AUBURN PUBLIC ART TRAIL
Let’s take a tour through the heart of Downtown Auburn in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. Here you can discover and learn about the sparkling mosaics, colorful murals, and impressive sculptures you come across. Follow your (he)art in Auburn at your convenience by using your phone or a printed map. To find out more about a particular piece, check out the artist's video or click on its location on the interactive map. This initiative was developed in 2010 and continues to grow decades later.
The Auburn Public Art Trail is a self-guided art walk through Downtown Auburn that highlights over a dozen public art pieces, including signature community mosaics, murals, and sculptures. Most of the artwork is highly visible and fully accessible to the public, and by pulling the individual pieces together into a walking trail we also want to put the spotlight on the stories behind the artwork and the artists who created them.
A print map, as well as an online map with photos and video segments, will guide you from one amazing piece to the next.
This self-guided walking tour gives you another reason to come and experience Downtown Auburn. Maps may still be picked up at the Equal Rights Heritage Center, 25 South Street, during regular business hours.
This project was made possible through generous grant funding from the Columbian Foundation, as well as contributions and support from the Auburn Downtown Partnership and the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE INFORMATION ON THE ARTWORK
HARRIET TUBMAN MEMORIAL MOSAIC
Project Team: Anthony Clubine (portrait & name plate), Jen Gandee (ceramic border tile design), Dave Tobin (technical artist), Jesse Kline (project manager) and Paul Elice (frame contractor) & 75+ community volunteers
Contact: Jesse Kline, jessekline31@msn.com
Dimensions: 20′ x 5.5′
Materials: Mosaic tile, mirror, ceramic lettering, glass gemstones, border tiles, colored grout, and paint
Patron: New York State Council of the Arts, Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District, Harriet Tubman Boosters, Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace
The Harriet Tubman Memorial Mosaic features a 5-by-4-foot portrait and nameplate painted by Syracuse muralist Tony Clubine, as well as ceramic border tile design by artist Jen Gandee. The artist collective Art for Auburn believes that these types of projects build community, plus create accessible public art that beautifies the downtown landscape. Volunteers of all ages helped create this piece that highlights the best of the community and gives Tubman the recognition that she deserves.
Date of Completion: Summer 2017
Location: Rear wall of Genesee Center (facing Lincoln Street)
EXCHANGE STREET PLAZA MURALS
Project Team: Jessie Reich, Blake Chamberlain and Anthony Clubine (artist design & outline), Jesse Kline and Dave Tobin (project managers) & 25+ community volunteers
Contact: Jesse Kline, jessekline31@msn.com
Dimensions: 3 walls 3’ x 15’
Materials: Acrylic and fluorescent paint
Patron: New York State Council of the Arts
The first mural, located closest to Genesee Street, depicts an eye-catching Owasco Lake scene, Auburn’s Finger Lake, painted by mural artist Anthony Clubine. The two interior mosaics are painted with fluorescent paint and pay homage to Auburn’s divisive crow population. The outlines were done prior, to serve as a guide for the volunteers participating in the actual painting, and then reapplied to complete the mural.
Date of Completion: Summer 2015
Location: Exchange Street Plaza
WHEEL TO REEL SCULPTURE
Project Team: Audrey Iwanicki (artist), Lori Dillon, Bob Stebbins & Peter Chappell
Contact: Audrey Iwanicki, aiwanicki@gmail.com
Dimensions: 4′ w x 8′ (base) x 8′ tall
Materials: Iron, steel, pre-1935 tractor wheels, International Harvester combine pulley wheels
Patron: Stardust Foundation of Central New York
The project was done in response to an RFP from the Auburn Beautification Commission in 2010. The intent was to showcase businesses that had roots or ties to Auburn, especially the invention of the technology for synchronized sound on film by converting sound waves to light waves. That technology changed the world. Soon after the formation of International Harvester, the company bought D.M. Osborne and used the patents held by Osborne for farm equipment to build its business into one of the biggest producers of farm implements in the world.
