Local Artists Turn Restaurant Barriers into Works of Public Art

NEEDHAM – Tuesday, May 4, 2021 -- In partnership with The Town of Needham, The Needham Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is working with local artists to transform concrete barriers at outdoor restaurants into works of art.

With assistance from the Needham Community Revitalization Trust Fund, the NCAC has hired four Needham artists to paint jersey barriers that were installed by the Town in both public and private parking areas last year to create parklet spaces adjacent to restaurants to allow for outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re very excited about this collaboration,” said Select Board Member Marianne Cooley. “Painting these barriers allows Needham to show off the work of its wonderful artists while also providing restaurants with a beautiful space in which to share their food. It’s a win-win for everyone and we appreciate the creativity and teamwork that has gone into this project.”

Tova Speter is leading a group of artists from Gorse Mills Studio with an incredible design that connects four different styles of art in one visually stunning display on the barriers located in front of Sweet Basil restaurant on Great Plain Avenue. “We wanted to offer a splash of color and a creative glimpse into the diversity of art that people can enjoy as they dine outside or just pass by,” Speter said. “It was truly a collaborative process as the artists worked together to develop the design and the public passing by were invited to add a brushstroke here and there to make it a creative community experience." The artists used bright spring colors that are playful and welcoming. Dave Becker, the owner of Sweet Basil, suggested incorporating the pansy, Needham’s town flower. Working with concrete barriers is new for many artists, including Nicole Donson, John Judge, and Dina Troen-Krasnow. All four professional artists have adapted their skills and techniques to create public works that show off the power of art to transform public spaces into welcoming places.

Sherwin Williams has generously provided in-kind donations of paint and supplies. In addition to Sweet Basil’s barriers, paint was donated for the art created by Jose Spencer at French Press Bakery and Café. Public art is always a collaboration within the community and this project has been no different bringing together the work of many town departments in support of small businesses and a vibrant neighborhood.

Additional barrier art projects are forthcoming. Pancho’s Taqueria on Highland Ave. will be the next barrier project. For more pictures and updates on this project visit:
Facebook.com/NeedhamCouncilforArtsandCulture.
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