Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined artist Kim Carlino this morning to welcome a new mural to downtown Springfield at 11 Lyman Street, the home of A.W. Gifford, Inc. Mayor Sarno and Ms. Carlino were joined by representatives from the Springfield Cultural Council, A.W. Gifford representatives, and local arts enthusiasts to cut the ribbon on the new mural.
The project was funded through a $5,000 City of Springfield Community Development Block Grant award, under a new Public Art program developed by the city. The city also helped support this project through the Neighborhood Storefront Improvement Program which assisted A.W. Gifford in repairing and preparing the wall for the mural application.
“This mural is larger than life and breathes so much color and life onto Lyman Street,” said Mayor Sarno. “A project like this is exactly what I had hoped for in creating this new program, to bring new art and excitement into our Springfield Central Cultural District, and just steps from our refurbished Union Station.”
Carlino’s mural is inspired by Springfield’s history in the board game industry. Milton Bradley was founded in 1860 in Springfield. The mural gains much of its inspiration from classic board games Twister and the Game of Life, using abstract elements to create a placemaking cultural landmark in the district.
The mural is painted on the building of one of the region’s oldest businesses – A.W. Gifford Lock, which has been providing residential and commercial service since 1866.
The project also received additional funding from the Springfield Cultural Council.