Date of Completion: Summer 2010
Location: Exchange Street Plaza
MUSIC FOR MURALS: DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MURAL
Project Team: David Serotkin (artist), IGNITE Cayuga County’s Young Professionals & 25+ community volunteers
Contact: Jesse Kline, jesse@auburndowntown.org
Dimensions: 5’ x 15’
Materials: Acrylic paint on canvas
Patron: Downtown Auburn Partnership engaged David Serotkin, a Syracuse-based artist, to lead volunteers in painting this lively and colorful downtown Auburn scene.
Date of Completion: Summer 2005
Location: Auburn Public Theater lobby, 8 Exchange Street (inside)
CHUCK’S VIEWS OF AUBURN BANNER
Artist: Chuck Maciulewicz
Contact: esse Kline, jesse@auburndowntown.org
Dimensions: 10′ x 30′
Materials: Vinyl banner
Patrons: Auburn Downtown Partnership, Mack Studios & the City of Auburn
This vinyl banner is a photographic reproduction of a triptych (series of three) that was painted by artist Chuck Maciulewicz in the 1960s (commissioned by Cayuga Savings Bank). The views from the top down represent William Seward Park, an aerial view of State Street businesses, and the clubhouse and pond at Hoopes Park. Combined, these compositions highlight both Auburn’s natural beauty and its bustling downtown.
Date of Completion: Fall 2014
Location: City Parking Garage Stairwell Tower, William Street
Project Team: Blake Chamberlain (artist design and outline), Jesse Kline and Dave Tobin (project managers), Cheri Haring (ceramic letters), Paul Elice (frame contractor) & 50+ community volunteers
Contact: Blake Chamberlain, blake1863@gmail.com
Dimensions: 6′ x 20′
Materials: Mosaic tile, mirror, ceramic lettering, glass gem stones, border tiles, colored grout, and paint
Patrons: Stardust Foundation of Central New York & Edward T. Boyle Center
The design was inspired by both the wishes of the Boyle Center residents, and a black & white historic photograph depicting Genesee Street before the Boyle Center was built. Buildings include the B.P. Order of Elk’s Lodge and the beloved Big Store, and the iconic Auburn Memorial City Hall spire set in front of a colorful sunset background. The painted outline was done prior, to serve as a guide for the volunteers participating in the mosaic installation, and then reapplied after the grouting process was complete.
Date of Completion: Summer 2011
Location: 149 Genesee Street, east wall
SAM KENNEDY MEMORIAL MOSAIC
Project Team: Zarin Kinsella (frame & cement board construction), Jessie Reich (artist), Jennifer Gandee (ceramic leaves), Jesse Kline and Dave Tobin (project managers), Melissa Stahl (ceramic buttons) & 50+ community volunteers
Contact: Jesse Kline, jessekline31@msn.com
Dimensions: 4’ x 8’
Materials: mosaic tile, mirror, glass gemstones, ceramic buttons, ceramic leaves, colored grout, and paint
Patrons: Family of Sam Kennedy & Auburn Players Community Theatre
Lesley Kennedy & family, and members of APCT Board, wanted to commemorate Sam’s contributions with a public art memorial. The Tree of Life symbolizes all of the artistic disciplines Sam was involved with – specifically theater, writing & journalism – and the interconnectedness of all things, both living and passed.
Date of Completion: Summer 2013
Location: 25 Dill Street Commons, west wall
THE SELFIE MURAL
Artist: Dawn Jordan & Jesse Kline
Contact: Jesse Kline, jesse@auburndowntown.org
Dimensions: 7’ x 30’
Materials: Acrylic paint on vinyl
Patron: The project was managed by Jesse Kline, with funding provided by Auburn Public Theater’s Regrants Program.
This mural encourages the viewer to immerse themselves in the Auburn landmarks backdrop, which is themed after famous art masterpieces.
Date of completion: Fall 2025
Location: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Exchange Street
TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN CAYUGA COUNTY MURAL
Artists: Dana Ryan (artist), and John Kimber (back board construction)
Contact: Dana Ryan, cricket1465@gmail.com
Dimensions: 8’ x 12’
Materials: Plywood & acrylic paint
Patron: Connie Reilley, gifted to Cayuga County
This aerial map of Cayuga County depicts what there is to see & do for visitors and residents alike. The artist thanks Frontenac Historical Society & Museum for providing her the space to work on this project.
