome to Port Washington.”

The mural on 5 Main St. features a Port Washington dock extending into the bay with a saxophone player leaning against a railing in front of the sun setting behind the water.

“These beautiful murals bring life, art and culture into the downtown area, illustrating that Port Washington is truly the picture-perfect place to visit,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “I am so pleased that the town’s Business Tourism and Development Corp.’s 2016 Downtown Beautification Matching Fund grant program was able to provide funding for the beautification project.”

Residents matched the town’s grant with 2017’s membership fees.

“By spotlighting the uniqueness of Port Washington — its history, natural beauty, culture and diversity, this project will tell the story behind this incredible community,” Betsy Liegey, the beautification chair of Residents For a More Beautiful Port Washington, said. “These first two murals we unveil today, are the start of a walking exhibit that will travel down our mile-long Main Street, from the boulevard to the bay.”

The mural on 9 Main St. welcomes visitors and residents to town, while the sunset mural “says goodbye,” Michelle Shain, the project designer said.

“The goal of the “Welcome To…” mural is to showcase the boatload of charm that Port Washington offers via a historical postcard concept,” Shain said.

Mindy Germain, executive director of Residents, said the murals were made possible by the community’s support.

“In true Port Washington style, Michelle Shain of Headlights Creative, artist Lori Lee, Greg Panullo’s All American Painting, Joe De Barolomeo of Home Run Electric and Creative Landscaping by Cow Bay donated time and talents pro bono,” she said. “Franks Pizza donated water to the artists and Bill’s Auto Repair stored tools. Property owners Stephen Ressa of Ressa Realty and Jonathan Watkins of Wright Music were thrilled their walls were chosen or the inaugural murals and we thank them for all their support throughout the process.”

Share this Article