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WESPAC hopes to raise $1,800 with Birdhouse Project

Date: 11/7/2012

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Local artists have decorated 30 wooden birdhouses in a variety of themes that are now available for purchase at the West Springfield Public Library.

Members of the West Springfield Arts Council (WESPAC), including chairman Charlotte Pasquerella, were on hand the morning of Nov. 1 to set up the "Birdhouse Project."

Former arts council member Roger Peltier also assisted the members by reconstructing his decorative birch tree forest that provides a unique setting for the birdhouses.

Most of the birdhouses are displayed against the wall as one enters the library, however, there are also several displayed in glass cases, since they have more intricate details.

Pasquerella noted during an interview with Reminder Publications that the birdhouses were made of poplar by the students in the carpentry department of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative on Brush Hill Avenue.

"Last year we raised $1,500 and with this year's model, which is larger and costs $60, we hope to raise $1,800 for scholarships for town students to pursue studies in visual arts, media arts, music, poetry, theater, dance or the interpretive sciences," Pasquerella said.

Pasquerella added that the Birdhouse Project, now in its third year, is a way to provide a gift that gives back to the community.

"Birdhouses make wonderful holiday gifts and are now available on a first come, first served basis throughout November," she said.

The uniquely decorated birdhouses include themes, ranging from churches, flowers, beaches and nursery rhymes, Thanksgiving, the four seasons and a twig house.

According to Pasquerella, birdhouses can be purchased during library hours at the circulation desk and all money raised is considered an "in-kind donation."

The WESPAC is a committee of town residents, appointed by the mayor, dedicated to providing the community with free cultural presentations. The committee is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council on a per capita basis and has provided concerts and commissioned projects since 1980.