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Date: 3/2/2022
HOLYOKE – To celebrate the 200th birthday and the artistry of Frederick Law Olmstead, the Holyoke Preservation Trust is looking for homegrown art.
Olmstead is the landscape architect responsible for the creation of urban parks in many parts of the country. He and his firms designed green spaces such as Central Park in New York City.
Locally though, his firm designed four park areas in Holyoke in the last years of the 19th Century and into the 20th Century, eight in Springfield and one in Longmeadow, according to a book assembled about him and his work by the National Association of Olmstead Parks.
Olivia Mausel of the Trust explained to Reminder Publishing there is a call for artists to submit their work – up to two pieces – in sculpture, painting, drawing, music, writing, photography, wood, metal, clay, mixed-media, fiber, jewelry, glass or other media. There are three categories according to age groups, K to fifth grade, sixth to 12th grade and adult. Students must live in or attend Holyoke schools and adults must be a resident of Pioneer Valley. The work must be connected to or inspired by Olmstead’s landscape designs for the parks or the homes in Holyoke.
The age categories were designed so that “everyone could be included,” she said.
Mausel said that Trust member Jean Jonker thought of the contest and added that “I know a lot of people are looking for a venue [for their artwork] in these pandemic times.”
The parks created by Olmstead’s firm in the city include Jones Point, Prospect (Pulaski) Park, Riverside Park and Elmwood Park.
Mausel said of the Olmstead Parks in the city, Pulaski Park is “probably the best preserved.”
Applications are available online at www.holyokepreservationtrust.org. Monetary prizes will be awarded. Awards are given at the judges’ discretion and are based on originality , technique and execution.
The Holyoke Preservation Trust is a non-profit organization working to preserve Holyoke’s historic architectural heritage for present and future generations.
“Holyoke’s historic architecture is a unique and valuable asset that we aim to save, preserve and promote through advocacy, education and support programs.”