Artist Cherie Corso On Her Public Art Project, ‘Pulse Of New York’

By: Mark Smith

Cherie Corso, a lifelong enthusiast of art and fashion, has embarked on a remarkable journey as a successful entrepreneur. Her current path aligns with her innate artistic sensibilities, allowing her to infuse deep emotions into each creation. Drawing from a foundation in fine art established in her youth, Cherie has refined her talents by integrating them with her expertise in holistic practices.

This distinctive blend infuses vitality and dynamism into her pieces, transforming each artwork into a haven of vivid hues and tranquil energies. As a committed wife and mother, Cherie infuses her art with the profound richness of her life encounters, capturing a wide array of sentiments and viewpoints. Her ardor for colors and energies transcends mere artistic expression; it symbolizes her personal journey and development as both an artist and an individual.

Corso’s latest art project is called “The Pulse Of New York.” It transcends mere aesthetic appreciation; it also serves as a powerful social commentary, while creating community within each city’s borough. Her work often connects everyday people, highlighting human stories often overlooked in the city’s relentless pace. This social dimension introduces an additional layer to the project, offering a reflection on life in New York in 2025 and the ways people interact within a complex urban environment.

Corso’s “Pulse of New York” has already garnered significant attention on the streets of New York City, within the art community and in the press (she was recently featured in the Bronx Times, among other publications). It is an interactive art project where New Yorkers contribute their marks on 5 large canvases to represent the energy of each borough. 

“Pulse of New York is about connection and community,” said Corso. “By inviting people to participate and physically leave their mark, it reminds us that every single person in this city matters and plays a role in its unique spirit. It’s an art project that’s created with the people, not just for them.”

Cherie engages passersby to traverse 5×5 foot canvases on the street, during which their footprints are carefully traced or they contribute personal marks. Each canvas is dedicated to a specific borough, encapsulating its distinct vibrancy and variety. Her intention is to craft an individual piece of art for every borough, commencing with Manhattan.

“When someone steps onto the canvas, they’re contributing to something larger than themselves, which fosters a sense of unity and pride in being part of New York’s story,” said Corso. “When I roll out the canvas on the street, it’s always well received—people always have something to say and want to leave their mark. I even see a transformation in them after they participate. It’s as if contributing to the canvas connects them to something deeper.”

The project takes an innovative approach to urban representation, aiming to connect with viewers on an emotional level while exploring aspects of life in New York City. The project’s future trajectory could involve expansions into other cities, collaborations with other artists, expanding the scope of the project to encompass other urban environments, or potentially developing a permanent public art installation to further engage the public with the city’s pulse. The possibilities are vast, with Corso focusing on capturing the essence of New York City’s vibrant pulse and exploring the city’s dynamic nature.

“New York has this incredible, vibrant energy that pulses through its streets, and I wanted to reflect that in my artwork,” said Corso. “The only way I could truly capture it was by working directly on the streets and involving the people themselves.”

She explains: “I invite New Yorkers to step onto the canvases, leaving their footprints, which symbolize their individual contributions to the city’s heartbeat. The colors, textures, and layers reflect the diversity, resilience, and life of the city. It’s a mix of chaos and harmony, just like New York itself.”

Some memorable moments include when Corso was in front of the Wall Street Bull sculpture and listened to people share their stories about their success and struggles. “Another time, I was in Grand Central Station, and people talked about their travels and experiences from all over the world,” she said. “These stories from such iconic locations inspire me. Another time, a husband and wife were drawing together—he drew a house, and then she added a little sun over it. Kids have stomped across the canvas laughing, and older generations have shared their dreams of coming to New York to make a life. These moments reflect the heart of Pulse of NY—the beautiful and diverse stories of the people who make this city what it is.”

Corso’s goal is to exhibit these canvases one day. “My goal is to make a lasting tribute to the people who make this city what it is—a place of resilience, diversity, and dreams,” said Corso. “Eventually, I hope the project becomes part of New York’s cultural history, inspiring others to reflect on their own place in the city’s pulse.”

Follow @cheriecorsoart on Instagram. 

Published by Tom W.