What we are doing --
Mural Crew
2021 Murals: Part I - follow up
Thank you so much to those of you that took a moment to contact the city council in support of a proposed sign ordinance change allowing for murals in the city of Marlborough!!! Based on just those who forwarded their letters of support back to this address, it is safe to estimate that there was a WAVE of support sent to our local government on this initiative.
To watch the meeting about the ordinance it can be seen at WMCT-TV Marlborough: Urban Affairs Committee-2-18-21
Perlman's Mural Proposal begins at 49 minutes:
http://71.126.253.64/CablecastPublicSite/show/2870?channel=3
In the future to access City Council and Sub Committee meetings:
1. Go to https://www.wmct-tv.com/programs
2. Click on: Video on Demand & Live Stream Here
Overview:
Ways to stay involved:
Thank you so much to those of you that took a moment to contact the city council in support of a proposed sign ordinance change allowing for murals in the city of Marlborough!!! Based on just those who forwarded their letters of support back to this address, it is safe to estimate that there was a WAVE of support sent to our local government on this initiative.
To watch the meeting about the ordinance it can be seen at WMCT-TV Marlborough: Urban Affairs Committee-2-18-21
Perlman's Mural Proposal begins at 49 minutes:
http://71.126.253.64/CablecastPublicSite/show/2870?channel=3
In the future to access City Council and Sub Committee meetings:
1. Go to https://www.wmct-tv.com/programs
2. Click on: Video on Demand & Live Stream Here
Overview:
- The proposed mural ordinance was up for discussion at the City Council Urban Affairs meeting on Monday, February 1st at 7 PM, however due to snow the meeting was delayed until 2/18/21 where it was slated to be the last agenda item on the meeting. Councilors had been on Zoom for hours up to that point before hearing Councilor Perlman's proposal.
- While thinking about the development of a mural approval process I would like to point out how slowly this process has been and that I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm who have stuck with the process in support -- This proposal was ordered to be set on the agenda in September of 2020 with:
- Support -- Yea: 10- Wagner, Doucette, Dumais, Tunnera, Irish, Navin, Landers, Oram, Perlman, & Robey.
- Opposition -- Nay: 1- Ossing.
- It is important to note that a proposal for murals was originally put forward to Urban Affairs back in 2008. Mr. Ossing may be the only current counselor who was present during that process in 2008 when it stalled, never to make it out of the subcommittee to City Council for a vote.
- If you are unfamiliar with the workings of City Council it is also important to note that Mr. Ossing is the President of the City Council and he is the only candidate in opposition of this proposal; as of now. In some cities, the counselor who receives the most votes automatically becomes president of the council. Marlborough City Council elects its president by taking a vote which can be seen here in the Jan 2020 meeting minutes. It is an election year so I feel it is important to also note that Mr. Ossing held onto his Councilor At Large seat in 2019 by just 205 votes.
- At-large City Council Election Results 2019 (four elected)
- Elected:
- Samantha Perlman 3,331
- (i) Mark Oram 2,663
- (i) Kathleen Robey 2,642
- (i) Michael Ossing 2,621
- Defeated:
- (i) Peter Juaire 2,416
- Paul Ferro 2,067
- James Jumonville 701
- You can watch Councilor Perlman's mural proposal beginning at 49 minutes: http://71.126.253.64/CablecastPublicSite/show/2870?channel=3
- Most interjections by other counselors were in support of the proposal, however the proposal has failed to move out of the subcommittee for a vote by the City Council.
- Councilors who voiced concerns on the proposal are Ossing, Oram and Landers
- If you don't want to watch the proposal, a summary of the opposition:
- Perlman's proposal calls on Urban Affairs to approve a subcommittee (such as a Public Art Commission or the Marlborough Cultural Council) to design a clear and accessible process that would allow the public to submit mural proposals -- such a process would allow the subcommittee to vet and approve submissions. Furthermore, rather than putting forward a predesigned protocol for mural submissions, the proposal is advocating for democratically developed protocol with input from multiple community stakeholders. What does this mean? This means allowing the subcommittee with the arts and culture expertise to design a protocol that makes sense.
- Currently there is no mural process, so murals aren't going up or murals are going up without oversight, which can be seen with Evviva Trattoria's latest "mural" in the Apex Center. You can see that mural and hear about its controversy in this subcommittee meeting.
