(From Fresh Paint Springfield)
Vibrant colors and awe-inspiring designs are coming to Springfield’s bare building walls and public pianos. From June 2nd – 8th, nationally recognized mural artists will transform downtown building walls in to permanent works of art.
Local artists will paint public pianos and more. Community events will encourage residents and visitors to join in the excitement, watch the murals be created, meet the artists, and participate in the creation of one of the murals. Fresh Paint Springfield is a celebration of community, creativity, and the City of Springfield. All of the art will be located in walkable distances from each other, creating a dynamic outdoor art gallery. This outdoor gallery will encourage people to go beyond a single destination to explore and enjoy the entire Springfield arts and restaurant district.
The mural at Springfield Union Station was painted by local artist Ryan Murray
Fresh Paint Springfield By the Numbers
- 35 artists
- 28 works of public art (large murals, small murals and painted pianos)
- 20,000 square feet of murals
- 1,500 cans of spray paint, 500 gallons of liquid paint, dozens of brushes and rollers
- 13 lifts
- hundreds of hours of skilled labor
- dozens of volunteers
- 3 Community Paint Parties
- 1 Block Party
- $50,000 donated through a crowd funding campaign on Patronicity, matched by $50,000 from MassDevelopment.
Springfield Union Station and the Springfield Redevelopment Authority have compiled a variety of travelers’ memories, images and reflections on the building as well as its attributes. The collection is now being stored on a new website page called “Memories”: www.springfieldunionstation.com/memories
Currently, more than ten different submissions have been received along with historic photos and newspaper clippings. Those memories include the history of a family who worked at the station, dining car experiences, army days and even a recount of Henry David Thoreau use of the station.
Do you have a favorite memory or photo of Springfield Union Station? Send it to UnionStation@OConnells.com