NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a New York City-based real estate development, lending and advisory company, is delighted to reveal a 76-foot mural by celebrated local artist, Lance Johnson, at its residential property under development at 69 East 125th Street in Harlem. Greystone commissioned Johnson to create a one-of-a-kind canvas mural that honors the rich culture and fabric of the immediate community. The mural, installed on October 26, will initially be featured outside of Greystone’s development site for the community to observe and enjoy, and then will be incorporated within the building, once construction is completed.
“We saw this as an opportunity to add art and connect with the community. We received many submissions and unanimously chose Lance. When you take in his artwork, you can sense the vibrant and dynamic foundation upon which this community is built,” said Jill Preschel, Vice President of Marketing for Greystone Development.
The linear mural consists of three adjoining canvases created using acrylic, spray paint, and collage elements. The piece captures the spirit of Harlem dating back to the Harlem Renaissance. Lance creatively wove images of musicians, dancers and a quote from Langston Hughes (“Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird…”) into the mural to present a celebration of life and culture in Harlem. The colors chosen complement both the façade and the planned interiors of the building.
“I love to create and inspire people with my work by creating colorful ways to show life in a positive light,” said Johnson. “I am so honored and excited for this incredible opportunity to showcase my work at Greystone Development’s property in the center of Harlem; marking my fourth mural in this neighborhood.” Leanne Stella, Founder of Art in Flux, connected Lance with Greystone Development.
Johnson has deep family ties in Harlem and talks about his mother, who reminisces often about playing in Marcus Garvey Park just around the corner from 69 East 125th Street, the same park where his grandfather also worked. His work draws inspiration from a variety of musical genres that span generations, including jazz, soul music and hip-hop. Johnson’s previous work in Harlem includes permanent murals at Angel Restaurant on 121st Street and Frederick Douglas; Corner Social on Malcolm X Blvd, and Harlem Cycle on 137th Street. Lance is also a part of the 125th Street BID banner project for 2017 that will be installed on light poles along 125th Street.
Greystone Development’s residential project at 69 East 125th Street is a 12-story rental building with architecture by Kutnicki Bernstein Architects and interiors by Lauren Jayne Design. The building will feature 75 apartments with thoughtful amenities, and 5,600 square feet of ground-floor retail. Building completion is anticipated for mid-2017.
About Greystone Development
Greystone Development is a full-service real estate developer. Since 1992, we have acquired, repositioned and developed over $2 billion in properties nationwide spanning approximately 3.5 million square feet. Our portfolio is diverse, comprised of condominium, rental, office, retail, mixed use and healthcare properties. Greystone Development is currently developing 15 real estate projects in premier markets such as New York, Miami and Palo Alto. For more information, visit www.greystonedevelopment.com
About Lance Johnson
Lance Johnson was raised in the Bronx with deep family ties in Harlem. His mother grew up steps from Marcus Garvey Park where she played and his grandfather worked for the NYC Parks Department. Johnson is a self-taught mixed media artist. His collage style is inspired by the work of Romare Bearden, one of the most important American artists of the 20th Century. He also draws influence from hip-hop culture and the energy of NYC. Johnson is a graduate of City College where he studied journalism. His inquisitive nature impacts his own artwork and his work with youth. He has produced a number of murals with teen groups where he guides them to take an in-depth approach exploring topics such as diversity, cyber bullying, and the false ideals of beauty. His work has been exhibited at Art In FLUX, Harlem Eat Up, Harlem Arts Festival and Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art. He was recently selected for the 2017 Harlem 125th Street BID banner project. His commission work includes painting a Zipcar and permanent murals at Angel Restaurant (Harlem); Corner Social (Harlem); City MD (Harlem); Harlem Cycle; 5th & Mad; and Macondo East (LES).
About Kutnicki Bernstein Architects
Kutnicki Bernstein was established in 1986 by Dan Bernstein. KBA continues to set precedents for New York City architecture through an active practice in commercial, corporate and residential design. KBA is dedicated to pushing boundaries and generating discourse through novel concepts and imaginative materials.
About Lauren Jayne Design
New York- and Miami-based Lauren Williams is the founder and principal of Lauren Jayne Design. Her firm specializes in high-end residential and hospitality interiors spanning both coasts.
Art in Flux Harlem
Leanne Stella founded Art in Flux in 2012 to create opportunities in Harlem by merging artistic, commercial and community interests. FLUX brings art closer to the community and connects art patrons and property owners with uptown artists.