WESTFIELD-For more than two years, a team from Artworks Westfield has been exploring and researching spaces and funding to create murals around the city.
“People in Westfield overwhelmingly want to see murals in their community,” said Bill Westerlind, president, Artworks Westfield. “Each time we post online progress reports and updates regarding our efforts, the community responds with resounding support and excitement.”
Artworks Westfield will conduct its first public Mural Committee meeting on March 14 from 1 – 2 p.m. in the committee room at the Westfield Athenaeum.
A small pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the rail trail could be the first space for a mural, organized by Artworks Westfield, after all regulatory approval stages are complete. (Artworks Westfield photo)
“We want community members and artists involved from the very beginning so everyone has a vested interest to keep the project moving forward,” said Westerlind, adding, “it also affords the opportunity to residents and artists to share their unique skillset with the community.”
Westerlind noted that key challenges and hurdles that team members have encountered during the mural discovery process includes spaces and funding.
“Feedback and suggestions from the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail have led us to a perfect starter canvas for our initial community mural,” said Westerlind. “The funding hurdle will be the next challenge although since the initial mural will be relatively small in size and scope, we are optimistically hopeful the fundraising will be minimal.”
During the discovery process, Westerlind noted there are “many locations” throughout the city, both city and private property, that present possibilities for community murals.
“Each location has its own unique size, scope and distinctive features and each location would go through a similar approval process although private property is somewhat less regulated than city owned locations,” said Westerlind. “Nonetheless, any potential mural location requires many months of planning and organizational effort before work can begin.”
Westerlind said Cheryl Crowe, board member and treasurer of Artworks Westfield, as well as a member of the city’s Planning Board, has been instrumental in helping the group navigate the “labyrinth” of city departments and agencies that must be involved in the mural approval process.
“From Mayor Humason to the many department heads within the city, all have been extraordinarily supportive and accommodating in this approval process,” said Westerlind. “We still have to make formal presentations to the Westfield City Council and other city agencies, but we remain very optimistic about favorable outcomes of our efforts.”
Westerlind noted that the team is “very mindful” that all connections with city officials are formalized before moving forward with an initial mural project.
“Once the approvals are in place and the supplies are secured, the plan is to engage the community by inviting volunteers to assist with the painting process under the guidance and direction of Shannon Chiba,” said Westerlind, adding that Chiba, a Westfield-based artist, will design the mural and direct the citizen volunteers during the painting process.
“Shannon has extensive experience and technical and organizational skills to effectively manage this project to fruition,” said Westerlind.
Kathleen Roj Hillman, a Westfield resident who responded to the ArtWorks Westfield online post about community murals, will also volunteer her time and experience to work with Chiba to orchestrate the first “mural adventure,” noted Westerlind.
“Kathleen has initiated contacts with City Hall and has actively recruited community members to help paint the mural,” said Westerlind.
Once all approvals are in place, the team has set its sights on a small pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the rail trail between Taylor Avenue and Hedges Avenue.
“While not a highly trafficked area, it is a relatively small starter space that will allow us to perfect the process before moving on to larger and more visible spaces,” said Westerlind. “Additionally, a successfully finished product will allow us to showcase what is possible and how well we are able to execute and beautify.”
Chiba echoed those sentiments.
“Art that is larger than life and that brings community together can really excite folks,” said Chiba. “My personal passion is in engaging the public in the practice of creating and seeing art. I aim to help create beautiful, timeless pieces that can break up the industrial look of structures in natural scapes.”
Chiba added that murals also inspire and foster a love of one’s place and are “just plain fun.”
“Artworks and I cannot do this alone,” said Chiba. “We need folks to help, contribute ideas, paint and help generate funds for this public project. We need to network, to navigate city processes and to keep the project on pace.”
Westerlind said after the launch and execution of the initial test project, the team would then focus on “very high traffic areas” in the city.
Westerlind said the team aspires to have the murals “interactive and engaging.”
“Based on suggestions and inspiration from city councilwoman Bridget Matthews-Kane, we looked to Nashville, Tenn., for some interactive models,” said Westerlind, noting there are murals to allow visitors to pose in front of them for photos between large wings, a balloon basket or a bouquet of flowers.
“We want Westfield residents and visitors to enjoy these murals long after the projects are complete,” he said, noting the most important factor is the interactive component of each installation.
Chiba shared a similar sentiment.
“Public places where people come together are best,” said Chiba. “Blighted areas can also be painted. Areas that see lots of graffiti, areas that have large visual voids and areas that the public can get to easily work lovely.”
Westerlind added that the availability of parking near a mural is also an important component of accessibility and engagement.
“We’d love to see these murals as destinations for people to travel to, explore the mural as photo opportunities, and further that exploration in the adjacent areas such as shopping, dining, strolling along the river walk or rail trail,” said Westerlind.
Chiba concurred.
“This project is unique as it is exploratory, ever-evolving, completely creative and it will encourage all people in Westfield and the surrounding area to participate,” said Chiba. “Artists will design and touch-up works, but the idea is for the community to paint, have fun and feel invested in our great city.”
Ultimately, the team envisions mural artistry that encourages individuals of all ages to become involved in the process.
“Even if you are not an artist, you can participate in other ways that leverage your skills and interests like marketing and media interaction, fundraising and community organizing, sharing experiences through writing and blog posts, videography of the project, and business relationships,” said Westerlind, noting the projects offer unlimited opportunities for the community to come together to achieve a common goal that beautifies and enriches Westfield.
“All ages are invited to attend and participate,” said Westerlind. “We have a particular interest in getting our children involved to share their emerging talents and create a sense of community at a very young age.”
