Juliana Woods, a first-year student in the School of Art, won the Village Alliance's inaugural Student Art Competition. Her work was installed on Astor Place this week as the culmination of the competition and will be viewed by thousands of daily visitors throughout the summer and early fall. The competition, held as part of the Village Alliance Art in Plazas program, invited students and recent graduates from Manhattan-based higher education art programs to submit designs to wrap the exterior of four utility boxes across Astor Place’s North and South Plazas. The winning design by Woods features four works—Teddy, Sweetest Fruit, Reunion, and Can We Stay the Same?—each accompanied by artist commentary. 

“I thought it was great that the work was for right outside of the Foundation Building in such a bustling area,” said Woods. “I am excited to be more actively connected to the local community and for my art to be present in a public space.”

The Student Art Competition was launched following the success of the Village Alliance’s first public art initiative in fall 2024, which showcased work by older adult artists in partnership with Greenwich House’s Older Adult Network. Earlier this spring, the Art in Plazas program also marked National Poetry Month by printing poems by Greenwich Village poets on tables at Ruth Wittenberg Triangle Park on Sixth Avenue, between Greenwich Avenue and Christopher Street, in collaboration with the Poetry Society of America. 

“The Village Alliance Arts in Plazas program embodies the social importance of universal access to arts and culture in public life, and the Student Art Competition offers an invaluable opportunity for young artists to engage directly with the public,” said School of Art Dean Adriana Farmiga A’96. “Cooper Union is proud to see Juliana’s work recognized in the context of this inaugural competition.”

Greenwich Village has long inspired artists and creatives—visionaries such as Diane Arbus, Bob Dylan, and Lorraine Hansberry. This homegrown art competition celebrates that ongoing legacy by showcasing new talent, enriching public space, and reinforcing the neighborhood’s identity as a historic cradle of creativity.

“Greenwich Village has always been a magnet for creative expression, and our goal with the Art in Plazas program is to reflect that spirit in the public realm. By showcasing student artists like Juliana Woods, we’re not only beautifying our streets but also nurturing the next generation of talent and reinforcing the Village’s identity as a place where art and community intersect,” said Scott Hobbs, executive director of the Village Alliance.

“Public art is the heartbeat of New York, and Juliana Woods’ vibrant designs will bring fresh energy to Astor Place. I’m thrilled to see young talents celebrated in such a dynamic way,” said New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, who represents the Village.

Mathias Parker, a freshman at the New School’s Parsons School of Design, received an honorary mention for his exceptional submission to the competition. Artwork by Woods and Parker can be viewed online at https://greenwichvillage.nyc.

All photos courtesy of Village Alliance and by Ryan Muir.