Little did we know that when we chatted with Hannah Williams last fall about her artwork on the Bay Street electrical box, we’d be talking to her again so soon about an even bigger project! Hannah just finished up her amazing mural downtown on Warren Street - one of two murals that are part of a public art initiative by the Arts District of Glens Falls. She shared the inspiration for the project, the challenges and rewards along the way, and more…
For those that don’t know you, tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born in Glens Falls and raised in Queensbury! I am a self-taught artist, painting consistently for more than twelve years, and a full-time artist for the past three years. I have been in the mural painting business for a decade. I’m honored to be featured for the second time on Glens Falls Living! Without being too redundant talking about myself and background, folks can return to my first interview where they can learn more about me and my roots in Glens Falls.
On Pursuing Art as a Career
I am fortunate enough to have figured out my passion as a child - and stuck to it. Ever since I can remember I have been involved with art somehow. I’m mostly self taught, but I have taken a variety of art classes from middle school through community college.
My business started in 2014 following a year of live painting and vending at music festivals and painting my first mural in 2013. My biggest issue getting started was still being very young and needing to figure out the logistics of what I wanted out of a career in the arts. I had to learn to be patient. I was 20 years old when I painted my first mural. I struggled for a handful of years, working two jobs on top of any opportunity to make money with my art on the side.
From 2016-2017 I had the opportunity to work at Adirondack Studios in Argyle, NY. I learned so much about the discipline, production and logistical side of painting murals.
Then in 2020 with the temporary loss of my two jobs during the pandemic, I was able to hone in on my business and create art full-time.
In the past 10 years, I have painted 22 murals within the Capital Region.
On Local Opportunity
This mural opportunity caught my eye because I am a true advocate for public art and have been desperately wanting Glens Falls to welcome murals for many years. If you know me, you have heard my many rants about this. It’s just something I have been hoping for for so long.
The application process was typical of any public art submission and I was prepared. When you submit to a public art call, it’s not just showing your portfolio. You need your art resume or CV, you need to show your public art experience, propose a budget and concept sketch, and be comfortable with things like navigating contracts and operating a lift.
On Inspiration
The submission required that the subject for the mural be Glens Falls related. The past few years, I’ve noticed I have gravitated towards nature as a recurring theme with my public art for a few reasons. Most importantly, I want people to connect with nature. It’s universal imagery everyone can relate to, and it can create an interactive and educational purpose.
Originally I chose native flowers that could be found throughout the streets of Glens Falls or in Coles Woods. The interesting thing about the public art process is that the subject can evolve drastically from concept to end result because of all the parts and people involved. Once the Arts District landed me a building owner, I collaborated with them on a revised design because, of course, their opinion matters too. Once I was able to sit down with the building owners to brainstorm a design, it turned out that we all have the same love for nature in common. It took the three of us just one hour to figure it out. Basically, I had them run down everything in nature they loved, from animals, plants, space, insects and earth elements. I created a design that more-so tells a story of where Glens Falls is geographically. There are elements of nature you could find within the city and at the foothills of the Adirondacks, including the bear and owl.
That whole experience collaborating with the building owners completely reignited my excitement for the whole project.
On Challenges and Rewards
The challenges I encountered were typical of any large project, but even more so due to this being the start of a mural program here in Glens Falls. There was so much planning, revision, back and forth, and city approval before I got to the fun part of painting. Truly nonstop for many months, including getting certified in the boom lift, acquiring general liability insurance, figuring out materials, and so on.
The city board meeting for approval was quite the event. There was public pushback, comments and concerns. I stood in front of the room with Kate Austin as she represented the Arts District and I represented the artists. Nothing felt better than having the city board hear us and approve the project unanimously.
I also faced social and societal hurdles, including not being taken seriously by taking this project on by myself. The challenge there was simply not giving up and being my own advocate.
As far as the actual painting process, the most challenging part was painting the barred owl. Such intricate details, as well as wrapping it around on two different planes. It took days to figure it all out to where it translates correctly at a certain angle.
I loved every second of painting this mural. It was truly an emotionally validating experience. This was my first large scale building mural and I am so proud. It’s exactly the career path I've been wanting to go down — to be able to travel anywhere and paint large building murals.
On Supporting Local
A very large chunk of my budget was dispersed back into the local economy, and that was very important to me. Everything that I needed or used was purchased locally, down to the paint, lift rental, insurance and so on. I didn’t want to cut any corners for the sake of profiting more because in the end, the preservation and quality of the art itself is more important. Shout out to: Colbra Painting, Sherwin Williams, Action Equipment, O’Brien Insurance Agency, Liberty Graphics, and March First Media.
On Support
Many folks had different designated titles for my boyfriend, Tyler. My bodyguard, PR appointee, and Humble Assistant to name a few. For anyone wondering, “Who’s that guy that was always sitting there?!” That was my lovely partner. He deserves recognition for the amount of support and assistance he provided for me every day on the job. He promoted me and my business, handing out cards and telling everyone about the process. He had no complaints about always handing me a tool I needed, cleaning up, or making sure I was hydrated, fed, and had sunscreen on.
I am extremely humbled by the amount of support the community showed me. I heard every honk, compliment and cheer that came by. This project brought my family together, and other families too. It was something different and exciting to witness and check up on everyday. I made friends and connections. Many thanks to the following people for making this project a more enjoyable experience: Tyler Mammone (boyfriend), Cathy & Brad Williams (Mom and Dad), Ryan Williams (brother), Aunt Lisa & Uncle John, Aunt Gail and new friends Jane & Craig. All of these people stopped by every single day to show their support.
On Visiting the Mural
Please visit the mural not only in the day, but at night as well. It’s quite magical how the street lights illuminate the moon, stars and other objects giving off a whole different vibe!
Also! There will be a Meet the Artist event at the mural (20 Warren Street) this Wednesday, September 21st at 5pm. Looking forward to connecting with community then!
