WALL THERAPY

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WALL THERAPY WALL\THERAPY is a public community-level intervention using mural art as a vehicle to address our col

WALL\THERAPY is the name for this year’s mural project and beyond. This will also be the name for the mural projects that will accompany our philanthropic diagnostic imaging sites in the developing world. Essentially, what we are doing is a community-level intervention in the form of mural art in the public space. The walls are our vehicle for inspiring and rehabilitating our community. We are intervening visually to address a fundamental collective need of our citizenry, the need for inspiration. In addition and quite literally, the walls on which our “therapists” will paint are being resurfaced and rehabilitated…given new life and energy. Our inaugural project which took place during July 2011 was entitled “Visual Intervention.” Therefore, this year’s project will officially be known as “WALL\THERAPY…the second movement of Visual Intervention”

As part of join us today, Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural...
10/14/2026

As part of join us today, Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural celebration, meet the artists and see this completed mural up close.

Designed by Francheska Diaz, alumni and lead staff for , alongside Roc Paint’s Youth Educator Callisto Daly with installation assistance from Roc Paint youth and alumni Sodaba Khalil, Myles Petsche, Marcus Austin, Lily Ni, McKensie Cutt, Fatima Rezaie, and Gennie Giles

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

📸 Quajay Donnell

Join us Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural celebration, meet t...
10/14/2026

Join us Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural celebration, meet the artists and see this completed mural up close.

“Take Care” features five vignettes, two designed by Callisto Daly and three by Francheska Diaz at Lyell Branch Library. Callisto’s bookended vignettes feature two closeup images of children engaging with nature, shown through splashing in a puddle and catching ladybugs. Francheska’s three central vignettes feature snapshots of different familial and intergenerational relationships. 

The design is meant to be a reflection and celebration of the spirit that is exhibited by the Lyell-Otis community and library staff. Roc Paint Division youth and alumni artists assisted with the installation, making this not only a learning experience, but also more fun to paint as a team!

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

📍Lyell Branch Library
956 Lyell Avenue
Rochester, NY 14606

📸 Quajay



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If you think this looks fun, Roc Paint Division is now hiring for Season 12! ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 16-19 years old, City of Rochester resident, Enrolled in high school and available to work Tuesdays + Thursdays 4-7:30pm (January - May 2027). For more details, link + info at Roc Paint Division. Apply by October 23rd.

Happy New York State Mural Week! “Starbright” a collaboration between Pamela Carvalho 𝕻𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖆 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖍𝖔 and Justin S...
10/12/2026

Happy New York State Mural Week!

“Starbright” a collaboration between Pamela Carvalho 𝕻𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖆 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖍𝖔 and Justin Suarez Justin Suarez at Rio Tomatlan in Canandaigua, NY

The calm gaze of the figure in the midst of the vibrant swirling stars around her is meant to evoke a feeling of mindfulness, serving as a reminder to find ways to care for ourselves despite the chaos of the world around us. The colors and feel of this piece are meant to speak universally to both community members and visitors alike, and specially designed to engage young people growing up in Canandaigua.

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM initiative with support from the Office of the Governor.

📍Rio Tomatlan
106 Bemis St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

📸: Quajay

Justin Suarez aka Justin Suarez is known for celebrating native flora and fauna in his murals, with the goal of inspirin...
10/09/2026

Justin Suarez aka Justin Suarez is known for celebrating native flora and fauna in his murals, with the goal of inspiring communities to form a greater commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship. Just steps away from the Erie Canalway Trail, and visible from Main Street in Albion NY, this mural of flowers and pollinators caused a literal buzz around town as soon as the background colors were laid out.

THE LOCKSTONE is an events space which draws in hundreds of visitors each week from the surrounding region, ensuring this work will be seen and appreciated by a broad range of community members and visitors alike. We are truly grateful to the owner, Natasha, for welcoming us and providing such a phenomenal canvas. Stay tuned for the completed work to be unveiled during NYSA MURAL WEEK, Oct 11th-17th!

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

📸 Quajay

Join us Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural celebration, meet t...
10/08/2026

Join us Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural celebration, meet the artists and see this completed mural up close.

Designed by Francheska Diaz, alumni and lead staff for , alongside Roc Paint’s Youth Educator Callisto Daly with installation assistance from Roc Paint youth and alumni Sodaba Khalil, Myles Petsche, Marcus Austin, Lily Ni, McKensie Cutt, Fatima Rezaie, and Gennie Giles

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

📸 Quajay Donnell

Francheska Diaz, alumni and lead staff for , alongside Roc Paint’s Youth Educator Callisto Daly, designed the newest add...
10/08/2026

Francheska Diaz, alumni and lead staff for , alongside Roc Paint’s Youth Educator Callisto Daly, designed the newest addition to Lyell Branch Library. Their collaboration emphasized both community and nature.

