Durkish Delights

The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts (RMFA) has announced the commission of a large mural by graphic and mural artist, Mike Durkee. The mural is located in the main entrance of the Rochester Community Center and features a diverse group of people centered around the theme of community.

Durkee, who resides and works out of his home studio in Alton, NH, is excited to share his art in such a welcoming and fun space. His previous works have been exhibited at various galleries, including Ello Gallery, Oak and Iron Gallery, Monastery Artists Gallery, and Wrong Brain Studios.

“I feel truly blessed to be a part of RMFA’s vision,” said Durkee. “Art should be accessible to all, and I want people to feel welcomed as soon as they enter the Community Center. My goal is to spark people’s curiosity and draw them in to experience all the art Rochester has to offer.”

The project was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development for the City of Rochester and Rochester Main Street, with the RMFA playing a key role in facilitating the connection between art and the community.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Mike Durkee on this project,” said Amy Regan, RMFA representative. “His vision of community is so aligned with the RMFA’s mission to bring art to everyone in the community. We look forward to seeing how this piece will enhance the visual landscape of the Rochester Community Center and inspire visitors to explore all the art that Rochester has to offer.”

The mural is an example of the RMFA’s ongoing efforts to support and enhance the visual arts in the community.

Related Posts

Waypoint Teen Drop-in Center

The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts (RMFA) is pleased to announce the completion of a vibrant mural featuring a colorful, graphic mountainscape. The mural is located on the backside of the Waypoint Center, on Wallace Street, in downtown Rochester. According to RMFA co-founder Matt Wyatt, project planning began in May 2023. However, the design, created…

Downtown Murals & Obelisk

In late 2021, the Commission for Arts & Culture of the City of Rochester embarked on a bold project to apply stunning works of art onto several downtown municipal buildings. By collaborating with a diverse group of talented New Hampshire artists to commission new art, they created a Public Art Walk that incorporates existing murals…

Bianca Mireles

In 2020, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts enlisted the talents of Bianca Mireles, a skilled artist based in the seacoast area, to create a large-scale mural in the Recreation Department at the Rochester Community Center. Mireles’ impressive portfolio includes exhibitions across various cities in the US, including Los Angeles, CA, Birmingham, AL, and Big…

Downtown Barriers

The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts (RMFA) has partnered with the City of Rochester’s Economic Development Department to commission a vibrant new art project. Volunteers from the RMFA have transformed the city’s temporary outdoor dining areas on North Main Street with a stunning display of painted jersey barriers. Conceived by artist Mike Durkee, the design…

Josh Dannin

The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to announce the installation of a new vinyl mural at The Ridge Marketplace, located between Moo-yah Burgers and 110 Grill. The mural was designed by artist and printmaker Josh Dannin and was commissioned by the museum in 2020. Dannin’s work primarily focuses on the intersection between modern…

Nathan Walker

In late 2019, the museum commissioned artist Nathan Walker to create a large metal sculpture made entirely of recycled metal. The sculpture, a nearly 8ft tall Katydid, now stands prominently near the main entrance of the Recreation Department. According to Michael Scala, City of Rochester, “We recognize that art not only adds to the quality…