HAVERHILL — Concrete planters will soon look a lot less gray and drab, with a handful of artists headed downtown to “beautify” the boxes.
The City of Haverhill and Creative Haverhill have announced 15 artists selected to paint the concrete planters spread throughout the Downtown Riverfront Cultural District.
It was a competitive application process that drew more than 30 artist submissions and 75 mural designs, but the crew of concrete-colorers was handpicked.
The accepted artists are Lauren Barbieri, Jenny Arndt, Jennifer Loiselle, Greg Moutafis, Kyrah Todd, Chloe Reynolds, Claire Donnelly, Adam Gouveia, Jenn Houle, Manuel Mateo, Emily Jewett, Lindsay Hall, Mariana Martins, “The Artist’s Way,” a creative cohort led by Nate Robertson, and an artist by the name of “sv.thaoni.”
“The planters serve a dual purpose; to improve public safety for outside diners and to bring more public art to downtown,” the City of Haverhill wrote.
Each planter measures 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 24 inches tall. Artists were allowed to submit up to three design proposals. Those who were selected will receive a $500 stipend per planter, including $200 upfront for materials and $300 upon completion. Applications were due March 31.
The murals are expected to last up to three years before being repainted, and each must be completed within two weeks.
Among the artists is Houle, with her design concept, “Dark Skies / Cielo Obscuro.” Her planter is set to leave a layer of migration and environmental conservation in the downtown area.
“Dark Skies are critical to human health, nocturnal pollinators, and especially to migratory birds,” Houle said. “Dark Skies is part of a growing conservation movement that includes simple ‘backyard’ action steps to build habitat in our own communities. Positioning this mural in downtown Haverhill will help raise awareness about this issue. Members of Haverhill Conservation Commission, Haverhill Garden Club, and Team Haverhill are already working on initiatives like Planting Native to create habitat for pollinators and birds. This mural adds Dark Skies to the conversation.”
Another planter, “Mini MeVa,” by sv.thaoni, will find inspiration from a form of public transportation most Merrimack Valley residents are familiar with: the Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) bus. The artist said that the orange, yellow and blue bus will be spotted in a more stationary setting, with its colorful design painted on the planter.
“Mini MeVa spreads the awareness of free fares for all,” the artist said. “Riders who take the MeVa reduce their carbon footprint, have access to 16 cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley, with experiences and adventures waiting to happen. As an avid public transportation user, Mini MeVa is an appreciation letter to Merrimack Valley Transit. Having free transportation that spans throughout the region is something to be truly proud of.”
American-Brazilian artist Mariana Martins said her piece “Felicidade (Happiness)” will draw inspiration from the local Brazilian community and how much it has grown in recent years.
“The mural represents the joy and vibrant spirit our community brings to Haverhill,” Martins said.
This public art initiative has been organized in part by Haverhill Downtown Events Coordinator Hailey Pearson, with aims to “beautify” the corridor. The effort stems from citywide surveys and forums that surfaced a desire among residents for improvements that help people “feel invited” in the downtown environment, Pearson said.
Artists will meet at the end of May and begin painting on site in the weeks that follow, with the murals expected to be completed in time for the Haverhill Art Walk on Saturday, June 6. The works will be displayed during the event, with artists present for a walking tour.