Cherie Corso is a New York painter, performer and public artist. She is currently working on a public art project that represents the five boroughs of New York City. A key element of Corso's project is her ability to capture the ephemeral; passing moments in time. With her public art project, “Pulse of New York,” she is laying down a canvas on the sidewalk of each New York City borough, from the Bronx to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.

We all know New York City is a city of constant flux, and Corso's artistry seeks to encapsulate this dynamic quality. She employs techniques that highlight the fleeting nature of moments with her public art, where she invites viewers to walk on her canvas, leaving their footprints behind. She also hands them items like pastel sticks, rayons or markets, so they can apply a “signature” to the canvas, leaving their permanent mark.

The project's ability to evoke a visceral experience and inspire reflection on the human condition within a dynamic urban environment makes it a significant contribution to New York City. The ongoing evolution and potential expansion of the project suggest a promising future for further exploration of urban life through the lens of public art.

Corso’s artwork emphasizes the impermanence of the city itself, prompting introspection on the constant change and the fleeting nature of human experience. This approach allows for a deeper connection with the viewers, and a personal one, at that. She invites them to appreciate the unique beauty of everyday passersby in the ever-shifting urban landscape.

Corso isn’t limited to public artwork. She is a painter who works on canvas, too. Her abstract and expressionist realist paintings incorporate powerful symbols, from flags to slogans, floral motifs and textile-like patterns. She is also a practicing reiki artist and fuses her expertise with reiki with the power of color therapy. In short, Corso’s art heals. She chats about her artwork, New York and the power of reiki.

How did all of this begin with New York Fashion Week? It’s where you first started Pulse of New York.
Cherie Corso: It all started during New York Fashion Week, where I wanted to create a project that captured the energy and diversity of the city in real time. Fashion has always been about color and expression for me, and Pulse of New York was a natural extension of that—using art to communicate the vibrancy of New York. I wanted to engage directly with the people of the city and translate their energy onto the canvas through footprints. NYFW was the perfect platform because it’s a celebration of creativity and individuality, which aligns perfectly with my art.

How long have you been a painter?
I have always been involved in the arts, but I began professionally painting when my daughter went off to college. At that point, I decided it was my turn to focus on my love for painting. It was a natural progression for me to take this passion to the next level, allowing myself the time and energy to truly immerse myself in the creative process.

What do you hope to express in your painting work?
I want to express how important every single person’s voice, thought, and energy is. My art is a reflection of the connections we share, and I hope it shows people that their presence and actions matter. With Pulse of New York, I invite people to step onto the canvas and leave their mark—both literally and symbolically. It’s a way of showing that we’re all part of something greater, and the energy each person brings contributes to the collective beauty and pulse of the world around us.

What big plans do you have for this year with your art?
This year, my focus is on completing and exhibiting Pulse of New York. I’m aiming to have it displayed in a significant space like the Museum of the City of New York or the Brooklyn Museum. Beyond that, I want to continue exploring public art projects that interact with people in meaningful ways. Art should be accessible, and my goal is to bring healing and joy to as many people as possible.

You are also a Reiki practitioner. When did that begin, and how has it progressed in helping others?
I’ve been a Reiki master for over 10 years, and it has been one of the most transformative parts of my life. Reiki is about channeling energy to heal and uplift others, and it has taught me how interconnected we all are. Over the years, I’ve been able to help so many people find balance and calm. My practice has deeply influenced my art—when I paint, I treat it as an extension of Reiki, using the canvas as a medium to transfer positive energy and healing vibrations to others.

How do you feel paintings heal through their colors?
Color has an incredible ability to affect our emotions and energy. As someone who has always used color as a form of communication, I believe deeply in its healing power. Certain colors can calm, energize, or inspire, and when I paint, I choose colors with intention. I want my work to convey emotions that uplift and heal. When someone connects with a painting, it’s not just about what they see—it’s about how the colors make them feel. That’s the magic of color therapy—it’s universal, and it truly makes people feel good.

Follow @cheriecorsoart on Instagram or her website cheriecorsoart.com.