Paint the Town
Paint the Town
A city can be a living museum for art and other creative expression. While architecture can always tell a story about of a place's history, what can be said about the present and future? In a city like Pittsfield, where very few new buildings are being constructed, we can find other authentic means of civic expression.
This summer, buildings around downtown and parks in our neighborhoods are becoming hosts for art canvases of all sizes - from resting on an easel to rising larger than life. Several murals have been commissioned as part of the Let it Shine! mural partnership, funded by a Creative Catalyst grant from MassDevelopment. You may have already seen the first product of this collaboration - the massive, technicolor mural Sisterhood, designed by artist Silvia Lopéz Chavez, seen in the photo above. There are are three other projects slated to take place on other downtown buildings this summer and fall; and while Sisterhood may be seen as the flagship project, the others are not to be missed. A self-guided tour is under development and will be available via app later this summer when the art is unveiled.
In addition to the Let it Shine! murals, there are many more projects that have been accomplished over the last several years that are all contributing to a vibrant art scene around town. Once you start counting, you'll be surprised. The next time you're in the Westside neighborhood, for instance, stop by Tucker Park to see the Westside Mural Project. These pieces were all created by local artists and students.
Below is just a sample of the artwork you can find out in the open around Pittsfield. I encourage you to explore and see what else you can find! And mark your calendar now for the Let it Shine! Mural Block Party on Saturday, September 9 at Palace Park.
Love by Mike Carey
Concrete barrier art by Mike Carty; The Sun Will Rise and Patterns on the Lantern by Jesse Tobin McCauley
American flag on the Madison Cafe by Stef Quetti
I Wish for a Greener Future by Hope Milagro
Black Royalty by Regina East (left) and a collaboration by PHS art students and Lisa Ostellino (right)
We Are Pittsfield by Penny Bae Bridges
Stars on Renee Ave by Huckleberry Elling
August Events and Activities
Word of the the week: Semiotics
There's a science for everything, and semiotics is the study of signs, and their use and meaning, usually from a sociological standpoint. When a sign is red, we've learned that it usually conveys a warning or danger. We have been trained to spot green signs for navigation and directions. Color-coding cold and hot as blue and red, respectively is a shorthand way to communicate something to a user.
Semiotics can even be expanded to a city. When a building is placed at the top of a hill, it communicates a message about the building. When we are drawn to look up at something, it conjures a certain feeling and response in our mind. Flags fly high overhead, important buildings have vaulted ceilings and tall columns, church steeples tower over New England town centers. Things at eye level are more personable and inviting, like an OPEN sign on a storefront window, or a painting on a museum wall.
Think about how you feel when you see a familiar pattern or shape on a sign, street, or building and ask what the designer may have been trying to communicate.
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