Alley art project builds community
Kaitlyn Willcoxon
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: Arts
Morgan successfully created the "harmony" by listening to the various parties involved. Occasionally Morgan walked a diplomatic tightrope between the desires of the businesses and the artistic vision of Eben Kling, whose designs were chosen by C3 and the businesses.
The relatively new C3 could not fund the Kirkland Avenue Project on its own. Fortunately, the Northampton Council of Arts awarded the project a grant, and Blumenthal donated paints and other supplies.
"Golden Bricks" have also been sold to fund the mural. Individuals can buy one of the bricks that make up the mural's wall and add their own message. Families have bought bricks to honor their children, lovers to show their devotion and poets to display their poetry.
Community members also took part in the project by painting the mural. Even people just passing through the space would sometimes stop to lift a brush. Both Morgan and Kling find this collaboration essential to the purpose of art.
"[The project] was a way to introduce myself to the community," Kling said. "[It] synched with my ideas about art. I've become bored with the idea of art being a soloist endeavor because that is not stimulating or functioning in the way art should. Art is a gift."
Morgan views the project as a way to further develop the imaginations of people and to include the community. "If we provide opportunities as community organizers for people to engage with work it opens up dialogue … and can be a way to enrich the community," Morgan said.
An unveiling ceremony will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. The event will feature performance artists, food and hot beverages and, most importantly, the enjoyment of art created through a collaborative community.
The relatively new C3 could not fund the Kirkland Avenue Project on its own. Fortunately, the Northampton Council of Arts awarded the project a grant, and Blumenthal donated paints and other supplies.
"Golden Bricks" have also been sold to fund the mural. Individuals can buy one of the bricks that make up the mural's wall and add their own message. Families have bought bricks to honor their children, lovers to show their devotion and poets to display their poetry.
Community members also took part in the project by painting the mural. Even people just passing through the space would sometimes stop to lift a brush. Both Morgan and Kling find this collaboration essential to the purpose of art.
"[The project] was a way to introduce myself to the community," Kling said. "[It] synched with my ideas about art. I've become bored with the idea of art being a soloist endeavor because that is not stimulating or functioning in the way art should. Art is a gift."
Morgan views the project as a way to further develop the imaginations of people and to include the community. "If we provide opportunities as community organizers for people to engage with work it opens up dialogue … and can be a way to enrich the community," Morgan said.
An unveiling ceremony will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. The event will feature performance artists, food and hot beverages and, most importantly, the enjoyment of art created through a collaborative community.
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