The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts (RMFA) is pleased to announce the restoration of the folk-art mural located on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Portland Street, on the side of the former Lamper & Son Hardware building.
According to owner Dave Lamper, the mural was painted approximately 30 years ago and is in need of restoration after years of New England weather conditions and fading from the sun.
The RMFA commissioned local artist Spenser Macleod, known for his murals around the region, including art on the second floor of the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, and more recently, his work for the Granite State Fair, where he painted the side of school buses destined for the demolition derby.
RMFA co-founder Matt Wyatt says he’s happy to see the mural updated and restored, as it’s been needed for some time and is beloved by many Rochester residents who pass by every day. “It’s a scene that most Rochester residents know right away whenever you mention it,” said Wyatt. “It’s something I’ve been seeing my whole life, and we’re proud to preserve it for many more years to come.”
Wyatt adds that the mural comes at no cost to the owner of the building, and Macleod is making every effort to restore it without changing the imagery, which is challenging as he’s only seen the original in photographs from the past. He expects the restoration to be completed before November 1, 2026.
To learn more about Spenser Macleod, visit www.spensermacleod.com.