- Ossing's opposition appears to be because "there is no plan" which to me seems disingenuous to what is being asked in this proposal. Furthermore Ossing's presentation seemed unreasonably oppositional. Personally we would like to see councilors who are solution orientated and are motivated to collaborate to get results that work for our community.
- Major points of opposition that could potentially swing Urban Affairs or City Council to no-votes:
- The City Council does not want to give up power in being the legislative body on decisions happening in the city, that goes for murals on public or private property.
- Concerns around "liability" or "offensive material" possibly signal an aversion to opening the door to public PC culture.
- Some personal concerns from this presentation:
- Generalizing public art or 'murals as approved graffitti' by a city councilor
- Suggesting that "The Rock" (unsanctioned) located on 85 should satisfy the community's desire for public art
- The lack of arts representation to inform this process: Luis Edgardo Cotto from the Massachusetts Cultural Council offered to be present for this meeting to answer any logistical questions around how designing such a process would work and to offer institutional insight on how initiatives just like this have successfully developed in other cities and he was denied access to the meeting.
- I would like to note here that this city holds cultural designations and we do accept state funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
- Generally slow process:
- Any process that must ultimately go through City Council creates an incredibly long timeline which could serve to stagnate many projects the public attempts to launch; many of us do community based projects on our free time or for free/little compensation -- in conjunction with attempting to create public art outdoors a nearly 1 year long timeline to approve a public art initiative will not work for most applicants.
- Further delays in this process allows opportunities for opposing views to gather more information to expand on rebuttals and to work on swaying attitudes towards to back away from their support prior to a vote.
Ways to stay involved:
- Reach out to your ward councilor and let them know how important public art is for the future of Marlborough
- Reach out to Urban Affairs and let them know you are following this process
- Urban Affairs Chair, Counselor Robey: atlarge_4@marlborough-ma.gov
- Stay up date on this process at it continues to develop
- Vote Vote Vote
- Get your neighbors to vote!
- Consider running for a local position on a subcommittee or as a councilor
- Not sure how to do that? There is a local group of residents that can guide you through how to prepare for taking on a local role
- Stay in touch, more developments may come!
- All suggestions are welcomed
- Connect with us at our upcoming pirate themed art show at Tackle Box Brewing, details released on our social media in the next 2 weeks
2021 Murals: Part I
Hey residents!
We have been working hard behind the scenes to help drum up support for public art that will serve to beautify our city and employ local artists and youth. So many of you have lent a hand in some form or another and we are hoping you could send 1 email of support to our City Council to help us move this initiative across the finish line! Please share with neighbors and friends.
The proposed mural ordinance is up for discussion at the City Council Urban Affairs meeting on Monday, February 1st at 7 PM.
Are you able to write to the City Council in support of this ordinance by emailing a letter to the Council at citycouncil@marlborough-ma.gov by Monday evening?
The ordinance will do the following:
1. Adjust the sign ordinance so that a mural is not a sign and define what a mural is
2. Establish a Public Art Commission in the city as the review body
Feel free to copy and paste the template below to email directly to the City Council:
Dear City Officials,
I am writing in support of Order No.20-1008100: That the City Council consider the feasibility of adopting a process whereby murals V1.11l be allowed in the city as a means to further the cultural and artistic value of the city's downtown district as submitted by Councilor Perlman.
INCLUDE ONE LINE about why you feel murals / a public art commission would benefit our community. Talking points can include:
1. Murals promote a sense of identity, belonging, attachment and welcoming, that strengthen a community’s identification to a place.
2. Public Art is an inexpensive method of community revitalization that promotes footraffic, tourism and signals a sense of safety for residents in public spaces.
3. Murals break down invisible socio-economic barriers between neighborhoods by promoting accessible arts and culture for all.
4. Increased foot traffic keeps revenue local
5. Beautification builds pride and social value in the community
6. Establishes Marlborough even more as a destination to visit
7. Well timed with commitments to revitalizing downtown and Lincoln Street as well as the new library
8. Invites opportunities for community partnerships
9. Creates opportunities for youth development and civic participation
Sincerely,
Your name
Marlborough resident
Hey residents!
We have been working hard behind the scenes to help drum up support for public art that will serve to beautify our city and employ local artists and youth. So many of you have lent a hand in some form or another and we are hoping you could send 1 email of support to our City Council to help us move this initiative across the finish line! Please share with neighbors and friends.
