Turning construction sites into art work

LOWER EAST SIDE (WABC) -- Construction projects are generally positive, but often the mess that goes with them can be a burden for the neighborhood.

On the Lower East Side, art has transformed some of those unsightly spaces.

Art is in the eye of the beholder and so is art space. The group ArtUp has transformed scaffolding and construction containers into canvases to showcase local artists, adding color and life to the neighborhood.

A scaffolding bridge has been in place for several years. Since 2008, 10 artists have used it to display their work. ArtUp gets permission from building owners and construction companies.

Construction containers that were littered with graffiti are now decorated with art. The city owned them. Within 2 days of getting the okay, six artists worked their magic.

Another colorful installation can be found on Extra Place, which is the alley behind what used to be the legendary CBGB's. The mural is made up of works from three artists - Jon Burgerman, Abe Linoln Junior and Ellis Gallagher.

ArtUp hopes to continue to bring art out of the galleries where more people can enjoy it.

You can learn more about ArtUp at http://fabnyc.org/artup.php.

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new york city, lower east side, art, construction, new york news, lisa colagrossi

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