Date of completion: Winter 2009
Location: Cayuga County Office Building, 160 Genesee Street, 6th floor (outside)
Artist: Anthony Clubine
Contact: Anthony Clubine, anthonyclubine@gmail.com
Dimensions: 8’ x 20’
Materials: Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint on primed MDO board framed by 2x4s
Patron: Eliminator Automotive & Cycle
The mural scene depicts business & building owner Mike Antonacci on a motorcycle surrounded by his “toys” and furry friends with Hunter’s Dinerant in the background.
Date of completion: Summer 2013
Location: 41 Market Street
MEYER BOOKBINDING MURAL
Artist: Anthony Clubine
Contact: Anthony Clubine, anthonyclubine@gmail.com
Dimensions: 8’ x 8’
Materials: Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint on primed MDO duraply board
Patron: Meyer Bookbinding Company
The mural scene depicts business & building owner Jim Meyer reading a book in a doorway.
Date of completion: Summer 2006
Location: 35 Market Street
LIBERTY STORE MURAL
Artist: Anthony Clubine
Contact: Anthony Clubine, anthonyclubine@gmail.com
Dimensions: 18’ x 60’
Materials: Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint on brick and stucco
Patron: The Liberty Store & Downtown Auburn BID & NYS Main Street Funds
The mural scene depicts the business and renowned Auburnians Harriet Tubman, William H. Seward & Theodore Case in contemporary garb. The male in the white t-shirt, next to the sign promoting The Liberty Store brand names, is a cameo self-portrait of the artist. Prior to the mural’s installation, façade work was completed, funded by NYS Main Street grants and trafficked by the Downtown Auburn BID.
Date of completion: Summer 2006
Location: 5 East Genesee Street & Seminary Avenue
REFLECTIONS OF AUBURN MURAL
Artist: Anthony Clubine
Contact: Anthony Clubine, anthonyclubine@gmail.com
Dimensions: 35’ x 45’
Materials: Billboard Ronan Bulletin paint applied to primed brick
Patron: Colonial Laundromat
The mural depicts a Downtown Auburn scene in the 1890s featuring a Flatiron style wedge-shaped building. It also includes references to current local retail businesses and faces of Auburn residents. Look for a “Happy Birthday Kayli” banner across the street, honoring Tony’s daughter’s first birthday.
Date of completion: Fall 2000
Location: 26 East Genesee Street (outside)
ANGELO’S PIZZA MOSAIC
Project Team: Blake Chamberlain (artist design and outline), Jesse Kline and Dave Tobin (project managers), Brian Redfield (mural text), Paul Elice (frame contractor), and 50+ community volunteers
Contact: Blake Chamberlain, blake1863@gmail.com
Dimensions: 5′ x 25′
Materials: Mosaic tile, mirror, sea shells, caulk adhesive, colored grout, and paint
Patron: Stardust Foundation of Central New York
The retro design was inspired by a 1950s black & white photograph portraying the business founder, Angelo D’Angelo, alongside flying pizzas – signifying the restaurant as an Auburn institution for fast, delicious food. The painted outline was done prior to serve as a guide for the volunteers participating in the mosaic installation, and then reapplied after the grouting process was complete.
Date of completion: Summer 2010
Location: 33 E. Genesee Street, west wall
WELCOME TO AUBURN MURAL
Project Team: Arthur the Artist Hutchinson (artist & co-project manager); Jesse Kline (co-project manager; A&M Graphics (mural printing, installation & lighting); Jay & Kim Pearson (building owner)
Contact: Arthur the Artist Hutchinson, arthur@arthurtheartist.com
Dimensions: 13’ x 34’
Material: Vinyl
Patron: This Downtown Auburn BID mural was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State funded by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
This vinyl mural installed above Nash’s Framing & Art celebrates Auburn’s landmarks using a vintage postcard style that compliments its historic surroundings while projecting a fresh modern look. It was created in collaboration with the building owners Kim & Jay Pearson and community members who put forth ideas and inspiration. The lively design uses big letters, bright colors, and bold movements to show residents and visitors that Auburn is a proud city that values its legacy while looking to the future.
