ADAMS, Mass. — Nearly 30 people gathered outside of the Mausert Block apartments on Thursday, as the owners unveiled the first of more than 30 commissioned local art pieces to be displayed in the building.

 

Mausert Block owners Holly and Stephen Stenson said the artworks, as part of the building's "Maus-ART" program, will be on display once the project is complete. The work, done with help from the Adams Arts Advisory Board, will be put in the building's common spaces for residents to see.

 

"We have 31 pieces of art, and this is one," Stephen Stenson said. "So we have 30 to go." 

 

The first artwork, created by local artist Ricky Darell Barton, is displayed in the lobby of 21 Park St. and is from a series of works called "Robot Paintings." 

 

"By weaving these elements together as I feel them, and thus through luck and chance, images actually create themselves in the painting," Barton says on a plaque, posted next to the piece. "This is why I call them 'Robot Paintings'; even robotic faces, along with many other things, appear long after the works are completed."  

 

The artist moved from Washington, D.C., to the Berkshires a few years ago. His work has also been displayed at Real Eyes Gallery. 

 

In addition to the first artwork displayed, artist Benne Perkins restored the original stained-glass windows in the entrance archway. Only one window remained when the Stenson's purchased the property. 

 

"He took that, and he made us four brand-new ones that are as close as possible to the original," Holly Stenson said.  

 

The 1901 building has served several purposes in town throughout its history, and may be best-known as the location of an F.W. Woolworth five-and-dime store for more than 60 years. The Stensons have been working on restoring the property since they purchased it in 2011. 

 

The 10-apartment building, when finished, will also house retail and restaurant space on the ground floor. Earlier this year, the building received two awards from Preservation Massachusetts. 

 

Mausert Block is one of several structures on Park Street, including Miss Adams Diner, Adams Theater and the Firehouse Cafe, that has reopened or seen renovation this year. William Kolis, the owner of the Firehouse Cafe, said he is excited to see these businesses revitalized in Adams. 

 

"It's taken a long time, but now we've gotten it done. And it's going to be a tremendous edition, second only to getting the theater up and running," he said. "... There's been an incredible energy that's been brought here."