NHS Student Designs NCAC’S Newest Electrical ArtBox

NEEDHAM – Thursday, August 5th, 2021 -- In partnership with The Town of Needham, The Needham Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) this week installed their newest work of public art entitled “Save the Bees” by Emma Curry. The vinyl-printed artwork wraps around an electrical box located at Great Plain and Central Avenue and was fully funded by The Middlesex Savings Bank. “Save the Bees” is an artwork by 2021 NHS senior studios artist Emma Curry meant to improve our built environment while drawing attention to an important environmental issue.

Needham High School students were given a challenge by the NCAC and their art teacher Maria Sartori, to design a public art piece that addresses climate change issues faced in Needham. Topics concentrated on by students included deforestation, rising sea levels, endangered species, and food sustainability. Out of the dozens of submissions, a panel chose student artist Emma Curry’s design, “Save the Bees.” The selection panel for the artwork was composed of council members, a public art committee, as well as NHS student jurors Jayie Chou and Sasha Nathan. The artwork was approved both by the Town’s Select Board and Design Review Board.

Emma Curry created a bright, thoughtful work of art that was perfect for a busy intersection close to Newman Elementary School. She set out to bring attention to the importance of bees to the environment. According to the Department of Agricultural Resources, as much as 45% of Massachusetts agricultural crops rely on pollinators like honeybees. “Bees bring vibrance to the world and make Needham the colorful and beautiful town we know it as,” says Emma Curry. “If we don’t start to take care of the planet, the bees will die, followed by the flowers and trees and the air we breathe.”

“We were very impressed by the passion and dedication we saw from the students who participated in this Art Box project.” said Charly Nanda of the NCAC “For the third design in our series we wanted to offer both a unique opportunity for NHS students to learn about public art and the chance to have an enduring voice in our community through a long-term art installation.” This Art Box is the final installment in a series of three that began in March of 2019 with “Summer Days at Rosemary Pool” by Anne McCaffrey followed by “Reach” by John Judge. The Needham Council for Arts and Culture hopes to continue to bring vibrant works of art to town through murals, program grants, and other public art opportunities such as Storefronts Needham.

For more pictures and updates on this project visit: Facebook.com/NeedhamCouncilforArtsandCulture.