Looking to meet the artists behind Wingate Street's latest piece of art? On Friday evening, a reception will find most of them in a single place and ready for to meet their fans.
The Public Art Committee of Team Haverhill and Wingate Street businesses will host a Connecting the Community Through the Arts mural artists reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, at 59 Wingate St., where the mural is hung.
The 32 individual paintings that compose the massive mural will be on display in Wingate Street's art shops and boutiques.
"It's a good opportunity to see what the community is doing," said Emily Boulger, artistic leader for the mural. "Everyone that contributed to this mural were ordinary people."
Besides seeing the paintings, community arts patrons can meet the artists behind the works, enjoy complimentary light refreshments and shop at the Wingate Street businesses, many of which will be open with extended hours.
Many businesses along Wingate Street are hosting pieces of the gallery including: Positive Images/Gallery 61, Second Thoughts, L'Arche Irenicon, Caring Hands, Angles and Art, Northstar Yoga, and a new wedding planning service.
"The mural introduces you to the arts district," said Patricia Bruno, owner of Positive Images/Gallery 61. "I think it's fantastic."
On Saturday from 10 to 10:30 a.m., as part of River Ruckus, Team Haverhill will host a formal dedication of Haverhill's latest artistic endeavor in front of 52 Wingate St., the former location of Margot's Gallery. David Zoffoli, chairman of the Haverhill Cultural Council, is expected to deliver a speech alongside members of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
These are the groups that contributed paintings to make up the mural:
Girls Inc.
Sacred Hearts School
Artist Anne Beaulieu and downtown group
Artist Emily Boulger and students
Bradford Elementary School
First Baptist Church
Artist Rob Sardella and Phoenix Row
JG Whittier School
Haverhill "Treasures"
Little Sprouts at Northern Essex Community College
Little Sprouts on West Lowell Avenue
L'Arche Irenicon
St. Joseph School
Haverhill High School
Community Action
CleanRiver
Haverhill Citizen Center
Haverhill Daycare
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill
Emmaus House
Hill View Montessori School
City Hall
Maria Bevilaqua and Arbonne consultant group
Silver Hill School
Bethany Homes
The Vine
Tilton School
Haverhill Bank
Haverhill Cultural Council
Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
Trinity Church
