Wow, looks like things are really heating up in Amsterdam, New York!
Mayor Mike Cinquanti, a Democrat, recently called for public art submissions to brighten up the city’s skyline, but things took a twist when Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino revealed his contribution: a “Vote for Trump” sign.
What started as an effort to bring creativity to the streets now feels more like a political battleground. Cinquanti’s call for art clashed head-on with Constantino’s pro-Trump message, leading to claims of censorship and threats of jail time if the sign stays up.
“Local politicians are doing everything they can to illegally block us from lighting our awe-inspiring ‘Vote for Trump’ sign. They are already coordinating with the media to smear us. They will lose,” he said. “There will be a huge party on Oct 7th at 6pm to celebrate our ‘Vote for Trump’ sign symbolizing the return of Manufacturing to America & the end of Anti-Trump bullying. They want to intimidate me. It won’t work.”
The city took Constantino to court where a judge ordered that he cover up his sign, which is visible. The city claims the art piece created by Constantino is a distraction that could cause injuries and traffic crashes.
Constantino is not backing down, though. He’s determined to make the sign a permanent feature, saying it represents more than just a candidate—it’s about manufacturing jobs returning to America and free speech.
The situation has morphed into a symbol of what Constantino calls a global fight for freedom, with comparisons to iconic landmarks like the “Welcome to Las Vegas” and “Hollywood” signs.
It’s a fiery debate on free speech, art, and politics. On one side, the city is looking for local art to beautify the urban landscape. On the other, Constantino claims the right to express his political views in a public space. The outcome? Yet to be decided, but Amsterdam, NY might just find itself at the center of a national conversation on public art and freedom of expression.
In the meantime, if you’re a local artist living within 100 miles of Amsterdam, NY, the Albany Center Gallery is still accepting submissions for future public art projects—if your work aligns with the city’s vision, that is!
