Laura Loving creates murals for Tony Dapolito Recreation Center in NYC

Laura Loving murals in Greenwich Village NYC

Since 1992, the New York Junior League (NYJL) Playground Improvement Project has revitalized neglected playgrounds and parks throughout Manhattan. The 2008 project focuses its efforts on the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center and James J. Walker Park in Greenwich Village.

The Tony Dapolito Community Center, which is adjacent to James J. Walker Park, houses the second largest Parks Department Summer Camp, after-school and weekend programs for children and senior citizens as well as affordable access to recreation programs. The majority of children who participate in the multitude of programs live outside of the immediate area and belong to an under-served community. Donations from the NYJL and corporate sponsors are funding the restoration of the building.

New York Artist Laura Loving has created two outdoor murals for the project. Both murals feature her signature image, Lady Liberty: Lady Liberty by day and Lady Liberty by night. The official ribbon cutting ceremony is June 21st and the NYJL will unveil the renovation work and give the park back to the community at this special ceremony.

In addition to the murals created by Laura Loving, Tony Dapolito Recreation Center also has a mural created by renowned pop artist Keith Haring. Located by the pool, this mural was created in 1986 and is maintained annually by the Haring Foundation.

Laura describes her work: "I take everyday images and recreate them into my own animated version of the world. I consider my art to be an invention of reality rather than purely an exact imitation. I exaggerate color and shape to create art that is humorous, alive and uplifting. The evolution of my style has its roots in American Folk and Pop Art. Having lived and worked in Nice for two years, the rich artistic heritage of the French Riviera has also had a strong effect on my work.”

“I want my art to create a positive bond with the viewer. Without question, making a connection with someone through my paintings is the best part of being an artist."

Laura has exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the United States and abroad. In New York, she has shown at Lincoln Center's Cork Gallery, Pratt Institute, Strut Gallery, Anthem Gallery, and Trunkt Gallery.

In 2005, Laura was commissioned to create the artwork for the Fall Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center. In Atlanta, Laura was commissioned to create the official serigraph for the 1998 Music Midtown festival. In 2007 and 2008, her work was featured in Saks Fifth Avenue’s Spotlight on Art for emerging southern artists. Laura has also shown with the Wonderwall Gallery in Cirencester, England, and Chaleurs du Sud in Nice, France.

Laura’s work hangs in homes and businesses around the world, including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, King and Spalding, Troutman Sanders, BT Radianz, The NYSE, NASDAQ, D/A Capital and Ash Hollow Winery.

Laura currently resides in New York City. She finds the energy of the city makes it a dynamic and exciting place to live and work.