Mosaic Mural Project Update

My name is Cynthia Fisher and I am a mosaic artist living in Buckland and I specialize in creating public art installations and conducting school residencies and community public art. I have done installations from Maine to Florida, and thought how wonderful it would be to offer what I do elsewhere to my own community. The idea was first proposed to the Shelburne Falls Village Partnership and received a positive response.  The Shelburne Falls Area Civic Beautification Association has graciously offered to sponsor the project,  the 501 c-3 non-profit status being necessary to apply for some of the grants funding the endeavor. To date, $19,650 has been raised, and more grants are still outstanding. Generous support has been received from the Ella Lyman Cabot Trust, the Highlands Communities Initiative, and the Massachusetts local cultural councils for the towns of Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Conway, Plainfield and Shelburne. The murals will be situated on the facades and sides of buildings on both sides of the river in Shelburne Falls. (For those of you on the SFABA who are building owners, I introduced you to the project last fall…)

As for project specifics, I will be working with students and community residents to create 10 3’ x 3’ murals that depict each of the ten hilltowns of West County, and a group of murals that highlights the Deerfield River environment, including the glacial potholes, flora and fauna, Native Americans’  historical use of Salmon Falls, current power production on the river etc. Since the project’s inception I have been busy organizing all the myriad details of the project, from fundraising to generating interest and excitement by prospective participants. I have met with art and classroom teachers and in April will be generating ideas for mural content from elementary students in grade 3 (they have a curriculum unit on the local area). While the ideas for imagery to be included will come from the students, I will be doing the drawings and designing all the artwork. After sketches are done, students in grades 3-6 at the elementary schools will assemble the mosaics. The Deerfield River mosaics will be worked on with middle and high school students as well as members of the community at large in workshops at the Shelburne Senior Center. Steel frames will be constructed by students at
Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls.

If you have any questions or comments, or are interested in participating, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 625-8204 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can view my work at my website, BIGBANGMOSAICS.com.

SHELBURNE FALLS AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SPRING AUCTION

(3-10-10) The Shelburne Falls Area Business Association (SFABA) will host its annual auction on Saturday, March 27th at 5PM Stillwater’s Restaurant, 1745 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont. A panoply of donated items from local artisans, agriculturalists and family businesses will be auctioned by Doug Wilkins. All are invited to enjoy an evening of music and merrymaking with your friends in the hills. Hors d’oeuvres of stuffed mushrooms, assorted cheeses and crisps, meatballs, hummus, turkey medallions, apple crisp and more. Tickets are $25 at the door. Purchase at The Bank of Western Massachusetts in Shelburne Falls (625-6001) or Mary Vilbon at SFABA (625-2526).  


 

 Buckland and Shelburne to work with Google on Fiber for Communities Initiative

[2-19-2010] All citizens are asked to help get universal Ultra-High Speed Broadband Service for our towns by responding to Google's Request for Information

 Read All About It: Women Are Taking Over The Industry!!

(1/12/09) Imagine News, the Boston industry journal about all things ‘Film, Television and New Media in the Northeast’, has dedicated this issue to ‘Women Who Work In The Industry.”

It's Not That Far Away

(1/11/2010) Forget these dark, cold days of winter for a while, and warm your spirit with thoughts of a major summertime event in Shelburne Falls: RiverFest. On Saturday, June 12, the village will host the Deerfield River Watershed Association’s 22nd annual celebration of the waterway that flows through town and the surrounding countryside.

Social Media Allows Members to Connect

(11/16/09) The SFABA is now sponsor of a new fan page on Facebook. This technology provides an open, easy to use social space on Facebook for friends of the village and area to meet and mingle. Photos, videos, discussions, links, and events can all be shared in the freewheeling style of Facebook.

Collaboration Brings New Book Offerings to Village

(11/10/09) A small group of used and antiquarian booksellers have collaborated and formed the Shelburne Falls Booksellers which will showcase quality offerings of the three founders. 

Map Helps Residents and Tourists Access Area Beauty

(10/13/09) Residents and tourists come to the Shelburne Falls Area for recreation and to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the countryside. Now, thanks to a new Trail Map developed by the Shelburne Open Space Committee, access to those areas is safer and easier.

Hello Everyone,

The Salmon Falls Street Fest – what we hope to be an annual event - was held on September 26, 2009 on Deerfield Avenue. The weather was absolutely perfect and the carnival atmosphere kept spirits high and smiles broad. 30 plus vendors participated including local restaurants and businesses as well as crafters, artists, community non-profits and massage therapists. There was even a gyro ride for the adventurous!

Your Opinion Counts!

(10/12/09) The SFABA Board and planners of special events are soliciting your input about the recent Salmon Falls Street Fest and its impact on your business. "The goal is to evaluate this and all events as a regular process of 'continuous improvement' so we can be responsive to member's needs," says Mary Vilbon, Executive Director.

The survey is hosted by Survey Monkey and will be open for your input through October 28. Once the survey results are tabulated, they will be reported back to members, and they will be used by event planners to ensure that all events have clear goals that help member businesses throughout the area prosper.

Click here to take the survey.

Thank you for your input.