After visiting the site, we sat down and discussed the Pathways scale model.
Photo courtesy of Julie Barrows
"A PATHWAY TO REVITALIZATION" →
Fitchburg’s Water Street Bridge Public Art Project Meets Sculptor Gillian Christy
This article by Brian Goslow was featured in Artscope Magazine March/April 2010 issue.
If you noticed this banner hanging at the foot of the Water Street Bridge, and it has lead you here you are in the right place! Welcome to the Art on Water Street Bridge project in Fitchburg, MA. I would like to thank Anne Giancola for designing the stunning banner. Please read this blog for more information and activities on this public art project.
I look forward to hearing from you! Please email me with your thoughts and opinions on what makes Fitchburg special to you. My email is info@gillianchristy.com.
Thursday August 6, Ellen DiGeronimo and I were at the base of the bridge to talk with you. It was a busy, hot summer day on Water Street Bridge, so I would especially like to thank those of you who took a moment to stop, listen and chat. If you were in a car, or watching from the other side of the street, I was able to introduce myself to many passers-by. I was also able to explain the public art project that is currently underway in Fitchburg.
Most importantly, I was able to discuss your thoughts and opinions on what should decorate the bridge since you will view this permanent sculpture for years to come. So many of you that I spoke with are eager see the bridge beautified, and would like to see the natural elements highlighted and the history of Fitchburg come to life.
If you did not have a chance to stop and talk with me this time, look for me on my next visit to Fitchburg. I will be at Riverfront Park at the Fall Forge-In Festival October 17, 2009.
Welcome to the Art on Water Street Bridge Blog! Thank you so much for taking the time to access this site. Fitchburg Cultural Alliance received a grant from New England Foundation for the Arts to work with sculptor Gillian Christy to create Art on Water Street Brige. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions for public artwork on the bridge.
This public art project is one of a three-pronged cultural economic initiative developed by the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance in partnership with the Fitchburg Economic Development Office and Fitchburg State College. The partners are committed to the vitality of arts and culture as a catalyst in their downtown revitalization plan. The vision of the public art is to create a “sense of place” at the entrance to downtown via the Water Street Bridge.
I will be working closely with the community to develop public art for the Water Street Bridge remaining responsive and open to opinions, thoughts and concerns. I find that working within this sort of partnership, a conversation evolves, allowing participation and satisfaction with the end result. The projected installation is June 2010.
