Murals at Bangkok Station: Bridging Visionary Art and Thai Buddhist Tradition
Murals at Bangkok Station: Bridging Visionary Art and Thai Buddhist Tradition
I’m thrilled to share my recent mural project at Bangkok Station Thai Restaurant in Nyack, New York. This unique commission came to life thanks to owner Mike Metzger’s passion for art and his love of vibrant, visionary creations. Mike’s restaurant already features a collection of stunning concert posters from renowned artists like Emek, setting a tone of eclectic and thoughtful design that welcomes all who enter.
Mike discovered my work through a friend who frequents Bangkok Station and felt my style would perfectly complement the restaurant’s existing aesthetic. His vision? To bring Thai Buddhist themes to life on the opposing ends of the dining area, blending tradition with a contemporary edge that echoes the artistry found in his concert poster collection.
Designing the Murals
To honor the Thai Buddhist inspiration, I delved into the rich symbolism of this artistic tradition. I created two murals, each reflecting distinct but complementary aspects of Thai Buddhist culture:
– The Green Tara: One mural features the compassionate and serene Green Tara, a goddess symbolizing protection and enlightenment. Her tranquil yet powerful presence brings a sense of calm and inspiration to the space.
– The Wrathful Deity: On the opposite wall, a dynamic and intense wrathful deity bursts forth with vibrant colors, embodying transformation and the energy of overcoming obstacles.
These designs were carefully crafted to resonate with the spiritual depth of traditional Thai art while also embracing the boldness and modernity of concert poster aesthetics.
The Process
This project was a collaborative effort with Mike, whose passion for art and attention to detail made this a truly rewarding experience. As I worked, I sought to create murals that would seamlessly tie together the restaurant’s existing mix of traditional Thai decor and visionary art, making the space feel both cohesive and dynamic.
A Visit Worth Making
If you’re in Nyack, I encourage you to visit Bangkok Station to experience the murals in person. Enjoy incredible Thai cuisine while soaking in the vibrant artistry of this special space.
A big thank you to Mike Metzger for trusting me to bring this vision to life, and to Marc Snyder who introduced him to my work. This project was a beautiful fusion of cultural tradition, modern artistry, and community connections—a true joy to create!
Local Artist Brian Zickafoose Awarded Arts & Culture Project Grant for Art Day in the Village
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Zickafoose
Email: Hello@BrianZickafoose.com
Phone: 845-779-2084
Website: www.BrianZickafoose.com
Local Artist Brian Zickafoose Awarded Arts & Culture Project Grant for Art Day in the Village
Wappingers Falls, NY – November 28, 2024 – Brian Zickafoose, a celebrated muralist and illustrator, has been awarded the Arts & Culture Project Grant (ACPG) for 2025. This prestigious grant will support Art Day in the Village 2025, an annual celebration of art and community in Wappingers Falls, NY.
Out of over 250 applicants, only 102 grants were awarded, and Zickafoose’s project was chosen to receive funding from the New York State Legislature, administered by Arts Mid-Hudson. This recognition highlights the significance of Zickafoose’s work in the arts community and his commitment to bringing people together through creative expression.
Art Day in the Village has become a beloved cultural tradition in the Hudson Valley, held in tandem with the Festival of the Arts Student Exhibition in Mesier Park. Together, these events create a dynamic weekend celebrating artistic talent at all levels, from emerging student artists to professional creators.
The grant builds on the success of “The Gift”, a mural created by Zickafoose and unveiled during Art Day in May 2024. Installed in collaboration with local officials and a business developer, the mural celebrates the spirit of community and artistic expression. During the unveiling ceremony, Wappinger Town Supervisor Joey Cavaccini presented Zickafoose with the Wappinger Proud Community Award, recognizing his contributions to the cultural landscape of Wappingers Falls.
As part of the 2025 event, two new large-scale art pieces by Zickafoose and fellow artist Perry Kroeger will be installed in Wappingers Falls, continuing the tradition of integrating public art into the heart of the village. These works, centered around the theme of “Community,” will be unveiled during the event as part of the celebration.
Now in its fourth year, Art Day in the Village has become a beloved tradition in the Hudson Valley. The event showcases local talent and artists from underserved communities, featuring murals, pop-up galleries, live art, and interactive activities. The event draws thousands of visitors each year, strengthening the sense of community and celebrating creativity in unexpected places throughout the village.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this grant and grateful for the opportunity to continue building Art Day in the Village,” said Zickafoose. “This event is about bringing people together, making art accessible to all, and celebrating the creative spirit that makes Wappingers Falls so special.”
Art Day in the Village 2025 will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with a rain date of Sunday, May 18, 2025. The event is free and open to the public.
This project is made possible with funds from the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson. For more information about the event, visit: www.instagram.com/artdayinthevillage
About Brian Zickafoose
Brian Zickafoose is an award-winning commercial artist, muralist, and co-founder of Art Day in the Village. Known for his bold linework, cosmic themes, and vibrant illustrations, his work includes murals, point-of-interest maps, and branding designs for bands and communities. He also teaches art classes at Hudson Valley Interarts Community Center in Patterson, New York, sharing his passion for creativity with aspiring artists. Based in Wappingers Falls, NY, Zickafoose’s dedication to art and community engagement shines through his many creative projects.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES
For interviews, additional details, or images, please contact Brian Zickafoose at hello@brianzickafoose.com or 845-779-2084.
