Pilot program places artwork in the middle of Flushing construction

Illustrator Lisk Feng’s artwork covers construction of the Tangram development in Flushing. Photo courtesy of ArtBridge.

By Victoria Merlino

Can construction be beautiful?

An award-winning artist and an arts nonprofit are teaming up to try. Illustrator Lisk Feng, ArtBridge and the developers of the new mixed-use building in Flushing raised a 291-foot-long installation this week that both celebrates the neighborhood and covers the construction sheds.

The artwork was installed thanks to the new City Canvas pilot program, which lets nonprofits install large-scale, temporary artworks on construction structures, such as fences and sheds. 

The Flushing development, called Tangram, is expected to reach completion in 2020. 

“City Canvas has again helped create a platform showcasing the work of NYC artists out of one of the city’s ubiquitous sidewalk sheds,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl in a statement. “These structures are essential for public safety, but they’re not much to look at.”

“New York City currently has 310 miles of construction fencing — a staggering amount that corrodes the vibrance of our city. Through City Canvas, we can now transform this eyesore into canvases for local artists,” said Stephen Pierson, executive director of ArtBridge in a statement.