The 'Five Elements Arches Murals' is a New York State/Peekskill Downtown Revitalization Initiative- Enlighten Art Project proposed in 2019 by Concept Artist & Project Director, Christine Knowlton and Collage Artist, Candace Winter, grant funded and installed in 2023. The design concept is based on the cycle of the Five Elements of Nature: Wood/Spring, Fire/Summer. Earth/Late Summer, Metal/Fall and Water/Winter. Each arch features one of the elements expressed with its associated color, energetic movement, with a unique cut shape assigned: a green leaf for Wood, wavy reds for Fire, golden strands and flowers for Earth, richly toned diamonds for Metal and blue fish for Water.

 

Paper painting and shape cutting workshops were held locally in 2021-2022 with over 1,500 individuals contributing to the collage palette. Five 3’x5’ collaged art panels created by Candace Winter. The work was digitized, upscaled and printed on vinyl banners, and installed in the RT 9A keystone-framed arches along a highway overpass overlooking the Peekskill Train Station. The panels range from 21’H to 14’H and bring the beauty of nature and life to the location for all to enjoy.