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Date: 9/20/2023
MONSON — On Sept. 15, a new mural titled “Past, Present and Future” adorning the wall of Adams Hometown Market at 115 Main St. was officially presented to the public, paying homage to the town’s rich history and hopeful future.
Local artists Melissa Stratton-Pandina and Shara Osgood led the project. The artistic endeavor began in Winter 2022 when the Monson Business and Civic Association’s public art subcommittee, in tandem with the property owner and town Select Board, sent out a “call for art.”
The creation of the mural wasn’t a closed-door process. The community played a significant role in shaping its design. Stratton-Pandina and Osgood held sessions, gathering the town’s insights, and incorporating snapshots of actual residents.
An inclusive paint party drew participants from various age groups, further embedding the town’s spirit into the mural.
Significant elements from Monson’s timeline feature prominently, from recognizable landmarks to historic events. Residents in August had the unique chance to observe the artists in action during the installation phase.
Stratton-Pandina said, “We changed a fair bit of our initial design after listening to the residents, incorporating a mountain lion based on local feedback to adding images of actual first responders, the town’s essence is firmly captured.”
Furthermore, a Civil War-era soldier, Lt Col. Harold C. Utley, graces the mural. His inclusion acknowledges individual contributions and symbolizes Monson’s overall involvement in the Civil War.
Nature, a prominent theme in the mural, resonates with many Monson residents. “I know Monson as a place I go hiking,” Stratton-Pandina remarked.
The mural, expected to last 30-40 years, was funded by the Regional Economic Development Organization grant program to facilitate community recovery from COVID-19’s impacts.
Michelle Moon, project manager with Civic Space Collaborative, admired the artwork. “It’s just important for any community to have their history represented in a mural they can look at,”
Monson Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz affirmed the community’s collective focus, acknowledging the roles played by individuals and organizations in bringing the project to life.
Reed Coles, president of the Monson Arts Council, viewed the mural as a beacon of hope post-COVID-19.
“It’s a great way to revitalize the town after the pandemic,” Coles commented, underscoring the mural’s significance in livening up the community.
His wife, Sharon Coles, appears at the far right in the mural, along with other residents. She volunteered during the mural’s initial stages.
“We all had an opportunity to help paint some of these things. People, many of whom had little to no painting experience, came down and contributed,” Sharon Coles said. “Seeing the finished piece and recognizing the contributions of various community members is just incredible.”
She had seen bits and pieces installed on the supermarket’s wall and was pleased with the results.
“Coming down the street and seeing the completed work is breathtaking. It’s far better than I could have ever imagined,” she said.