Patti Astor Mural By @Call_Her_Al (All Photos By Gail)
First Street Green Art Park is currently celebrating the life of Patti Astor, who was known as NYC’s First Lady of Graffiti Art. Astor cofounded the Fun Gallery in the East Village in 1981 with partner Bill Stelling, where she helped to introduce a range of graffiti artists to the wider art world. Contemporary artists Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring also had solo exhibitions at Fun Gallery. Astor died of unspecified causes in early April at age 74.
A handful of street and graffiti artists created the tribute, which features a number large collaborative murals. A well-attended launch party and memorial service on June 15th. This Instagram post has more information about the artists and curators.
Here’s a wider shot of the large mural on the main wall to the left as you enter the park from First Street, which includes work by Al Diaz and Shiro.
The murals are expected to be up through the summer, 2024.
Mural By Meresone
First Street Green Art Park is Located on First Street near the Southeastern Corner of 2nd Avenue. Access is also available via Houston Street.