The Lyell-Otis neighborhood has few murals but many people who care deeply for it. The design is meant to be a reflection and celebration of the spirit that is exhibited by the community and library staff. Throughout the installation, several neighbors stopped by to share their excitement and gratitude for the piece.

youth and alumni artists assisted with the installation, making this not only a learning experience, but also more fun to paint as a team! Shoutout to Gennie, Fatima, McKenzie marcus austin Lily Ni Myles heart__pieces.

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

Be sure to join us Wednesday, October 14th from 4-6pm at the Lyell Branch Library,, 956 Lyell Avenue for a mural celebration, meet the artists and see the completed mural up close.

📸 Quajay Donnell

Rochester-based muralist and Roc Paint Division co-founder Sarah C. Rutherford drew inspiration from the artistic commun...
10/06/2026

Rochester-based muralist and Roc Paint Division co-founder Sarah C. Rutherford drew inspiration from the artistic community of for this new design. Dutch Creatives’ Collaborative, housed in a stunning repurposed church with a peaked central canvas, oxidized copper, and inset circular stained glass window, became an integral part of the mural, seamlessly framing her visual interpretation of getting lost in the world that music can create.

Huge thanks to Bread Flour for the artistic freedom and logistical support, and to Flow Painting Solutions for the expert prep and finish work to ensure this mural stands the test of time. Additional shoutouts to marcus austin and Romeo 🏳️‍⚧️ for your continued support!

This mural is made possible by the NYSCA CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

📸 Quajay

Pamela Carvalho 𝕻𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖆 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖍𝖔 is an internationally renowned tattooer based in Dansville, NY with over 13 years ...
10/05/2026

Pamela Carvalho 𝕻𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖑𝖆 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖍𝖔 is an internationally renowned tattooer based in Dansville, NY with over 13 years of experience.

Justin Suarez aka Justin Suarez is a Rochester, NY based muralist, he is one of the co-founders of Roc Paint Division, and has been painting murals throughout the US for the past 20 years.

The pairing of these two artists created the unique collaborative opportunity to allow Pamela to author and implement her first mural with Justin painting alongside her in a supportive role, providing guidance to ensure the success of the project. Within a few minutes of grabbing a spray can for the first time, Pam wielded it like a pro. We can’t wait to share the vibrant results of this collaboration!

We are also extremely grateful to Raf, the owner of Rio Tomatlan for providing the canvas and creative freedom to the artists, and for feeding them some of the very best Mexican food that can be found in the region!

Big thanks as well to Roc Paint Alum, Marcus Austin marcus austin for his hard work helping to prepare the wall in order to ensure the longevity of the mural.

This mural is made possible by the CHARM Initiative, with support from the Office of the Governor.

📸 Quajay

02/17/2026

For Black History Month, we proudly honor Ian Wilson, the visionary founder of WALL\THERAPY, whose creativity and leadership have transformed the city of Rochester.

Dr. Wilson, a physician and community leader, launched WALL\THERAPY in 2011 with a bold idea: to use public art as a tool for healing, inspiration, and connection. What began as a grassroots mural project has grown into an internationally recognized public art movement, bringing world-class artists to Rochester while uplifting local talent and beautifying neighborhoods across our city.

Through vibrant murals that spark conversation and pride, Dr. Wilson has shown how art can serve as therapy for a community. His work continues to inspire residents and visitors alike, reminding us that creativity can build bridges and strengthen communities.

This Black History Month, we celebrate Ian Wilson’s vision, leadership, and lasting impact on Rochester. His legacy is painted on our walls and reflected in the pride of our people.

02/17/2026

ARTs + Change Featured Presenter: 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗦. 𝗟𝗲𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻
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Erich will be presenting "𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟\𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗬 - 𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺” on 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟭 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟮:𝟭𝟱𝗽𝗺
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Erich S. Lehman is a curator/creative/tech geek/workaholic who simply finds the world far too interesting to sit still for long. He has been an arts activist in Rochester, NY for over 17 years, primarily as curator/owner of 1975 Gallery (est. 2008) as well as serving as co-curator and lead organizer of the WALL\THERAPY mural intervention project since 2012, helping kickstart a resurgence and newfound appreciation of muralism in Rochester. Join Erich (Co-curator and Lead Organizer) as he discusses the story and lessons of WALL\THERAPY, an art and community-intervention project based in Rochester, NY that uses public murals as a means to transform the urban landscape, inspire, and build community. Learn about how a scrappy team of like-minded individuals banded together around a vision to give back to the community through art and muralism.
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Read more and see Erich and others at the ARTs (Activate. Reimagine. Transform.) + Change Virtual Conference, February 18 - 22, 2026!
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𝗧𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁: tinyurl.com/2026-AC
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University of Rochester | University of Rochester Humanities Center | UR Institutional Office of Equity and Inclusion | Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center

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