Cheshire Receives Cultural Grants for Trail Art, Block Parties
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association has joined the Adams Arts Advisory Group's efforts to install public art along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.
John Tremblay of the association said the Massachusetts Cultural Council has granted the group funds to install a piece of art.
"We want to put up some art along the trail that people can look at, experience and interact with," he told the Selectmen last week.
The Adams Arts Advisory Council spearheaded this program and currently has installed two murals created by local artists, one along the rail trail and one near the Berkshire Scenic Railway.
Trembley said the association walked the Cheshire portion of the trail and determined that the area near Diane's Twist on Main Street would be most appropriate for some art because it runs through the downtown but is also where the Appalachian Trail hits Cheshire.
"The art would be adjacent to the trail and you could see it form the trail," he said. "That is where people congregate and is an intersection where cyclists, runners, hikers, through hikers [pass] or a place where people just might sit down and have some ice cream."
Tremblay said the association has been working closely with the owners of Dian's Twist and hopes the art installation will help stimulate their business.
It isn't clear what the art will entail but the group will look to local artists.
"I think it is going to be important to put the message out there because this is a pretty unique spot and we want to connect all of these things," he said.
Tremblay said the Cultural Council also awarded the town funds to continue to hold its popular summer block parties.
This year they will be on July 12 and Aug. 9.
Tags: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Mass Cultural Council, public art,
