Discovering Art in my Own Neighborhood

By Cleo Vivas-Rojas

How many times do we walk past the same places—over and over—and don’t notice what’s around us? Especially in New York City, where we’re so used to walking with our heads down, eyes forward, peripheral vision on alert—just enough to avoid bumping into someone, but not enough to actually see anything. We mind our business. We keep it moving. That’s the New York way.

A Hidden Exhibit in My Neighborhood

A few days ago, while researching to write this post about street art, I discovered there’s an “exhibit” of murals in my own neighborhood. I had never heard of it. Worse yet? When I used to do deliveries as a side hustle, I went to that area all the time. I must have driven by those murals dozens of times and never noticed a thing.

So, I decided to explore my own neighborhood hunting for hidden treasures in plain sight.

What I found was amazing.

Discovering the Unseen

I went to explore The Walls of Welling located in Welling Court in Astoria, Queens and I found very interesting pieces. As described in their own website: “A mecca for creative revitalization; the graphic walls of Welling Court are a beautiful statement of integration positive social change via the culture of street art”

From Vandalism to Visual Voice

This experience reminded me just how much street art has become part of NYC’s identity—and how much it has evolved.

Back in the day, graffiti in New York was considered straight-up vandalism. Think subways in the ’70s and ’80s—tags everywhere. It started in the Bronx and spread fast. Young people—mostly from Black and Latino communities—were claiming space in a city that ignored them. Their names, their art, their messages were on the walls, trains, rooftops. A lot of people saw it as destruction. But for others, it was self-expression, rebellion, and creativity all rolled into one.

Eventually, the scene evolved. Artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat took their street roots into galleries and museums. What started as something illegal became part of the city’s cultural fabric. And slowly, street art earned respect.

Today, murals are everywhere—not just in Brooklyn or the Bronx, but all over the city. Some are commissioned. Some are funded by nonprofits. Some are just done out of love for the art. Local businesses even hire artists to paint their shutters and walls—turning advertising into art.

A Reminder to Look Up

Street art is one of those things that reminds me why I love this city. It’s bold, ever-changing, and full of personality. But it also reminded me how easy it is to miss what’s right in front of us.

So next time you’re walking down your usual street—look up. Look around. You might see something you’ve been missing for years.

Do you have any art work near you that after long time you just paid attention? Tell me in the comments!

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All photos and Cleo’s Urban Adventures graffiti design by Cleo Vivas-Rojas