Artists Behind Bars at June’s First Friday

In conjunction with Owego’s First Friday on June 7, an Open House is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. at the old Tioga County Jailhouse, located at the intersection of Court and Main Streets in Owego, N.Y.

The innovative event, “Artists Behind Bars,” will feature local artists transforming a jail cell space into a work of art by creating their own style of graffiti art.

Bruce Nelson and the Nelson Development Group, LLC has challenged local graffiti artists to, “Add some style to the Old Jailhouse cell walls.”

Guests are welcomed to visit the Old Jailhouse to witness southern tier artists as they put their extraordinary talents to the test while demonstrating the passion behind graffiti art.

Works by local graffiti artists can be seen all around the southern tier, such as Binghamton artist Jesse Ryan, whose work is featured on the walls of the rest rooms at Floral Avenue Park, among other places. Artists involved with the Department of Public Art out of Binghamton have brought dozens of murals to life, such as at Cheri Lindsey Park and the Water Street parking ramp, to name a few. 

At the June 7 event, guests of all ages are welcome to view the demonstrations. While guests watch artists in action, live music and refreshments will be offered. Everyone attending will receive a ballot card to vote for their favorite graffiti artist, and in turn, an award will be presented to the winning artist.

Owego artists Carol Livermore Ostrander and Michael Husted will also be featured at the event. Carol, of Carol’s Coffee & Art Bar, and Husted, known for his award-winning jewelry designs at Van Horn Jewelers, will both have their paintings and other art work displayed inside Nelson Development’s shipping container, which doubles as a construction office, and is currently parked on Court Street, outside the old Jailhouse property.

Carol remarked, “Bruce Nelson, an artist himself, has been very generous in helping to promote other local artists.” 

For additional information, call Nelson Development at (607) 748-8200 or email ndevelopment17@gmail.com.