WESTFIELD–On Sept. 6, the Whip City will have art hidden throughout the city, and those lucky enough to find it can keep it.
It is all part of Art Drop Westfield, an event coordinated by former Westfield resident, current Southwick resident and photographer Richard Cowles, in conjunction with ArtWorks | Center City Westfield. The event is part of a larger international project that began in 2013, and has taken place in New York City, Seattle, Tokyo and several other cities around the world. This will be Westfield’s first year involved with the event.
“Here in Westfield musicians have done a lot for the rebirth of culture downtown,” Cowles said. “This is an opportunity for visual artists to kick in and contribute.”
Collection of Cowles’ photos, similar to the ones that will be hidden in the city during Art Drop Westfield.
Cowles said that there are currently five artists, including himself, that will be hiding pieces throughout the city. The event will begin at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 6, and run until 11:59 p.m. Cowles will be leaving photographs throughout the city, while other artists’ works that will be left include paintings and illustrations.
“I plan to drop three pieces with shopkeepers to get people into the shops,” said Cowles.
Each piece that is left will also have contact information for the artist who created the work. From there, whoever found the art can reach out to the artist. Cowles said that this is done to promote increased communication and connection with the artists and the community, as well as help increase interest in the art.
In order to find the pieces, people can check social media for clues as to where it is hidden. Cowles said that most of the clues will end up on his professional Facebook account, “Richard Cowles Photography,” as well as on the ArtWorks | Center City Westfield Facebook page. Additionally, there is an “Art Drop Westfield” event page on Facebook where people can get more information.
Also, if any artists are interested in participating, Cowles is trying to recruit more for the event. Cowles said that participants do not need to sign up, but it does help to organize and spread the word more if they do. Those interested can contact Cowles by emailing [email protected], or by calling (413)896-8968.
You can also see additional works from Cowles, along with his daughter’s poetry, at the mixed media art presentation “Words and Pictures” At American International University, currently displayed until Sept. 29.
