Native Blooms and Bluebirds Brighten Downtown Alfred in New Mural

A vibrant new mural is transforming one of Alfred's busiest intersections into a celebration of the community's artistic spirit, natural beauty, and local history.

Sponsored by the Alfred 21st Century Group (A21CG), this new outdoor mural is located on the wall of Uni-Mart on North Main Street in the Village of Alfred.

Chloe Smith, a Rochester-based muralist and Alfred University Master of Fine Arts student, was selected to paint the mural after her design beautifully blended native flora, local history, and the creative spirit that defines Alfred.

This mural project was supported in part by a $2,500 grant from the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) through the Allegany Fund, along with funding from the Arts Council for Wyoming County.

According to Kathleen Benzaquin, co-president of A21CG, the mural represents years of planning and a shared vision to make Alfred's downtown more vibrant.

"[A21CG is] a beautification group that looks at the streetscape and the beauty of Alfred and how to enhance it," Benzaquin said. "Every town seems to have murals, and we're an art center. We kept asking ourselves, 'Why not? Why aren't we showcasing art here?'"

That conversation began several years ago as members explored new ways to enhance the village. After reviewing submissions from artists, the group selected Smith, whose work immediately stood out.

"When we saw her design, we thought, 'This is gorgeous. This would be perfect for this area,'" Benzaquin said. "It's a lovely way to introduce people to the beauty of Alfred."

The mural features Eastern bluebirds surrounded by native wildflowers, including chicory, Queen Anne's lace, clover, daisies, and wild carrot. Nestled within the composition is a birdhouse inspired by Alfred's iconic Terra Cotta Building, honoring the village's rich ceramics history.

"The birds and flowers were suggested through a collaborative process with the 21st Century Group," Smith explained. "I wanted to incorporate other native wildflowers that bloom around the same time, so the mural would feel authentic to the landscape."

Smith intentionally included flowers and wildlife that symbolize hope, growth, and a nurturing spirit — an intentional reflection of the encouragement and creative community she has found in Alfred.

"As a student here, I feel very creatively nurtured," Smith said. "It's a very artistic, welcoming community. I wanted the mural to reflect that feeling."

Although Smith has completed more than 70 murals across Rochester and Upstate New York, she said this project has been especially meaningful because of the community's enthusiastic response.

"My favorite part has been the community buy-in," she said. "People stop by every day to tell me how excited they are that there's a mural happening. It's important to me that the people who will see it every day feel like it represents their community."

The mural was truly a collaborative effort from start to finish. Community volunteers and members of A21CG painted the yellow background, preparing the wall for Smith's design.

During the early stages of the installation, several Alfred University graduate students helped transfer the design onto the wall by assisting with the projection and initial sketching. Smith also received assistance from Alfred University MFA Painting alum Max Heaton.

Among those who contributed, Smith gave special recognition to fellow Rochester muralist Kaitlin Roney, who traveled to Alfred to paint alongside her.

“We are mural partners a lot of the time,” Smith said. “[Roney] was really generous and came down from Rochester to help me with this project.”

For Benzaquin and the A21CG, selecting Smith as the muralist carried additional significance because of her connection to Alfred University.

"When we realized Chloe was earning her MFA here, we thought she was exactly the kind of artist we want to support," she said. "She's part of this community, and we are proud that she will leave her mark on Alfred."

Smith emphasized that projects like this depend on community investment and philanthropic support.

"Murals don't happen for free," Smith said. "They take time, energy, and materials. Having organizations like the Allegany County Area Foundation that are willing to invest in public art makes projects like this possible."

The completed mural marks another step in A21CG's ongoing mission to create a more welcoming and vibrant downtown.

The public is invited to celebrate the mural's completion during an Official Unveiling and Reception on Sunday, July 26 at noon. Community members will have an opportunity to meet the artist and celebrate the latest addition to Alfred's growing public art landscape. This event is sponsored by the A21CG.