Letter: North Adams Needs Resolution on Children's Artwork
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To the Editor:
Just a note to the community and to all who have lent support to the efforts of restoring our schoolchildren's art project located on the Marshall Street pillars located in North Adams.
We began our efforts with a small group of four concerned citizens who opposed Mass MoCA's illegal paint over of the children's artwork, which by the way, is located on public property and had the approval of the city. Our group consisted of one artist, one teacher and two community activists. From that passion, we have grown with the support of some 400-plus area petition supporters as well as the collaborative efforts of community educators.
Although there has been sacrifice by some members of our group, we pledge and will continue our efforts in representing the interest of the community. With that said, we hope you will help by lending your voices to the efforts honoring our children, ancestors and history. All of which are depicted in the two-year art project done by students, teachers and parents.
Over the past few month, we simply have asked that a small sampling of the paint covering the historic artwork be allowed to be taken to see if restoration is possible. To date, not one individual or group in a position to grant or support approval has positively responded to our community supported request.
With that said, we call on the leadership in our community (the Public Arts Commission, Office of the Mayor, North Adams City Council, Mass MoCA) to make things right and support our children and history rather than acquiesce to a small number of special-interest individuals who have continued to make resolution impossible.
Vincent Melito
North Adams, Mass.
Tags: public art,