Date of Completion: Spring 2023
Location: Nash’s Framing & Art, 12 State Street
AVENUE OF THE ARTS PANELS
Project Team Artists: Tom Hussey, Dawn Jordan, Candy Lucas, Sally Stormon and Sandy Shutter. Graphics: Tom Hitchcock of Farmboy Graphics and Laura Coburn of Coburn Design. Installation: City Department of Public Works, Jesse Kline (project manager).
Contact: Jesse Kline, jesse@auburndowntown.org
Dimensions: 2’ x 3’
Material: Aluminum & Vinyl
Patron: This Downtown Auburn Partnership project was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State, funded by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
The 40 street light panels promote our city’s history, culture & recreational opportunities. The designs are lure pieces to educate and attract residents and visitors to explore our assets. Sites represented include Auburn Public Theater, Cayuga Museum & Case Research Lab, the Equal Rights Heritage Center, Fort Hill Cemetery, Harriet Tubman Home, Schweinfurth Art Center, Seward House Museum, Willard Chapel, Emerson Park, Ward O’Hara Ag Museum & The Rev Theatre Co.
Date of Completion: Winter 2022
Location: Panels are installed on street lights in visible high traffic areas around Loop Road, Wegmans, Market Street Park, Dill Street, the Centro Bus stop, City garage & public parking lot, the Boyle Center, and Equal Rights Heritage Center. We also installed on W. Genesee Street to connect downtown to the Cayuga Museum and Schweinfurth Art Center’s West End Campus.
HARRIET TUBMAN: HER LIFE IN FREEDOM
Project Team: Harriet Tubman Booster (sponsor), Arthur Hutchinson (artist), A&M Graphics (installer), Kyle Holdings, LLC (site donation)
Contact: Debra Brillati, harriettubmanboosters@gmail.com
Dimensions: 26’ x 61’
Material: Vinyl building wrap
Patron: Visit TubmanMural.org for a complete list of contributors.
Harriet Tubman: Her Life in Freedom is the only mural dedicated to sharing Tubman’s incredible fight for human rights after finding freedom and settling in Auburn, NY. Located in the heart of the city that she called home for over 50 years, the design features scenes of Tubman at various stages of her life, as a leader of the 1863 Combahee River Raid, a nurse during the Civil War, an active participant in the women’s suffrage movement, and an older woman in the orchard she cultivated at her home.
Date of Completion: Summer 2022
Location: 39 Genesee Street (facing South Street)
HARRIET TUBMAN STATUE
Artist: Brian Hanlon
Location: Courtyard NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, 25 South Street
Date of Completion: Fall 2018
Patrons: George and Mary Cuthbert in memory of Edward L. Cuthbert
AUBURN CELEBRATING THE ARTS MURAL
Artists: Amanda Tallcot, Kevin Burke, Jesse Kline, and Jen Gandee
Location: Backside of Auburn Public Theater on Exchange Street Plaza
Date of Completion: Summer 2023
This mural and community volunteer mosaic celebrate Auburn and APT as our center for the visual and performing arts.
Patron: NYS Department of State and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Auburn Downtown Partnership, and the City of Auburn
Photo Credit: Maria Welych
HARRIET TUBMAN: LIFE CYCLE OF A FREEDOM FIGHTER SCULPTURES
Artist: Audrey Iwanicki
Location: Freedom Park on North Street
Date of Completion: Fall 2023
These three bicycles symbolically represent the stages of Harriet Tubman’s life. The first bike is bound by the chains of slavery, the second bike has broken free from slavery, and the third bike represents Tubman’s free and bountiful life in Auburn, where she lived for 50 years, and is buried at Fort Hill Cemetery.
Patron: NYS Department of State and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Auburn Downtown Partnership, and the City of Auburn
Photo Credit: Maria Welych
IDEOGENESIS SCULPTURE
Artists: Jon Carnes, Keith Traub, and Sue Steele, Landscape Architect & Project Manager
Location: Genesee Street and South Street
Date of Completion: Summer 2024
This sculpture represents the hands of ingenuity and the spark of creation and invention. All the stainless steel was graciously donated to the project by NUCOR.
