New mural 'Taking Flight' brightening downtown Elmira

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY)-- A bit of color is coming to downtown Elmira. The latest mural "Taking Flight" is brightening the city and the community.
The local artist behind the city's new mural is Dion Browne from Mt. Vernon, N.Y. He has been living in Elmira for the past seven years and is working with Elmira Downtown Development on this project.
His newest piece is located on the wall of the underpass on Pennsylvania Avenue and Clemens Center Parkway.
This vibrant colorful art display shows an individual with large white wings flying high. It represents life liberty the pursuit of happiness but most of all freedom Browne explains. The artwork is a piece that encourages focusing on the positive things happening in Elmira
"I noticed the uptick in violence and things going on in the city and I wanted to create something that kind of took away from the negative attention Elmira is getting right now you know I wanted to create something that represents the positive side of Elmira the creativity the young driven minds," Browne said.
Browne says this display of art also reflects the light at the end of the tunnel.
He's been putting in the work, six-plus hour days for the past three weeks. Now his dreams are literally taking flight!
"I hope when people see this and they feel inspired and motivated," Browne said.