Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with President and CEO of the Springfield Museums Kay Simpson, Executive Director of the Springfield Cultural Partnership Karen Finn, and Executive Director for the Springfield Businesses Improvement District Chris Russell for a special Meet and Greet with the Artists of SPark! at Pynchon Plaza today.
Mayor Sarno stated, “My Administration will continue to pursue these types of arts and cultural initiatives. They bring a feel good vibrancy to the beautiful mosaic of our Springfield. Parks Director Patrick Sullivan and his team, including Project Manager Chris Seabrooks who was instrumental in collaborating with the Springfield Museums and Springfield Cultural Partnership to get this done, have done an excellent job here at Pynchon Plaza. We are so grateful to Karen Finn and our Springfield Museums, Kay Simpson and the Springfield Cultural Partnership, Chris Russell and the BID, and of course the very talented artists, not only for their beautiful work, but also for being here with us today.”
Two years ago, in December 2019, the Springfield Museums and the Springfield Cultural Partnership sent out a call for public art that would transform Pynchon Plaza into a dynamic museum without walls, a vibrant public space with innovative multi-media art installations by local artists. Now it is time to celebrate the artists whose work has been funded by the SPark! Igniting Our Community project.
Eight projects inspired by Springfield’s people, cultures, places and historical legacies will be installed over the next six months. This event will be an opportunity to talk directly with the artists to learn more about their plans.
The artists are:
• Roberley Bell (Pelham, MA): Artful Seating
• Lauren Celini (Springfield, MA): Utility Art
• Michelle Falcón Fontánez (Boston, MA): Mosaic Art
• Alvilda Sophia Anaya-Alegría (Springfield, MA): Mosaic Art
• Beth Crawford (Haydenville, MA): 3D Sculptural Art
• Jeffrey Lara (Springfield, MA): 3D Sculptural Art
• Make-It Springfield: Library Box
• Ryan Murray (Springfield, MA): Fencing Art
• Rosemary Tracy Woods, Art for the Soul Gallery (Springfield, MA): Fencing Art
These works will also be joined by a sound sculpture created by Outdoor Musical Instruments (United Kingdom). This sound sculpture will be assembled and embellished by a City of Springfield carpenter and artist. In addition, visitors will also be able to see Common Wealth Mural's Fresh Paint Springfield mural by GoodSpace Murals extension from DWight Street to over the Springfield Police Substation facing Pynchon Plaza!
