I have lived in Forest Hills, Queens my whole life and right across from where I live, there is a street called Austin street that has many tasty places to eat, the trendiest clothing shops, and many cute boutiques. There are two bridges that separate The Gardens, where all the houses are and Austin Street. Every morning I walk under the bridges to get to the train station. When I was younger, these walls were gray and parts of the concrete were missing making them look depressing. However, two years ago, one mural was painted on the wall under one of the bridges and year later in 2017, another mural was painted under the other bridge.
The first mural is under the 71st Avenue Long Island Rail Road overpass and shows The Ramones who were an American punk rock band that had their start in Forest Hills. It consists of the members of the band, the Forest Hills stadium, and Station Square. This mural brightens up the once dark underpass and highlights the history of Forest Hills. This underpass is what is used by concertgoers when they are their way to the stadium.
The second mural, is a little further ahead under the often desolate Ascan Avenue Long Island Rail Road overpass, between Austin and Burns street. This mural shows influence people who helped found the town of Forest Hills. The people depicted are the railroad executive Russell Sage and his wife Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage who was a philanthropist. She established the Russell Sage Foundation and bought land that was developed into Forest Hills Gardens. Others painted in the mural are architects and urban planners Grosvenor Atterbury and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. They were the designers of Forest Hills Gardens. Ascan Backus, is also on the mural who was a German immigrant. He had a huge farm during the 1800’s and Ascan Avenue was named in his honor.
Both of the murals were created by artists Crisp and Praxis. Crisp is an artist who is from Australia but is based in Bogota, Colombia. He has been traveling the globe and spreading his love for art throughout the streets of various nations. Praxis is also from Bogota and loves to create art in places that is visible to many people around him. These artists mostly used spray paint for the murals which is the medium they used for these murals as well. Both artworks will hopefully line the underpasses for years to come. They give visitors and locals an insight into how the town was built and learn more about the people of Forest Hills and the wonderful things they have done with their lives.
