Art, For the City's Sake

Art is not always simply for the sake of art.
Sometimes, it's purpose is also to bring something beautiful, something as whimsical as it is wonderful, to the bricks and mortar that persist, in a city like this, across the generations.
In this way, the downtown mural project represents hope for the future -- a proposed series of historic images steeped in the vibrant hues of Nashua's past.
Thursday was dedicated to Barbara Andrews, the muralist responsible for depicting a colorful tribute to the old Nashua Manufacturing Company, painted on the building that is home to Darrell's Music Hall on Water Street, just off Main Street.
A group of about 20 local art enthusiasts gathered at Bicentennial Park to show their appreciation for her artistic vision, which includes beautifying the city, one mural at a time.
“This city is about the people willing to make the commitment and take the time to make a difference,” said Kathy Hersh, the city's Community Development Director. “The fact that you all believe that art is an important component of our city is what really matters.”
Ken Gidge, a state representative for Nashua's Ward 6 and a fellow fine artist, served as MC for the ceremonious  and collective “thank you” to Andrews.
A few of the invited guests, including Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, listed in the program to say a few words about the project, were unable to make it to the 6 p.m. event.
But Gidge compensated for the gaps in the planned program with his own take on how, despite how much life changes here, the dedicated heart of Nashua persists.
“I've lived here my whole life. Over the years, you find that new people come and they take over, and sometimes you don't like what they're doing. But when you take a look at what's happened in the city lately, you know that Nashua will always be a great place. And this, I love,” said Gidge, of Andrews' mural. “When I saw her work, even though I'm an artist myself, I thought, 'I wish I had that.' It's not the same kind of art I do, and what she does is beautiful. Murals are not easy. Her work, her color, her symmetry – it's just wonderful.”
Andrews addressed the group, saying there is something overwhelming – in a good way – about the process of painting a mural. Her next project, once the money is raised, will be recreating a three-story depiction of the old Tremont hotel on the side of the vacant Pearl Street cobbler shop.
“Three stories is not enough; it's not as high as I want it to be; I can't tell you what it's like to be up in a cherry-picker, painting something like that. I love it; it overwhelms me,” Andrews said.
The Tremont project is likely another 18 months from becoming a reality, but the local art community continues to hold special fundraising events to cover the cost of paint -- and cherry pickers.
To that end, Andrews has been hosting monthly art auctions every third Thursday.
Expanding the mural project is just one of 20 ambitious ideas currently on the table in an effort led by the newly formed community-building entity, Visualize Nashua, looking to rally enough support to see through those projects deemed most popular by way of an online voting process.
Other projects near the top of the list include a riverfront promenade, a small music venue, roof decks, a downtown marketplace, a boat dock, downtown housing and an urban community garden.

To learn more go to visualizenashua.com.