Brooklyn artist transforms drab Fifth Avenue planters into vibrant works of art * Brooklyn Paper

"“We want people to visit Fifth Avenue and enjoy it and stay and support local stores, and by adding some art to the planters, we thought that would be one way of getting people to come on down and see them, but also a way of thanking the community for supporting local as well,” Tallantire explained. “By having the planters and the art in different places, we hope people will explore and walk down, enjoy the whole corridor.”"

"Antonelli draws inspiration from nature, and much of her work focuses on colorful, joyful floral murals that grace the walls of businesses such as Volare Cafe, Pasta Louise, Park Slope Little Learners and Java Studios."

"She told Brooklyn Paper that a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden inspired the project, particularly the shadows of the plants and their organic shapes. She chose a vibrant color palette for the abstract floral designs of tulips and pansies that reflects Park Slope's character, including the red brick of the neighborhood's townhouses and green tones representing the trees."

"“I also wanted [the planters] to be interesting and joyful, so I added the bright blue,” Antonelli explained. “I wanted something which is kind of calming [and] nature-inspired. I'm a big believer in bringing more nature into the city, and it has a positive impact. For me, it's a very relaxing experience. So I hope that you can”"

A business improvement district is upgrading Fifth Avenue by commissioning Brooklyn-based artist Martha Antonelli to redesign 16 cement planters at Park Place and Fourth and Ninth streets. The planters receive abstract botanical designs with vibrant color, texture, and movement to enhance the streetscape. The project supports a beautification mission aimed at making Fifth Avenue more welcoming so visitors stay longer and support local stores. The planters are placed in different locations to encourage walking and exploring the full corridor. Antonelli’s work draws inspiration from nature, including shadows and organic plant shapes observed at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. She uses a color palette featuring tulips and pansies, with tones reflecting Park Slope’s red brick and green trees, and adds bright blue for joy and calm.

Read at Brooklyn Paper