The Hancock Arts Alliance, in partnership with the Western Catskills Visitors Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Smart Energy Choices, and Ithaca Murals, proudly announces the official unveiling of Delaware County’s third Thriving Futures public mural on Wednesday, May 7 beginning at 2:00 PM at the following locations: 41 Leonard Street at 2PM, 95 E Front Street at 2:30PM and at 3PM the newest addition at the EVolve NY Charging Stations and Hancock Hounds Dog Park, 661 West Main Street, Hancock, NY.

This new mural installation is part of the regional Thriving Futures Mural Initiative, one of 18 murals created across the Southern Tier through Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Smart Energy Choices program in collaboration with Ithaca Murals. The initiative supports public art that inspires conversations around clean energy, environmental stewardship, community resilience, and a more sustainable future.

The Hancock mural reflects the natural beauty of the Upper Delaware region while highlighting the important relationship between people, pollinators, local ecosystems, and the choices communities make to protect them. Positioned beside the EVolve NY Electric Vehicle Charging Station and adjacent to the Hancock Hounds Dog Park, the mural creates a powerful visual gateway for both residents and travelers entering Hancock.
This location was intentionally selected as a symbol of Hancock’s continued investment in sustainability, tourism, recreation, and economic development. The EVolve NY station has become one of the most visible clean transportation hubs in the region, while the dog park, community garden efforts, and surrounding public spaces continue to expand the site as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

This mural was created as a true community collaboration, bringing together local students from the Hancock after-school program, regional art teachers, local families, and artists throughout the Upper Delaware region. Designed to reflect both environmental stewardship and the spirit of community connection, the project became more than a public art installation—it became a shared experience of learning, creativity, and local pride.

Young artists worked alongside experienced muralists and educators, contributing ideas, painting sections of the artwork, and helping bring the vision to life. The mural now stands not only as a symbol of clean energy and sustainability, but also as a reflection of the next generation helping shape Hancock’s future.
The project was led locally by Richard Lowe, Founder of the Hancock Arts Alliance, with support from community volunteers, educators, and regional partners committed to strengthening public spaces through accessible art, beautification and placemaking.

Karim Beers, Director of Smart Energy Choices, shared:
"I love how the mural highlights how a healthy environment benefits everyone—butterflies, nature and people, too. Similarly, clean energy has many benefits: it saves residents money, makes homes safer and more secure; it reduces planet-warming gases; and it provides good, family-sustaining jobs to people in the region. That the mural raises awareness about these issues and beautifies the community at the same time is another win-win!”

Richard Lowe, Founder of the Hancock Arts Alliance, shared:
"This mural is especially meaningful because it was built by the community itself. Our local students, teachers, families, and artists all had a hand in creating something lasting together. It’s not just about public art—it’s about ownership, pride, and giving young people the opportunity to leave their mark on their hometown. Located at the EVolve NY Charging Station and Hancock Hounds Dog Park, this mural connects environmental responsibility with community engagement, showing that a thriving future starts right here at home."

About Smart Energy Choices
Smart Energy Choices is a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension offices across the Southern Tier and serves as the NYSERDA Regional Clean Energy Hub for the region. The program provides free energy advising for residents, nonprofits, small businesses, and multifamily property owners to help reduce energy use, improve efficiency, transition to renewable energy, and lower costs.

About Thriving Futures
The Thriving Futures Mural Initiative is a collaborative project between Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Smart Energy Choices program and Ithaca Murals, supporting artists’ visions for green, healthy, and thriving communities. Throughout 2025, 18 murals were installed across the Southern Tier, each reflecting local perspectives on sustainability, environmental equity, and clean energy access.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Schedule

Wednesday, May 7, 2026
2:00 PM – Opening Remarks 41 Leonard Street - Byway Mural Location
2:30 PM – Official Ribbon Cutting for 95 E Front Street (Photo Opportunity for Media)
3:00 PM – Official Ribbon Cutting for 661 W Main Street (Photo Opportunity for Media) Community Meet & Greet with Artists, Students, Families, and Project Partners

Local news crews, television media, residents, businesses, elected officials, and visitors are invited to attend this special unveiling celebrating art, sustainability, youth engagement, and community investment in Hancock’s future.

Invited media outlets include: The Hancock Herald, The River Reporter, WBNG Binghamton, Bold Gold Media, Sullivan County Democrat, and regional print and digital press outlets across the Southern Tier

For more information about the Thriving Futures Mural Initiative, visit:
www.smartenergychoices.org/thriving-futures2