Community-Inspired Mural Rises at Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch
Update: Join us for the opening celebration of Jade Warrick’s mural at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 pm!
The soaring interior walls of Albany Public Library’s Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch will soon host a mural by local artist Jade Warrick that celebrates community, family, knowledge, and reading.
Warrick developed the concept with feedback from Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch patrons who completed surveys at the branch throughout September. The themes of inclusion, access, knowledge, nature, diversity, family, and neighbors were repeatedly mentioned by people who completed surveys. The mural design draws inspiration from a Frederick Douglass quote: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
“For me, that quote still rings true, especially now,” said Warrick. “Libraries are one of the last true public spaces where freedom, imagination, and belonging meet. This mural celebrates that spirit through themes of community, learning, and the ways stories connect us. It ties together everything I value—diversity, growth, and the role reading plays in shaping how we see one another. I believe that shows through the art and design of this mural.”
The library’s community-inspired public art project is generously funded by special legislative aid that was specifically directed to the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch by former NYS Senator Neil Breslin.
“We are incredibly grateful for the aid that made this mural possible. The library’s regular operating budget runs lean and supports core services at our seven branches, so it’s truly awesome when we get to do something extra like this for the community,” said APL Board of Trustees President Sarah Macinski.
Jade Warrick, also known as “TrashKiD Art” in the local art world, is a muralist, visual designer, arts educator, and program developer. She is the founder of the arts and wellness initiative Amplified Voices. Warrick has previously collaborated with the Albany Public Library on youth-based art projects, spoken alongside Albany library leaders in Washington, D.C. about how libraries can positively impact communities of color, and authored the Mural Toolkit for Libraries for the New York State Library, released in the summer of 2025.
Warrick, along with a few assistants, will be painting the mural at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch, at 148 Henry Johnson Blvd., during November. Library visitors are welcome to view Warrick’s progress on the colorful art piece.
The library will commemorate the completion of the mural with a public celebration at the branch on December 10. Details of the celebration will follow.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.