The proposed mural ordinance is up for discussion at the City Council Urban Affairs meeting on Monday, February 1st at 7 PM.
Are you able to write to the City Council in support of this ordinance by emailing a letter to the Council at citycouncil@marlborough-ma.gov by Monday evening?
The ordinance will do the following:
1. Adjust the sign ordinance so that a mural is not a sign and define what a mural is
2. Establish a Public Art Commission in the city as the review body
Feel free to copy and paste the template below to email directly to the City Council:
Dear City Officials,
I am writing in support of Order No.20-1008100: That the City Council consider the feasibility of adopting a process whereby murals V1.11l be allowed in the city as a means to further the cultural and artistic value of the city's downtown district as submitted by Councilor Perlman.
INCLUDE ONE LINE about why you feel murals / a public art commission would benefit our community. Talking points can include:
1. Murals promote a sense of identity, belonging, attachment and welcoming, that strengthen a community’s identification to a place.
2. Public Art is an inexpensive method of community revitalization that promotes footraffic, tourism and signals a sense of safety for residents in public spaces.
3. Murals break down invisible socio-economic barriers between neighborhoods by promoting accessible arts and culture for all.
4. Increased foot traffic keeps revenue local
5. Beautification builds pride and social value in the community
6. Establishes Marlborough even more as a destination to visit
7. Well timed with commitments to revitalizing downtown and Lincoln Street as well as the new library
8. Invites opportunities for community partnerships
9. Creates opportunities for youth development and civic participation
Sincerely,
Your name
Marlborough resident
See our full Mural proposal: HERE
2020 Murals:
- Tackle Box Brewing - Baltic Sea Monster // see our Instagram to watch this painting unfold!
- Lost Shoe Brewing - Shoe Makers Factory on Weed Street, projected completion Fall 2020
- Black Lives Matter mini mural, Maplewood Ave
- Black Lives Matter mega mural: location TBD - know anyone who is interested? Let us know! The project materials are already fully funded.
Volunteers needed for:
- Advocate for a public art and mural ordinance in collaboration with the City Council, Marlborough Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council
- Paint a new design on the windows of 266 Main Street
- Background painters for Lost Shoe mural
- Input on the 2022 First Church Bolton Street mural design
- 2021 grant writing: new mural designs, identifying locations
What we are imagining --
Movies on Main
Adjacent to 175 Main Street is an empty lot created by a devastating building fire.
It could be an ideal location for summer outdoor movies!
Ward Park currently hosts summer movies for children.
Movies on Main would show movies catering to a slightly older crowd.
What would we need? An electrical outlet for a projector and a clean wall.
Movies on Main is a BYOC event (bring your own chair).
Check out Movies on the Block in Providence Rhode Island to see this model in action:
http://www.moviesontheblock.com/
This concept was pitched to the MEDC in March 2019.
Want to help it get off the ground?
Email us and lets chat: MarlboroughMakers@gmail.com
It could be an ideal location for summer outdoor movies!
Ward Park currently hosts summer movies for children.
Movies on Main would show movies catering to a slightly older crowd.
What would we need? An electrical outlet for a projector and a clean wall.
Movies on Main is a BYOC event (bring your own chair).
Check out Movies on the Block in Providence Rhode Island to see this model in action:
http://www.moviesontheblock.com/
This concept was pitched to the MEDC in March 2019.
Want to help it get off the ground?
Email us and lets chat: MarlboroughMakers@gmail.com
Vacant Storefront Popup Gallery and Creative Event Space
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Marlborough Makers on Main:
266 Main Street is a vacant storefront Marlborough Makers is helping to decorate until it is rented. Spaceus.co is an organization in Cambridge MA that reimagines vacant storefronts and vacant lots as platforms for local makers, and as sites for workshops, art experiences—and more. Marlborough Makers is inspired by Spaceus.co and other vacant storefront initiatives in Massachusetts as a means of local revitalization. The following concept was pitched to the MEDC in March 2019. |
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Vision:
Marlborough Makers seeks to host a community art gallery in a vacant store front for the months of July and August on Main Street in Marlborough MA. The "pop up gallery" will display artworks by local residents and host evening events in collaboration with neighboring businesses.
Objective:
A vacant space is perfect because:
Being that an art gallery entails a furniture-less room with plain walls, the bulk of the work for Marlborough Makers volunteers will be
community organizing prior to opening doors in July.
