Astoria mural project begins on Steinway

Queens-born artist Zeehan Wazed started work on a mural in Astoria. Photo courtesy of Innovation QNS

By Rachel Vick

A new mural from Queens-based artist Zeehan Wazed celebrating Astoria was started last week.

“Welcome to Astoria” will span the 175-foot wall on the side of PC Richards and Son on 35-18 Steinway St. to highlight the diversity of the neighborhood.

“Growing up in Queens is so central to my perspective as an artist, and the richly diverse culture and people of Astoria are essential to ‘The World’s Borough’ being what it is,” said Wazed. “I’m so excited to help kick off the expansion of the Kaufman Arts District through Innovation QNS, which will help bring more arts and culture to the neighborhood and create more opportunities for Astoria artists to make it here.”

The colorful work from Bangladesh-born Wazed will pay homage to the neighborhood’s connection to the film industry, local landmarks like the train against the skyline and multicultural communities.

It was commissioned by Kaufman Astoria Studios and Innovation QNS, the plan to expand the arts district, and will be completed in the next few months.

“Zeehan Wazed is among the most inspiring young artists in Queens, and that’s saying a lot,” said Tracy Capune, vice president of Kaufman Astoria Studios. “He’s one of us – his style reflects the vibrancy of our neighbors and the communities we love.”