County Executive McMahon Announces Completion of Public Art Project in Village of Camillus
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II today announced the completion of a new mural at the Maxwell Memorial Library located in the Village of Camillus. The project was funded by the Public Art Program announced by the County Executive in 2023 in partnership with CNY Arts.
Library officials Jennifer Burke and Rena Brower worked with local artists Elliott Mattice and his partner Kathy Maio to establish a theme for the new mural. It was decided that the new mural would combine the library’s role in promoting literacy and providing a safe, welcoming space for all. It also includes features of the beautiful Camillus landscape – the hills, the wildlife, the water from Nine Mile Creek and the Erie Canal. For fun, the artists also included some “Easter eggs” from Maxwell history. There are quite a few included, and library officials plan to let patrons try to identify as many as they can. The mural was painted on one large wall in the original half of the library, in what is now the Children’s Room.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Investing in public art is an investment in ourselves as a community. We are fortunate to have a robust arts and culture scene here in Onondaga County and my administration is proud of the work we’ve done to support and grow this vital industry. The new mural at Maxwell Memorial Library is a perfect example of how public art can beautify something while also instilling pride in our community.” McMahon continued, “I want to thank artists Elliott Mattice and Kathy Maio for the beautiful job they did as well as are partners at Maxwell Memorial Library and CNY Arts for helping make this mural a reality. I encourage everyone to go check it out and take advantage of our world-class libraries!”
Rena Brower, Library Assistant said, “All of us at Maxwell Memorial Library extend our thanks to County
Executive McMahon, Mayor Richard Waterman, Village Clerk Carrie Grooms, CNY Arts, and, of course,
Elliott Mattice and Kathy Maio for the opportunity to have this amazing addition to our historic building. We invite the community to come see and admire the work.”