Building Community:
The pop up gallery could potentially collaborate with the community in the following ways:
Neighboring Community Initiatives
Hudson
ArtsFest Hudson - http://upwitharts.org/artsfest-hudson/
River's Edge Arts Alliance, seeking to pair artwork with Downtown businesses - http://upwitharts.org/
Arts in the Park - http://upwitharts.org/art/arts-in-the-park-2/
Framingham
Downtown Social Strolls - https://downtownframinghaminc.org/strolls
Amazing Things Art Center, Downtown Weekly Arts Events - https://amazingthings.org/events/
Maynard
Spring 2019 ArtWalk - http://maynardbusinessalliance.org/events/artwalk/
Maynard Fest - http://www.assabetvalleychamber.org/maynardfest.shtm
Many Hands Make Light Work:
Have an idea about how to get this initiative off the ground?
Want to chat about the suggestions and action plan post our MEDC meeting?
Know a vacant storefront owner who is willing to collaborate?
Want to help write a grant to raise funds to rent out a space for this initiative?
Have a better version of this proposal to pitch? We'd love to hear your suggestions!
This concept was pitched to the MEDC in March 2019 and again in June & July 2019.
Want to help with the next phase of this project?
Email us and lets chat: MarlboroughMakers@gmail.com
Marlborough Makers seeks to host a community art gallery in a vacant store front for the months of July and August on Main Street in Marlborough MA. The "pop up gallery" will display artworks by local residents and host evening events in collaboration with neighboring businesses.
Objective:
- Attract foot traffic to Main Street / beautification
- Free entry for artwork submissions provides an equitable and accessible exhibition space for local residents and youth.
- Vacant storefront becomes an accessible space for local artists to host events (live music, knitting groups) as well as an opportunity to sell their exhibited artwork, keeping local revenue local.
- Vacant space transformed into vibrant gallery space with no furniture or structural renovations needed.
- Availability of vacant space cross promoted through event promotion and artist social media sharing.
A vacant space is perfect because:
Being that an art gallery entails a furniture-less room with plain walls, the bulk of the work for Marlborough Makers volunteers will be
community organizing prior to opening doors in July.
Building Community:
The pop up gallery could potentially collaborate with the community in the following ways:
- Art Stop Pub Hop - Downtown now has 2 breweries. The gallery can serve as a stopping place on an organized pub hop.
- Crafters Pop Up - Local craftsman can set up a temporary table in the gallery with functional wares for sale on a weekend; this is a more accessible than a farmers market which requires a vendor tent.
- Face Paint Station - Marlborough hosts the summer concert series and observes July 4th. Free face painting can be offered for an afternoon to generate foot traffic and interest on a concert day or holiday.
- Open Mic / Artist Led Workshops - based on community interest.
- Crafters Meet Up: A largely successful recurring event at Gather Here
- Sew Studio in Cambridge hosts "Bubbles & Crafts" which is a free meet up encouraging crafters to bring the project they are currently working on and make new friends and seek help over bubbly beverages.
Neighboring Community Initiatives
Hudson
ArtsFest Hudson - http://upwitharts.org/artsfest-hudson/
River's Edge Arts Alliance, seeking to pair artwork with Downtown businesses - http://upwitharts.org/
Arts in the Park - http://upwitharts.org/art/arts-in-the-park-2/
Framingham
Downtown Social Strolls - https://downtownframinghaminc.org/strolls
Amazing Things Art Center, Downtown Weekly Arts Events - https://amazingthings.org/events/
Maynard
Spring 2019 ArtWalk - http://maynardbusinessalliance.org/events/artwalk/
Maynard Fest - http://www.assabetvalleychamber.org/maynardfest.shtm
Many Hands Make Light Work:
Have an idea about how to get this initiative off the ground?
Want to chat about the suggestions and action plan post our MEDC meeting?
Know a vacant storefront owner who is willing to collaborate?
Want to help write a grant to raise funds to rent out a space for this initiative?
Have a better version of this proposal to pitch? We'd love to hear your suggestions!
This concept was pitched to the MEDC in March 2019 and again in June & July 2019.
Want to help with the next phase of this project?
Email us and lets chat: MarlboroughMakers@gmail.com
Volunteering for our community can make a difference
Check out some of the latest developments in the city of Marlborough:
