By Lauren Schiavone
Hometown Weekly Staff
The MBTA tunnel connecting DeFazio Field and Pollard Middle School is typically a hotspot for graffiti, but the community has hopes of changing that — and to that end, Needham Youth & Family Services (NY&FS) recently invited Needhamites to contribute to a collaborative mural.
“This project started because the Bay Colony Rail Trail was hit by graffiti a couple years ago,” explained Director of Youth and Family Services Sara Shine, who has been involved in projects like these previously. “The idea was to get community members involved in community art that involves unity. This is another great spot.”
On Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, residents signed up for painting spots. The hour time slots gave visiting artists an opportunity to reimagine the MBTA tunnel into something beautiful. Kids as young as three signed up, as there was no age restriction.
An aquatic theme unified contributors of all styles and abilities throughout the weekend. The mural design was done by Artie Tzouros and Alexandra Etscovitz; the two artists, accompanied by a few high school students, helped develop the theme. The mural’s under-the-sea motif involves geometric shapes, paintings of people, spray-paint art, local representation of the Needham Rockets, and various elements that are united into the aquatic concept.
NY&FS is still looking for local experienced artists to finish the mural. This involves cleaning up lines and shapes, adding detail, and general touchups.
Interested parties may reach out to Director Sara Shine. Contact information and more is available online at https://www.needhamma.gov/79/Youth-Family-Services
