Downtown York Magazine | Mini Feature, Exploring Downtown

MINI

FEATURE SPRING/SUMMER 2020

EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

ROYAL SQUARE MURALS YOUR GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Story by: Elaine Bonneau, Director, Downtown Inc Art abounds everywhere in York. Thanks to a collaboration in summer 2019 by The Parliament Arts Organization, Sprocket Mural Works, and several local artists a fresh crop of creative expression adorns the exterior of several buildings in the heart of downtown. The Royal Square District (aptly named as a nod to its main thoroughfares Queen, King, Princess, and Duke streets) has become a destination for the murals, which are interspersed with unique shopping venues, salons, art galleries, breweries, and more. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, you can enjoy this self-guided tour at your own pace.

Discover a few of our favorites.

For a full list and map of murals, shopping, and more in Royal Square, visit royalsquaredistrict.com/murals Recommended Route: start in the Royal Square Courtyard behind The Cantina and walk through to South Howard Street, round the corner on Newton Avenue, then circle around to Collusion Tapworks.

NASTURTI UM

By Jacintha Clark • Royal Square Courtyard Photo courtesy of Dani Fresh Originally from New Mexico, artist Jacintha Clark now works in York and Philadelphia. To Jacintha, painting murals is about finding a deeper connection with a space as a canvas and a location inhabited by individuals and their community. Jacintha loves painting flowers for their universality. Why a nasturtium flower for Royal Square? The nasturtium is used to add a warm, peppery taste to food. These red and yellow flowers are also symbolic of the diverse art, music and food that make Royal Square a creative hub.

Jacinthaclark.com

Jacinthaclark, Jacinthamurals

2

O RACL E

By Aron Rook • Royal Square Courtyard Photo courtesy of The Cantina

UN TI TL ED

By Ralphie Sequinot

Artist Aron Rook of Carlisle shared his inspiration for this mural and the meaning South Howard Street, located by the rear entrance of behind the imagery. He explains that owls are typically nocturnal creatures living Artemis Vintage in the darkness. This owl is courageous, swooping out of the darkness and being a Photo courtesy of Sprocket Mural Works guardian of those who bravely step out of their own form of darkness. Artist Ralphie Sequinot allows you to get lost in this untitled piece and find your own meaning and emotion. This intimate embrace has become the Aron Kylene Rook Aronrookart backdrop of marriage proposals, professional wedding photoshoots and countless spontaneous selfies. You don’t want to miss seeing this one.

SR81art

Ralphiesr81

F LOWER P OWER

By Victor Manuel Rivera III Rear entrance of Artemis Vintage, along South Howard Street Photo courtesy of Dani Fresh This mural features the work of Victor Manuel Rivera III, otherwise known as VMR3, a Los Angeles–based artist originally from Lancaster. Located by the entrance to Royal Square’s Poetry Garden, VMR3 saw it as the perfect spot to paint these vibrant flowers popping with color, bringing yearround beauty to the organic garden space.

Vmr3.com

VMR.3

REB I RTH

by Jonathan “Skilz” Molina South Howard Street, adjacent to the Collusion Tapworks parking lot Photo courtesy of Dani Fresh Rebirth is the work of Jonathan “Skilz” Molina, an artist born and raised in York.

For the “Rebirth” mural, Skilz found inspiration by reflecting on both God and his mother, Yolanda Alicea. Don’t miss this photo moment: stand in front of the mural and take on butterfly wings. You can also see more of Molina’s work inside The Skilztat2

Cantina restaurant, just through the Royal Square Courtyard, where his murals are featured throughout the dining space.

Skilztat2

YO R K

By Chelsea Foster South Howard Street, adjacent to the Collusion Tapworks parking lot Photo courtesy Chelsea Foster

Chelsea Foster is a York native, and she has become well-known for her intricate hand-lettering. This mural makes careful use of both geometric shapes as well as her signature lettering style to arch the middle letters of the word “York” so that viewers can stand in front for a picture and not cover up the art! Locals and tourists alike gravitate to the creativity and thoughtfulness of Foster’s mural, and it has become a go-to for headshots, senior photos, and weddings.

Chelseafoster.com

Chelster306

Chelster306

LO O KI NG BACK

By Andi Simpson • Collusion Tapworks Photo courtesy of Dani Fresh Andi Simpson is a York County native and now lives in York City. Her paintings begin with a foundation comprised of multiple layers of color and a variety of textures. Building from that background, she allows intuition to guide her. Defined shapes and forms present themselves organically as the piece progresses. With this piece, Simpson focuses on personal vanity and how it has morphed over the years with technology yet, in many ways, remains the same. Yes …you should take a selfie here.

Andiann.studio

Andiannstudio

Andiannstudio

LO O K IN G BA C K

By Andi Simpson • Collusion Tapworks Photo courtesy of Dani Fresh

2 E. Market St., York, PA 17401 | P: 717.849.2331 | info@downtownyorkpa.com downtownyorkpa.com

DowntownYorkPa

DowntownYorkPa

DowntownYorkPa

View the digital version of Downtown York online at DowntownYorkPa.com. The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the express written permission of the publisher. Downtown York Magazine is published four times a year.

Copyright © 2020 Downtown Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Downtown Inc.

PROUDLY DESIGNED IN YORK, PA 210 York St., Suite 102, York, PA 17403 yrkcreative.com P: 855.860.5909