Say hello to Lydia Milano, who’s joined the Graham Projects team as our Installation & Communications Coordinator! Originally from Philadelphia, Lydia has lived in Baltimore City for eleven years. She comes to Graham Projects with a robust background in media production, set design, fabrication, & events coordination. Since 2018, Lydia has helped organize New Works, a Baltimoreans-only experimental film series. An artist in her free time, Lydia often works with found footage, hand-drawn animation, a healthy dose of satire, & DIY screen-printing to speak her mind.
We asked Lydia a few questions about their personal mission, proudest achievements, their work at Graham Projects, and what placemaking/public art projects they’d love to work on.
How did you come to work for Graham Projects?
Graham was my boss while I was in undergrad! He was a key figure in my introduction to Baltimore, its history, and its arts communities. We kept in touch over the years, and I eventually jumped in with GP on installs and graphic design plans. Now, I’m starting the next chapter of my career full-time with GP. I’m so lucky I get to work with Graham again!
What’s your guiding principle for everything you work on?
Every new project is an opportunity to gain new skills, bond with teammates, and hopefully make something cool. Life is a pursuit of knowledge and artistic expression.
What’s one of your proudest achievements?
Hard question!
This is a deep cut, but my writing was once featured in Vogue Magazine. I wrote in to offer my thoughts on a fantastic essay they published, and how it stood out from the rest of their (usually terrible) journalism. Vogue cut out my criticism and just published the nice comments, but now I can flip through the October 2013 issue and say, “That’s me!”
What’s your favorite Graham Projects install that you’ve been a part of?
“Bean There Sun That” Traffic Calming in Hyattsville.
I had a lot of “firsts” with Bean There Sun That. It was, by far, my largest install to date, my first time working with our extra heavy-duty traffic paint, and my first time engaging with the community at a painting pop-up. I came away from the install feeling like I’d really leveled up my Graham Projects skills!
Plus, I just love the design. The cloud bursts are simple but elegant, and the spilled coffee beans add cheeriness to the tiny side street.
What are you excited to do with Graham Projects?
I am excited to rejuvenate pedestrian infrastructure in my city. From working on installs in the past, I know how much placemaking means to communities. I want to make Baltimore a more walkable city! The Graham Projects team is highly creative and ambitious, and the conversations we have at work about our work are always rousing. I think we are all driven to be a part of the “placemaking conversation” on a national level. I am excited to grow with the company as we take on bigger projects, and become a model for community-oriented artmaking.
What are some of your dream projects? Is there a concept that you’d love to execute in collaboration with Graham Projects?
I love urban parks. I think they are crucial to our well-being. I want to incentivize our community to use them, especially ones that have public “play” areas for both adults and children. Based on community feedback, we could revitalize gathering spaces or pathway markers in our parks. My real dream project is to re-imagine a basketball or tennis court with fun colors and bold design, within regulation. If our parks had some truly distinct playing fields, I think more people would flock to them.
What’s your favorite green space?
Herring Run Park! We are lucky to have so many green spaces in Charm City, but the run is a real gem.
It’s got trails! It’s got sports fields! And it’s got an incredible critter eco-system. When I lived across from Herring Run, I regularly watched deer grazing while I sipped a morning coffee (my extended family still doesn’t believe me).
It’s my favorite place to exercise, meditate, or meet up with friends. Herring Run is our emerald on the east side!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like seeing old movies at the Charles and wasting time in thrift stores. I like making art, especially video and textiles. When the sun is out, I like to explore the state of Maryland through hiking spots.
Is there a website or platform that we can find any potential creative ventures of your own or artwork?