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Funk Generations Turns 20: Featured in Beverly Hills Cop 4
Funk Generations: From Canvas to the Big Screen in Beverly Hills Cop 4
I am beyond excited to share that my painting “Funk Generations” is featured in the recently released “Beverly Hills Cop 4 – Axel F”, which came out on July 3, 2024. Seeing my work in such a major film is a dream come true, and I am deeply honored to be part of this iconic series.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of “Funk Generations”. The journey of this painting took an unexpected and thrilling turn in August 2022, when the producers of “Beverly Hills Cop 4” reached out to me about using my art as a set dressing for the film. At first, I thought it might be a scam, but after some research, I found out the offer was legitimate.
After verifying the information, I agreed to let them use “Funk Generations” in the movie. The very next day, the producers acquired the piece. For the past two years, I’ve kept this exciting news a secret, and I am now thrilled to reveal it to all of you.
“Funk Generations” – featuring Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Parliament Funkadelic singer and frontman, George Clinton – holds a vibrant and dynamic spirit, making it a perfect fit for the energetic and iconic world of “Beverly Hills Cop”. The inclusion of my artwork in this film is a testament to the timeless appeal and relevance of the piece, even twenty years after its creation.
Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me and my art. Your encouragement has been invaluable, and it’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible journey art can take us on.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and new projects on the horizon!
Warm regards,
Brian Zickafose
P.S. For a limited time get a Funk Generations all-over print t-shirt from our shop at the link HERE
Twisted Vegas Visions: Eggy’s Grateful Dead Sphere After Parties Poster Art
“We can’t stop here, this is Bat Country.” – Hunter S. Thompson
I am thrilled to share my latest creation: the poster art for Eggy’s two-night Grateful Dead Sphere after parties at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas. This piece was an exciting challenge, blending iconic elements and artistic influences into a unique visual experience.
The artwork features a twisted Vegas panorama, reminiscent of the wild scenes from “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” by Hunter S. Thompson. At the center, you’ll find a striking figure inspired by Salvador Dalí’s “Birth of a New Man”. In a playful nod to the band, the new man emerges from within the Sphere in Las Vegas with various musical instruments, symbolizing rebirth and transformation.
This piece was meticulously crafted using silk screen 6-color inks on Cotton Candy stock by French Paper Company, ensuring vibrant colors and a high-quality finish. I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out and excited to share it with all of you.
Thank you to everyone who supported this project and Eggy’s unforgettable shows. Your enthusiasm and appreciation for my art mean the world to me.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and new projects coming soon!
Warm regards,
Brian Zickafose
“The Gift” – A New Mural by Brian Zickafoose Unveiled in Wappingers Falls, New York
On May 17, 2024, I had the distinct honor of unveiling my latest mural, “The Gift”. The occasion was the 3rd annual Art Day in the Village, a celebration that beautifully showcased the local art community. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the culmination of a journey that began last year.
“The Gift” was a project that started at the previous Art Day in the Village, and seeing it come full circle at this year’s event was deeply fulfilling. The dedication ceremony was a highlight of the day, made even more memorable by the presentation of the Wappinger Strong Community Award by Wappinger Town Supervisor, Joey Cavaccini. This award is a testament to the support and encouragement of our incredible community.
During the dedication, I made a heartfelt vow to create or facilitate 100 murals along the Hudson River. This ambitious project will see me partnering with artists, businesses, and local communities throughout the mid-Hudson Valley to beautify our surroundings with art. The goal is to transform public spaces and bring vibrant, creative expression to our region.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Village Board, building owner Elmi Berisha, Durants Tool Rentals for providing the lift, and Marc Snyder and Perry Kroeger for their invaluable assistance in bringing this project to life. The positive feedback from the community has been overwhelming, and I am grateful for every word of support and appreciation.
This mural stands as a symbol of our collective creative spirit and community strength. I am excited to embark on this new initiative and look forward to sharing more of my work with you in the future.
Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Warm regards,
Brian Zickafoose
Painting :: One Fine Night – All Infinite
One Fine Night :: All Infinite
Mischtechnik – Oil on Wood Panel
Brian Christopher Zickafoose
Step into the ethereal beauty of “One Fine Night :: All Infinite,” a captivating painting brought to life through the intricate Mischtechnik technique in 2022.
This artwork invites you to a world where the sublime and the infinite converge in a dance of colors and textures. The artist’s skillful use of Mischtechnik, a method combining various painting techniques, including oil, unveils a rich tapestry of emotions and atmospheres. Each brushstroke on the panel contributes to the creation of a scene that transcends time and space, capturing the essence of one fine night in an all-encompassing, infinite embrace.
Allow the interplay of light, shadow, and color to transport you into a realm where imagination knows no bounds. “One Fine Night :: All Infinite” is not merely a painting; it is a portal to a moment frozen in time, yet eternally alive with possibility and beauty. Embrace the magic of this masterpiece, a testament to the artist’s mastery and the boundless potential of artistic expression.