CONEY ISLAND — Actress, musician and artist Kate Micucci created a mural outside the Coney Island USA building at 1208 Surf Ave.
Micucci has many acting credits to her name, including “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Little Hours” and “Unleashed.” She’s also done voice work for animated shows such as “Scooby Doo,” “The Lego Batman Movie” and “Steven Universe.”
Micucci got involved with the project when members of Coney Island USA saw her work and recommended it to Adam Rinn, the artistic director for the nonprofit arts organization.
Kate Micucci completes her mural that celebrates Coney Island. Photo courtesy of Kate Micucci
“Adam reached out to me on Instagram and the minute I got that message, I thought that sounded incredible,” she said. “Not only is Coney Island such an iconic spot, but our worlds are very similar. It was really fun.”
This past year, Micucci said she has been drawing around the city, including at a restaurant.
“I like to find trash to draw on. What I do is not normal art, but what is normal art?” she said.
With the project in Coney Island, Micucci said it was a different process for her since she doesn’t normally plan her creations.
Kate Micucci completes her mural that celebrates Coney Island. Photo courtesy of Kate Micucci
“Because it was a commission, Adam wanted to see what it was going to look like,” Micucci explained. “I did some sketches of what it could be. Originally, I was going to play around with color and then I thought the area was already so colorful. I thought something black and white might stand out. I drew something up and sent it over, and he had a couple of little tweaks, and we went back and forth trying to embrace the spirit of what they do at Coney Island USA.”
The art includes a drawing of a fire eater and sword swallower, paying homage to Coney Island staples such as the Mermaid Parade and rides. It also highlights the neighborhood’s motto, “Playground of the World!”
“It was a good challenge for me because I’m not used to planning,” she said. “I remember when I hit on the right thing, it was super late at night when I drew what became the mural, and I said, ‘I think this is going to be the one.’”
Kate Micucci completes her mural that celebrates Coney Island. Photo courtesy of Kate Micucci
The process took an afternoon last month. Micucci was thrilled by the final product.
“It was my first time working this large and outdoors,” she said. “I’ve done indoor stuff, and this was different. I wanted to make sure it would be seen from a distance and really pop. Also, I didn’t really grid it out or project it. Often with murals, there’s a lot more planning involved. I just went for it, and I think I was flying by the seat of my pants that whole afternoon. When I finished it and we stood back and were on the other side of the street, that’s when I had a sigh of relief and said, ‘Oh it actually works.’”
Since completing the mural, friends and fans have reached out to say how much they enjoy the mural.
“It’s been really fun,” said Micucci. “I’ll get a random text from a friend that went and checked it out and took a photo, sent it to me and said, ‘Hey, your work is in Coney Island.’ So that’s been a fun way to interact with people.”
Micucci is originally from New Jersey. She moved to Pennsylvania when she was 8 years old and then to California at 21. She moved to New York City last year with her husband, who is a music producer, and her son.
Kate Micucci completes her mural that celebrates Coney Island. Photo courtesy of Kate Micucci
With all the hats she wears, art was her first.
“I was always drawing from a really early age and always had art supplies in my hands and that’s thanks to my parents because they were always making sure that I had enough paint and paper,” she said. “I ended up going to art school in college and then I started making puppets. Secretly, I wanted to be an actress, but I was very shy. I thought if I was a puppeteer, no one would have to see me, but I could still act. Then I came out of my shell and started acting on camera.”
In February 2026, Micucci will release her first children’s book, “The Monster and Puppet Show!” which is co-published with Mo Willems as part of the “Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!” Series.
“He’s the best,” Micucci said of Willems. “I was a fan well before we were friends, and I’m thrilled to have the book come out.”
As for enjoying all the fun that Coney Island has to offer, Micucci said she can’t wait to experience more.
“I have a Mermaid Parade in my future,” she said. “I have yet to go, so this next one is going to be my first year.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
