The distinctive generational strength and diversity of the East Boston neighbourhood are being honoured with the creation of a beautiful new mural in the neighbourhood.
The mural, which bears the name “Generational Spirit,” was presented to the public for the first time on September 27 in Central Square. It was launched as part of the pilot programme Beautify Main Streets, which is being run by HarborArts in partnership with East Boston Main Streets.
According to the organization’s website, the purpose of the organisation is to “breathe new life into local communities by strategically placing engaging sculptures, vibrant murals, and interactive artworks in our Main Streets.”
The vibrant painting measuring 30 feet by 40 feet was painted on the brick wall of the East Boston Social Centre, which is located at 68 Central Square. The mural represents three generations, including a young girl, a lady, and an older man.
The mural, which will feature the works of local artists Silvia Lopez Chavez and Felipe Ortiz, is expected to become “a beacon of neighbourhood pride,” as stated by the organisation.
Early in the month of September, the painters started painting the mural. They claim that the meaning of the piece is a celebration of the local diversity as well as the support system that exists amongst the generations in the town.
“Each generation is supporting each other, is proud of who they are and what they bring to the table, and also lifting the future,” Lopez Chavez told WGBH. She also mentioned that the usage of patterns on the mural’s background depicts a variety of different cultures.
The Boston Police Department issued the following statement in a press release to announce the mural: “This amazing art piece has been in the making for months and it truly captures the spirit of the East Boston community.”
HarborArts has produced more than thirty works of public art in the past three years, the most recent of which is the mural that you see here.
In an interview with the Eastie Times, the director of HarborArts, Matthew Pollock, stated that one of the objectives of the Beautify Main Streets initiative is “to help capitalise and grow public artwork, and hopefully create a legacy programme that makes it more viable and sustainable.”
According to what Pollock said to the source, “This is the heart of the community in Central Square.” We would like to express our profound appreciation to the Social Centre for allowing us to use one of its walls as a canvas for the painting.
