Veterans Mall mural in Greenfield to be refurbished

By AVIVA LUTTRELL Recorder Staff, 7/26/2017

(Read the whole article at Greenfield's Recorder.com)

GREENFIELD — A community project to refurbish the mural overlooking Veterans Mall will begin next week, and organizers are still seeking volunteers and donations.

The project was originally scheduled for May, but had to be postponed due to rain and cold weather. The mural, featuring images of Franklin County landmarks, including Poet’s Seat Tower and the Eunice Williams Covered Bridge, was painted in 1990. It will be repainted beginning Aug. 1, and several new images will be added.

The alley in front of the mural will be closed for the duration of the project.

“We are still looking for the community’s help and support in other ways to make this mural refurbishment project flow evenly and with fun,” said Rebecca Tippens of Colrain, who produced the original mural, in a news release.

Lead muralist Nancy Baker has incorporated suggestions for new images into the design, which were solicited through a comment box in the Greenfield Pubic Library. They include images of alternative energy sources and Wi-Fi; artistry, including easels, palettes, brushes and musical instruments; fruit; cross country skis; contra dancers; the rag shag parade and people advocating for freedoms.

Sherwin Williams, Baker’s Office Supply and Golden Artist Colors Inc. of New York donated paints and brushes, and the project is also being funded by a grant from the Greenfield Local Cultural Council and a donation from the Greenfield Business Association. However, Tippens said $850 is still needed for varnish coverings and rollers. She also hopes to have a pamphlet available with information about the significance of the images that have been chosen for the mural, which, Tippens says, would cost at least another $200.

“Finally, we would love to pay our main painter, designer and producer more than is possible with the grants received so that they may receive more than $4 a hour,” she said. “Altogether, expenses beyond those we have raised so far come to between $1,200 and $2,000.”

Greenfield, honored as one of the state’s cultural districts, was also recognized as the sixth most vibrant small arts community in the nation by Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Arts Vibrancy Index. The murals of the area were named in announcing the town’s cultural assets. Tippens said the Veterans Mall mural was the first, and still is the largest and most visible in town.

“She will be beautiful once she is refurbished, something we all can be proud of, in terms of our collective contributions as to her design, the material contributions and volunteer help. But, we are still looking for that ‘green’ energy to pay for the above mentioned expenses,” Tippens said.

Volunteers are also needed for two-hour shifts. If you would like to help paint, contact Tippens with your name and preferred hours at rebecca_tippens@yahoo.com or 413-624-5140.

Donations can be sent to the Veterans Mall Mural account at Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main St., PO Box 1537, Greenfield, MA 01302.

Those who contribute more than $100 or at least six hours of painting time will have their names painted on the mural — although donors and volunteers may also remain anonymous.

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You can reach Aviva Luttrell at: aluttrell@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 268

Posted: to Mural News on Mon, Jul 17, 2017
Updated: Mon, Nov 30, 2020