Artwork > Community Mural Projects > Intergenerational/Adult Projects
Lexington Park “This Is Lexington Park” 2019
Having facilitated a collaborative mural process at Lexington Park in the past, it has been so special to be able to return twelve years later and work within the same community, some of whom contributed to the original mural as teens and are now participating as adults - still connected to their childhood park. As a community muralist, this project has been such a gift - to be able to return to the site of a collaborative work, to re-engage with the community, to notice how things have changed in the past twelve years while observing how the passion and connection to the park has continued to thrive, AND to capture all of that into a new community mural reflecting the essence of Lexington Park. The design and painting came entirely from the community, their spirit shines through in this meaningful work, and it has been a pleasure to witness the community building taking place in the neighborhood.
As noted on the plaque:
This community mural was designed and painted by neighborhood participants of all ages, and represents the interconnectedness between people from different backgrounds and generations. Inspired by our 2007 Lexington Park community mural, it also emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the past as we celebrate the present. Over 50 participants, led by artist Tova Speter, contributed their individual and collective color to this collaborative work, sharing the beauty that is possible when we all work together.
Sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council
For added explanation: The central design element is a large tree with many outstretched branches and roots representing our connections across generations. The many individual leaves in the canopy reflect the idea that we all have a part in our community and there is space for everyone. LP, representing Lexington Park, is "carved" into the trunk of the tree and lines of light emanate from the tree outward.
The left side of the mural represents a look toward the past with the old train tracks connecting some of the roots of the tree and a rose growing from the tracks (image drawn by Alex Foster, a local youth/talented artist who passed away and whose spirit lives on in the park). On the far left a series of old school polaroid snapshots from the past including some images from the original mural (triple deckers, stickball, basketball, Russ' Donuts) remind us of the rich history and memories of the past.
The right side of the mural represents the present with the bike path along the roots of the tree with a family riding together. New flowers were designed and painted by current kids from the neighborhood. On the far right panel there are cell phons representing how we currently take snapshots, a modern type of sharing memories and connecting with others. (Included are an instagram image of Somerville Pride, Halloween on the street - a major community celebration, silhouettes of youth at the park representing those we have lost, and a text from longtime resident/poet, Jasen Sousa.)
Of note, is that the community advocated for the mural to be double sided, so that color can welcome those passing by on the bike path and idenifty the park that so often gets passed by without being noticed. This mural now identifies Lexington Park boldly and welcomes all to enjoy its magic.
