Common Unity Banners
Windows to the Future
Nine Community organizations have come together to implement the first phase of the Craig-Main Connection. Inspired by input from community members, this project will change the bridge from a place of isolation to a place of inspiration!
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Thanks to a Thriving Neighborhoods Challenge Grant, this project is under way. Stay tuned for more updates and photos!
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Community Organizations & Artists
Complete Common Unity Banners!
Complete Common Unity Banners!
OriThe Common Unity Banner Project, a group of local leaders recently awarded funds by the Schenectady Foundation’s Thriving Neighborhoods Challenge, is setting the stage for art that inspires & informs the community.
The stage? The Craig-Main bridge.
“The Bridge today is scary and uninviting. In its current existence, it is more of a barrier than a bridge,” says Mary-Moore Wallinger, Principal of LandArt Studio.
The Common Unity Banners project was inspired, in part, by the many community conversations that came out of the Craig Main Connection Complete Streets Project in 2019 where project leaders recognized unanimous support for improving the bridge.
Project leaders were also inspired by local youth who repeatedly expressed that the height of the bridge and speed of the cars whizzing by on the interstate below make crossing the bridge a scary experience.
“We are calling on the collective imagination of all local artists to address this problem while shining light on relevant resources available to our youth and families in the community.” announced Johan Matthews, Principal + Founder of Mutual Design.
To create the banners, project leaders recruited 7 community artists who worked alongside 7 community organizations.
Community Organizations include: Boys Day Out (BDO) + Working Group on Girls, Boys and Girls Club, C.O.C.O.A. House + Save Our Streets (SOS), Electric City Barn, Hamilton Hill Arts Center, Miracle on Craig Street, and Community Fathers, Inc.
Prior to the creation of the banners, organizations and their assigned artist hosted workshops designed to gather input from local youth and residents who utilize the bridge as well as the affiliated programs.
“This project specifically helps emerging artists in the Schenectady community get exposure that could further develop their business or advance their career” comments Heather Hutchison, Executive Director of C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios Community artists include: Oscar Bogran, Obaro Ene, Elona Hope Mitchell-Strong, Raeshelle Frasier, Mallory Schultz, Kristi Isabella, and Dha'Sean SKILLZ Serrano.
The Common Unity Banners received early support from crucial stakeholders such as the Dept. of Transportation(NYS DOT), the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), and the City of Schenectady who have identified the creation of the banners as a great way to maintain community momentum, while taking a first step toward realizing the Craig Main Connection Complete Streets Plan.
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to take the first step in implementing a project of this scale,” said Kristin Diotte, Director of Development at the City of Schenectady.
Project Leaders include: Will Rivas, of C.O.C.O.A House, Heather Hutchison of C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios, Mary Moore Wallinger of LandArt Studios and Johan Matthews of Mutual Design.
“These leaders have teamed up to bring this idea to life because they believe in the power art brings to communities” voiced Will Rivas, Executive Director of C.O.C.O.A House.
The banners are completed and are expected to be showcased at a party on the bridge on August 31 from 4 to 7pm. There will be free food, live performances and a DJ! Original artwork will be on display in Electric City Barn.
The stage? The Craig-Main bridge.
“The Bridge today is scary and uninviting. In its current existence, it is more of a barrier than a bridge,” says Mary-Moore Wallinger, Principal of LandArt Studio.
The Common Unity Banners project was inspired, in part, by the many community conversations that came out of the Craig Main Connection Complete Streets Project in 2019 where project leaders recognized unanimous support for improving the bridge.
Project leaders were also inspired by local youth who repeatedly expressed that the height of the bridge and speed of the cars whizzing by on the interstate below make crossing the bridge a scary experience.
“We are calling on the collective imagination of all local artists to address this problem while shining light on relevant resources available to our youth and families in the community.” announced Johan Matthews, Principal + Founder of Mutual Design.
To create the banners, project leaders recruited 7 community artists who worked alongside 7 community organizations.
Community Organizations include: Boys Day Out (BDO) + Working Group on Girls, Boys and Girls Club, C.O.C.O.A. House + Save Our Streets (SOS), Electric City Barn, Hamilton Hill Arts Center, Miracle on Craig Street, and Community Fathers, Inc.
Prior to the creation of the banners, organizations and their assigned artist hosted workshops designed to gather input from local youth and residents who utilize the bridge as well as the affiliated programs.
“This project specifically helps emerging artists in the Schenectady community get exposure that could further develop their business or advance their career” comments Heather Hutchison, Executive Director of C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios Community artists include: Oscar Bogran, Obaro Ene, Elona Hope Mitchell-Strong, Raeshelle Frasier, Mallory Schultz, Kristi Isabella, and Dha'Sean SKILLZ Serrano.
The Common Unity Banners received early support from crucial stakeholders such as the Dept. of Transportation(NYS DOT), the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), and the City of Schenectady who have identified the creation of the banners as a great way to maintain community momentum, while taking a first step toward realizing the Craig Main Connection Complete Streets Plan.
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to take the first step in implementing a project of this scale,” said Kristin Diotte, Director of Development at the City of Schenectady.
Project Leaders include: Will Rivas, of C.O.C.O.A House, Heather Hutchison of C.R.E.A.T.E Community Studios, Mary Moore Wallinger of LandArt Studios and Johan Matthews of Mutual Design.
“These leaders have teamed up to bring this idea to life because they believe in the power art brings to communities” voiced Will Rivas, Executive Director of C.O.C.O.A House.
The banners are completed and are expected to be showcased at a party on the bridge on August 31 from 4 to 7pm. There will be free food, live performances and a DJ! Original artwork will be on display in Electric City Barn.
MEET THE ORGANIZATIONS
Boys Day Out
Boys Day Out: Youth Enrichment Services is a community program focused on inspiring and empowering Schenectady's middle school boys. 
C.O.C.O.A. House
COCOA House was established in 1996 by Union College Student Rachel Summers. Summers, who grew up in Schenectady, understood the challenges many local children faced, and she sought to create a program which would promote academic success and expanded opportunities for at-risk youth of Schenectady. In addition, COCOA House is staffed by a community activist, Founder of Save Our Streets Inc. and Executive Director Will Rivas. Along with Rivas, COCOA House has a student Executive Board (E-Board) that oversees its programs, sites and finances. On the college campus, there is a COCOA House Club that works closely with the organization. 
Miracle on Craig Street The mission of Miracle on Craig Street is to root a culturally competent network of resources and opportunities focused on wellness for children and families. Founded in 2015 as a grassroots collective of neighborhood residents that wanted to create a positive change and impact in their hometown, they have since expanded to become a non-profit organization that is focused on health and wellness through physical activity, food and farming, and personal development and healing. They provide programming for youth summer sports leagues, yoga in the park, self care and workshops. |
Working Group on Girls of Schenectady
Working Group on Girls of Schenectady, Inc. exists because girls need to build meaningful connections for healthy relationships and a successful future. We give social and emotional support to middle and high school girls in Schenectady by providing safe spaces and meaningful connections for them to develop their own voices. 
Electric City Barn
Electric City Barn is an innovative hub designed to bolster the creative economy by connecting emerging makers and community members through project based programing—a place where creativity works. The space is separated into studios specialized to meet the technical needs of both established and emerging artists, craftsmen and women, and creative businesses. Each studio was chosen based on its applicability to rising industries in the Capital Region, particularly those experiencing skill gaps in employment efforts. Our hope is that this space will unite creatives of all backgrounds to collaborate, assist, nurture, and support each other. 
SOS - Save Our Streets
Founded on December 25, 2015, SAVE OUR STREETS is a 501c3 non-profit organization created to empower the community through events and programs with a genuine focus on youth enrichment and education. Our MISSION is to embrace and engage our cultural differences while bringing awareness and solutions to community issues. |
Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady The Mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The purpose of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is to promote the social, educational, health, leadership, and character development of boys and girls during critical periods of their growth. 
Hamilton Hill Arts Center
Founded by Margaret Cunningham, an artist inspired by the Black Pride and the Black Arts movements, the Hamilton Hill Arts Center’s mission is to promote the knowledge, preservation and continued development of African and African Diasporic art and culture. 
Community Fathers
Community Fathers is a full functioning fatherhood program that includes: Domestic Violence Offender Accountability Program, Fathers Re entry Program in Schenectady County Jail, Community Fathers Drug Court group, and a group at Trinity Alliance in Albany. Community Fathers Inc also takes pride in that many of the dedicated Board of Directors, now sit on several Boards throughout the County. No longer is Community Fathers Incorporated just and idea, these men of integrity are taking up the charge to do what’s necessary to make sure that our community issues are addressed and properly attended to.They are training up to be the leaders they were meant to be. |
MEET THE ARTISTS
Meet the amazing local artists who are working with young people in our community to shape this exciting project.
Oscar BogranOscar Alberto Bográn was born in Honduras, Central America and raised in NYC. With a Masters in Fine Arts From Tufts University and The School Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Mr. Bogran is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on the social: the state of contemporary religion, American capitalism and the disparity of communities of color. A public artist and arts educator, Mr. Bogran has his roots in Hip Hop Culture, Rap Music and Graffiti Art. He has developed a form of arts activism, that includes iconography, installations and performance as well as traditional fine arts. A master sculptor and arts historian, Mr. Bográn has discovered the powerful influence art has had in the civil rights movement and activists throughout history. His goal and purpose is to harness the influence of change through the arts and help redevelop impoverished communities throughout the world and empower people of color by allowing a platform to express the needs for social change.
Obaro EneJoy!
Artist Teacher MC Mr.O! |
Raeshelle FrasierArt is the most underrated therapy.
Artist,Designer, Community Artivist, Coach, Fashion extremist, Muralist, Clothing Tattoo Artist 
Elona Hope
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Kristi IsabellaThis past year has made me realize that the community I live in needs to actively support both the children and adults with easy access to the arts. With the Common Unity Banners project I am able to fulfill this intention.
Kristi Isabella was born and raised in Schenectady. She has lived there for a majority of her life and has a strong sense of pride and admiration for the community. Kristi has been an artist for most of her life. After graduating from SUNY New Paltz with a BFA in Fine Arts and a concentration in ceramics, she went on to become a mother. This life path led her to work with children and to eventually become an art teacher for both neuro-typical and special needs children aged pre-school through kindergarten. Currently she has been creating porcelain abstract ceramics pieces at home and instructing regular clay classes at CREATE Community Studio in Schenectady. 
Dha'Sean SKILLZ SerranoDha’Sean “Skillz” Serrano was born in Bronx ,NY and raised in Schenectady. He was one of the original members of The Hamilton Hill Steel Drum Band which were well known for performing at The Apollo Theatre at the young age of 16. After graduating from the John Sayles School of Fine Arts he went on to attend The Institute of Audio Research in NYC where he graduated with high honors in audio engineering and audio production. Skillz is a freelance artist, dancer / choreographer, musician, music producer and audio engineer. His dance and art background includes 20+ years of study in a wide array of styles which mainly emphasize acrobatics, B-boying, street art and tap dancing. In 2015 “SKILLZ” expanded into “Skillz Entertainment” enabling Dha’Sean to focus on his freelance career, networking and providing suitable entertainment for any age and occasion, whether it is a nationally/internationally known act or a local act for a large college or a small birthday party. Since 2017 expanding his art work from a small canvas to custom wear and murals has led Dha'Sean to create personal pieces for so many and to branch out out his business to Touch of New York ( T.O.N.Y), collaborating with artists one piece at a time.
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Project Sponsors and Organizers
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