Pandemic-inspired mural on display

To encompass the hardships that this past year has brought into one painting is no easy feat. 

However, Troy-based artist Rachel Baxter rose to the challenge with “Still Life, With Gratitude,” a recently unveiled mural that will be on display at several locations throughout the greater Capital Region through April 3. 

“I just felt the weight and the importance of the piece . . . I want it to be for anyone who needed it,” Baxter said. 

It was created in partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region and Albany Center Gallery. Baxter began working on it earlier this year and it took about five weeks to complete. 

“It was a really lovely, reflective and peaceful process,” Baxter said. 

It features a bouquet, all symbolizing different aspects of what people have felt and experienced during the pandemic: echinacea representing strength, lilacs standing for remembrance, zinnia for endurance and mullein for healing. There are also orange tulips, representing Albany. 

The 8 by 8-foot mural is also interactive. Viewers are invited to write messages, notes and thoughts and stick them on the mural. 

“The piece is going to continue to grow and change and I hope it offers a moment of healing for people,” Baxter said. “There’s so much loss and darkness in this last year and I wanted this piece to be beautiful and vibrant but also acknowledge that loss. So I hope that they get to look at something beautiful but still let themselves feel everything they need to feel from this past year.”

“Still Life, With Gratitude” is available for viewing from 1-6 p.m. daily at the following locations:

Thurs., March 25 – Fri., March 26

The Arts Center for the Capital Region

265 River St., Troy

Sat., March 27 – Sun., March 28 

Corina Contemporary Jewelry 

10 Washington St., Ballston Spa

Mon., March 29

CREATE Council on the Arts

398 Main St., Catskill

Tues., March 30 

Hudson Hall 

327 Warren St., Hudson

Wed., March 31

Kelley Farm & Garden

259 West Main St., Cobleskill

Thurs., April 1 – Fri., April 2 

Albany Institute of History and Art 

125 Washington Ave., Albany

Sat., April 3 

The Crossings of Colonie 

580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville

Categories: -The Daily Gazette, Art