Rochester Public Library Celebrates New Mural at Lyell Branch Library

The Rochester Public Library’s Lyell Branch hosted local artists today for an unveiling of a mural on the building’s western wall. This mural is one of four new community murals installed across Rochester and the surrounding region, funded by a New York State Council on the Arts grant through its Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM) initiative.   

The grant was administered through WALL\THERAPY, where Roc Paint Division alumna and lead staff member Francheska Diaz, alongside Roc Paint’s Youth Educator Callisto Daly, designed the mural “Take Care.” Their collaboration emphasized both community and nature. Roc Paint Division youth and alumni artists helped with the installation, making it not only a learning experience but also a reunion for the program. 

“As anchor institutions in our neighborhoods, our libraries take seriously the responsibility of being welcoming spaces that contribute to the vitality of our surroundings,” said Emily Clasper, Director of Rochester Public Library. “Rochester is home to world-class artistic talent, and we are thrilled to be the canvas for bringing these works of art to the community. Our thanks go to Governor Hochul, and the New York State Legislature for funding the CHARM initiative.”

The mural features five vignettes, two designed by Callisto Daly and three by Francheska Diaz. Callisto’s bookended designs feature two close-up images of children engaging with nature, splashing in a puddle and catching ladybugs. Francheska’s three central scenes feature snapshots of different familial and intergenerational relationships.  

“As a muralist, my goal is to create work that is not only visually exciting, but also positively impacts the community,” said Francheska Diaz. “Art is a right, not a privilege. My murals aim to make art accessible to every space. As I continue working on murals, I strive to include other young artists. It is a pleasure to work with Roc Paint Division alumni and youth and help foster the next generation of muralists.” 

“Brightening up a Rochester neighborhood that has not had a significant investment in public art meant everything to me,” added Callisto Daly. “Bringing joy to a community through your work is truly all you can hope for when doing public art.” 

Beyond the artwork itself, the project also serves as a jobs and mentorship program. Current Roc Paint Division youth artists work with program graduates and lead muralists at each site, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale public art production. 

The four regional locations where CHARM Murals have been installed this season include: 

• Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Ave. Rochester, NY 14605; Lead Artists Francheska Diaz and Callisto Daly 

• Dutch Creatives’ Collaborative; 769 E. Main St., Rochester, NY 14605; Lead Artist Sarah Rutherford 

• Rio Tomatlan, 106 Bemis St., Canandaigua, NY 14424; Lead Artists Justin Suarez & Pamela Carvalho 

• The Lockstone; 160 N. Main St., Albion, NY 14410; Lead Artist Justin Suarez