The constant talk of designing a mural at the Beechgrounds by the Youth Commission is being put into effect and is planning on being completed by mid-summer.
Originally the idea was to put to paint a mural on the seawall at the Beechgrounds. But the Recreation Department at Town Hall had a different thought. The seawall is not in the greatest shape, and it isn’t the best to paint directly on concrete. You would need several layers of primer paint in order to create a workable surface. Also, there has been little to no tagging done to the seawall in South Hadley Falls. And the Town feels that if a mural is put there, it could encourage tagging to begin. So the decided spot for the mural is on the white wall of the small bathroom building at the Beechgrounds. But the idea of putting it on the ceiling of the underpass outside Mosier School was presented, because that will need to be painted soon anyways.
The idea was further sparked into action after the Revitalization of South Hadley Falls meetings that took place on Monday April 23rd and Wednesday April 25th. This meeting focused largely on how to better South Hadley Falls, and utilize it to its full potential. I theme of this discussion was the rich history that South Hadley Falls has and how it should be preserved and the legacy of historical buildings should be present. So one idea for the mural is to depict the history of the falls in an interesting graphic. But the Youth Commission is working alongside the Peer Leaders and using the “Above the Influence” campaign as a theme as well.
Senior Jessica Stefanowicz says, “I am happy to see how two groups in the town can actually come together to work on one project with one goal.”
Sophie Weinstein, a senior, says, “Being a be art student I am happy that an art project is being taken on town groups. I am upset that I won’t be able to have as huge of a part in it because I am graduating and have been more focused on AP tests and my portfolio for college.”
There will be several weeks of planning and design, followed by several weeks of volunteer hours and hard work in order to put it all together. The hope is to have this executed by the mid-summer vacation. The student show are assisting our head muralist with the design are juniors Sophia Kebbede and Nicole Casolari.
Sophomore Maddie Gatzounas said, “We have good ideas. This shows that we have a lot of influence on the community. It is a new idea, and it will be fun to see each other help put it together.
Allie Stienbock, sophomore, says, “It is going to look good! we are planning on doing an above the influence thing, not like drinking and stuff, but other things that we as students are above the influence of.”