About GMC

Preserving Heritage Through Community Art

Our region took a turn on the world’s stage when Mural Mania hosted the 10th Biennial Global Mural Conference at the beautiful Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport on September 19 – 24, 2016. The conference, conceived by the Global Mural Arts & Cultural Tourism Association, has been reliably attracting locals, visitors and talented muralists in venues around the world for more than 20 years.

The 2016 conference theme, “Preserving Heritage Through Community Art,” shined a spotlight on the magnificent historical murals commissioned through Mural Mania depicting the everyday slices of life and signature events that shaped the rich cultural history along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. On the special conference speaker days of September 23 and 24, the Planning Committee lined up a variety of presenters, a mobile tour and demonstrations about the power of murals to transform and enrich communities, neighborhoods and regions. 

Mural Mania, a volunteer effort, partnered with the Fairport Foundation, a 501(c)(3), to accept tax deductible donations from individuals, corporations and grants to help underwrite the conference and its associated programs. Mural Mania’s  founder Mark DeCracker coordinated the conference with help from a volunteer committee comprised of muralists, historians, teachers, writers and community activists.

Conference highlights included the Erie Canal Heritage Mural Expo at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport, NY, September 19 – 23, 2016, where everyone of all ages were invited to watch and interact with both international and local artists from China, Argentina, Australia, US and Canada. Each beautiful mural was painted by the artists on Evolon (a material that allows for easy transport and mounting).

If you are interested in purchasing a mural that was painted at this event, please contact Mark DeCracker at mark@gmc2016.com

Murals attract and fascinate people, transforming neglected urban neighborhoods, sprucing up business districts and shaping the character of rural towns and villages. The positive ripple effect includes the economic boon of tourism, preserving local history, creating civic pride, encouraging partnerships and stimulating conversation and reflection.

This website has been updated to give a summary of events that took place during this memorable event.