The artsy vibes just keep flowing in Natick, this time with Thursday’s unveiling of peacelovenatick01760 in the Adams Street Art Alley. The community public art project is the latest in a series of large-scale projects spearheaded by organizer and artist Denise Girardin, in partnership with many creative volunteers. Girardin’s vision was made possible by a grant from the Natick Cultural Council, and a partnership with the Natick Center Cultural District.
The 23-foot long, 7-foot high plywood creation showcases Natick’s zip code, the first huge wooden 0 represented by a peace sign, and the last by a heart. 279 hand-painted puzzle pieces, each one painted by a resident or business, were fit together and overlaid onto the numbers.
Previous Girardin-led projects include the LOVE 01760, in which participants were asked to design heart halves, which were later joined with heart halves made by others. The pieced-together hearts, imperfect but whole (the metaphors abound) were then hung as an art installation on the pedestrian bridge. And who can forget when that same bridge was festooned with crocheted flowers back in 2019 for the Tunnel of Love project?
Organizer and artist Denise Girardin in front of the peacelovenatick01760 installation in Natick Center’s Art Alley.In remarks to a crowd of about 50, as children played and a bubble machine kept the spirit light and happy, Athena Pandolf, Executive Director of the Natick Center Cultural District, said that because art is such a visible presence, “When you come to Natick you really sense the spirit and community of the town.”
Kids play around while Athena Pandolf, Executive Director of the Natick Center Cultural District speaks.
Jo LaFalce, volunteer extraordinaire, prefers to stay out of the spotlight. But anyone who sticks with a project as tenaciously as she does can’t be allowed to hide her light under a bushel basket.
One of the 279 pieces that make up the installation.
LOVE 01760 project, Natick pedestrian bridge, July 2020“It’s an amazing display of love for Natick,” Girardin said during the unveiling. “Thanks to everyone who took the time to think about what makes Natick special to you. Enjoy. It’s going to be here a long time.”
Thanks Deborah for a beautiful story about the peacelovenatick01760 project. You nailed the community spirit harnessed to create this amazing installation. Great photos as well and you’re so right, Jo’s light shines bright! Thank you!
i am continuously impressed by the creative drive of denise and her team to complete such unique and beautiful projects representing so much positivity. i am truly grateful for their bold presence in the community it’s a gift to be inspired and surrounded by their colorful love of love!