Downtown Utica Development Association launches downtown art project

UTICA — The Downtown Utica Development Association (DUDA) hopes that art will add a little business lift to the downtown Utica area.

DUDA kicked off Project U on Sept. 28 at Bagg’s Square West. The initiative’s goal is to promote neighborhood vitality by using downtown store fronts as alternative art-exhibition spaces showcasing work by local artists.

A group of DUDA members discussed doing a project that involved art in windows and developed Project U, says DUDA Board of Directors President Regina Bonacci.

“The idea of placing art in empty windows has been in many small and large cities alike with success,” she says. “It helps to draw people in that would not normally come downtown.” The goal is to attract new people to downtown and new sales for downtown businesses and restaurants. Similar initiatives have been successful in places like San Francisco, Detroit, and Buffalo, she says.

“What we would like to see is people back out on the streets after five o’clock having dinner and enjoying the art,” she says.

“We’d love to see the businesses, restaurants, and shops thrive and stay busy.”

More than 18 local artists are showcasing their original works, which include jewelry, paintings, woodworking, and sculpture. Yorkville–based Meyda Lighting and McConnellsville–based Harden Furniture have contributed to the effort by enhancing the look of the displays.

Businesses supplying display space include APAC, Gallery 106, Black River Systems, and the Bank of Utica. Many downtown businesses have a map available listing all the artwork locations.

While the effort hasn’t netted any tangible results yet, Bonacci says she expects that to change when DUDA pairs Project U with a planned upcoming Restaurant Week that will tie into the art display.

“Our goal is to be part of revitalizing downtown. The national trends all point to more people interested in living and working downtown and the timing is right for Utica.”

DUDA is a not-for-profit group working to restore, promote, and maintain the character and viability of downtown Utica.       

Contact DeLore at tdelore@tmvbj.com