PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Local artist Cara Petricca will paint an original mural this week on the north-facing side of 348 North St. (the alleyway facing St. Joseph's Church). 

 

Part of the Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership, the mural is funded by a MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Creative Catalyst Grant.

 

This mural and four others will be recognized on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the "Let It Shine! A Celebration of Public Art" event. This will include self-guided tours of the mural sites and a block party from noon to 6 at Palace Park, 116 North St., with musical headliner Sample The Cat. 

 

A Pittsfield native, Petricca's work ranges from mural painting to ceramic sculpture to statement jewelry. She combines her skills in art with her passion for rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, agricultural, and domestic animals at her sanctuary and studio location, Bluebird Farm in Cheshire. Her work can be found in collections both nationally and internationally.  

 

"My art is a love letter to nature and an invitation to nurture benevolence and healing," said Petricca. "The theme of interconnection and empathy carries through all my work, whether it is a piece of statement jewelry, a sculpture, or a mural. My style is detailed and full of layers of color and texture inviting the viewer to come closer and explore."

 

Per the request of the property owner, Paul Aronofsky, an agricultural theme celebrating his love of pigs and roosters will be depicted in this mural. Pettricca felt this particular theme suited her artistic style perfectly. 

 

"Having rescued many pigs and roosters over the years, I knew that my special connection and knowledge of these animals would aid me in providing the building owner and the community a glimpse into their intelligence and beauty," she said.

 

For more information on Downtown Pittsfield Inc.: downtownpittsfield.com or 413-443-6501.