On the first Saturday in May Downtown Cambridge will play host to a special community event that will focus on the installation of a public art project.
“We wanted to work on a project that tackled beautification and engaged local youth using art. We wanted something that would help bring our community together” said Kathleen Clendaniel, Executive Director for Downtown Cambridge.
A group of volunteers has formulated this event to spearhead the public art project and invite community members of all ages, especially community youth, to get hands-on with art and beautification projects in our community.
The event will feature hands-on projects like the installation of a mosaic art work, improvements to downtown benches, and the decorating of a “Little Free Library” donated by the local Retired Teachers Association. Local musician Bobby Reed will perform.
Downtown Cambridge has also arranged for 300 tiles which children can individually decorate that will then be glazed following the event and installed in the final mosaic design.
An important motivation that inspired the project was to get young people involved in their downtown efforts. “We want kids to see that they can get hands-on and create a lasting difference in their community. A public art project was the perfect medium to do that since it taps into their open minds and creativity.”
Clendaniel shared it also helps show their interest in bringing more people to visit the 500 block of Race Street, where a transformation is starting to take place led by rehabilitation projects like the Hearn Building.
Downtown Cambridge invites community partners to join them by setting up at the event on May 5th. Interested organizations can contact coordinating volunteer Amanda Kidd at . Artists interested in joining this effort can contact Katie Clendaniel at .
