New Rochelle Artist Wins 'Downtown Gateway Art' Contest

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The gateway to New Rochelle just got an impressive new welcome sign and the top-prize winning graphic artist behind the work is bringing home more than just bragging rights.

The City of New Rochelle announced on Thursday that Diane Gwon, a New Rochelle resident, has been chosen as the winning artist for her submission to the "Downtown Gateway Art" project. Her colorful, public-facing artwork was picked to highlight efforts to champion the flourishing arts community that has historically thrived in New Rochelle.

"I am delighted to be chosen as the winner of the 'Downtown Gateway Art Contest,'" Gwon said. "Having been able to experience all the good that New Rochelle has to offer, it feels incredible to be able to give back in such a public way. I hope residents and visitors alike find a sense of community when they are traveling downtown, and I look forward to seeing how the next generation of talented artists growing up in New Rochelle grow and succeed themselves."

When residents and visitors travel downtown in New Rochelle, they will notice the triangular graphic motif on the North Ave. Railroad Bridge. Gwon's original digital art installation directly plays off the triangles found in New Rochelle's logo.

The vibrant and bright colors she chose were inspired by the spirited and diverse community found in the city, according to the artist. The sailboat and water lines on the right represent the importance of the harbor throughout New Rochelle's history, as well as representing the area's position as a top destination on the Long Island Sound.

Gwon included the words "New Rochelle Train Station" in her artwork to be used as a signature wayfinding element while also incorporating her personal artistry into the piece.

In addition to having her work displayed, Gwon will also receive a $3,000 prize.

SEE ALSO: Graphic Design Contest To Welcome Visitors To New Rochelle Now Open

"As the City of New Rochelle's diverse arts community continues to grow and develop in an organic way, we are proud to offer an inclusive and welcoming cultural canvas in which artists can thrive," New Rochelle Development Commissioner Adam Salgado said. "Growing side by side with the revitalization and development seen throughout every part of the city, we are proud to say that New Rochelle's spirit of authenticity and artistic culture has provided a space where fellow artists and residents thrive, and their work is appreciated and publicly celebrated by their neighbors and visitors."

The winning submission was chosen from a group of 11 creative entries. Organizers of the contest said that New Rochelle "takes great pride in lifting its residents up, across all fields and expertise, and providing a way to showcase the eclectic and blue-chip talents we have around us all, every day. Ms. Gwon's winning artwork will serve as both an orienting landmark and a celebration of New Rochelle's downtown revitalization, highlighting and uplifting the city's vibrant art scene."

The selection jury was made up of members of the Municipal Arts Commission of the City of New Rochelle. Applicants were judged on originality, creativity, composition and adherence to the contest's theme. To promote local entries, current and former New Rochelle residents received a bonus five points towards their total score.

"We took great joy in reviewing the unique portfolio of submissions we received for the Downtown Gateway project contest," Municipal Arts Commission Chair Marisa Boan said. "All of us involved felt a strong sense of community pride after seeing the vision and examples of creativity from local residents and community members. It is an exciting time for all residents. Through a conscious commitment to our city's artistic community, it is evidently clear that New Rochelle is primed to succeed with an influx of creatives, flocking to New Rochelle for its colorful culture and exciting new opportunities."