Patron: NYS Department of State and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NUCOR Steel, Auburn Downtown Partnership, and the City of Auburn
Photo Credit: Maria Welych
SKY WOMAN SCULPTURE
Artist: Audrey Iwanicki, and Sue Steele, Landscape Architect & Project Manager
Location: William Street and Lincoln Street
Date of Completion: Summer 2024
This bronze sculpture honors the legacy of the Cayuga Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the geological history of the area. It is named in homage to the Native American creation story that represents the natural elements that shape our earthly environment. It was cast over a decade ago with Stardust Foundation of CNY funding. The three stainless-steel rings that she holds turn like a gyroscope in the wind. They represent the earth, sun, and sky. Sky Woman is standing on the back of a tortoise shell, per the story’s narrative.
Patron: NYS Department of State and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Auburn Downtown Partnership, and the City of Auburn
Photo Credit: Maria Welych
CROW MURAL
Artist: Dawn Jordan
Location: Adjacent to Willard Memorial Chapel on 17 Nelson Street
Date of Completion: Summer 2024
Patron: Washington Square Partners
Photo Credit: Maria Welych
RADIANCE OF WELLNESS: UNIFYING DIVERSITY, THE HEART OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Artists: Jonathan Cantrell and Jesse Kline
Location: East Hill Medical Center, William Street
Date of Completion: Fall 2024
Patron: NYS Department of State, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and East Hill Medical Center
Photo Credit: Maria Welych
SPACE BETWEEN
Artist: Audrey Iwanicki
Location: William Street on the side of the Hadley Building
Date of Completion: Winter 2025
This sculpture was an add-on to the DRI projects created from parts and pieces. The green and blue rings (and scrap circles) were initially created for the Sky Woman sculpture, yet stylistically, they weren’t a good fit. The sculpture structure was made of aluminum scraps. The Hadley Building property owner covered the cost of the installation.
Patron: NYS Department of State and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, A&M Graphics, Auburn Downtown Partnership, and the City of Auburn
Photo Credit: Jesse Kline
THEODORE CASE: THE MAGIC OF SOUND AND LIGHT
Fundraising is underway for the building wrap mural “Theodore Case: The Magic of Sound and Light” on the east-facing wall of the Nolan Block. The mural was created by Arthur the Artist and will be installed by A&M Graphics. For info and donations, visit cayugamuseum.org/case-mural.
THOMMIE WALSH A LIFE ON STAGE
Artist: Trinity Rivard
Contact: Jesse Kline, jesse@auburndowntown.org
Dimensions: 10’ x 10’
Materials: Acrylic paint on MDO boards
Patron: Project was managed by the Auburn Downtown Partnership, with funding provided to the City of Auburn by the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
This mural serves as a meaningful tribute to Thommie Walsh’s extraordinary legacy, celebrating one of Auburn’s most talented artists: a two-time Tony Award winner and an original cast member of A Chorus Line.
Date of completion: Summer 2026
Location: Dill Street, backside of Riordan Realty
Why a Trail?
Public art is nice to look at, but often we don’t know who created it and why. We might be intrigued by a piece we see and want to find out more about the artist, but we don’t know where and how. So, we walk by and it soon fades from our memory. The Auburn Public Art Trail aims to change that.
Technically, the public artwork we have in Downtown Auburn is already accessible to all who notice it. However, we specifically wanted to draw attention to it and create a trail that shows that there are many more art pieces to enjoy and learn about. We wanted to give you the opportunity to find out the history behind those pieces, why they were created and by whom, and thereby encourage appreciation of and a connection to the artists, the artwork and the community that displays it.
You can slow down and walk through Downtown Auburn, see and experience the things that merely fly by through a car window – and that goes not only for the beautiful artwork, but also for our great shops and restaurants downtown.
By putting local artists and their work “on the map” we give them credit for their accomplishments and promote what they do. The goal is to foster an appreciation for local art among residents and visitors alike and encourage more public art displays in the future.
