Needham To Turn Graffiti-Filled Fence Into Unity Mural

NEEDHAM, MA — The Needham Select Board approved a mural project that will clean up a graffiti-tagged fence along the Needham Bay Colony Rail Trail while engaging residents in a community art project that will promote unity and kindness in Needham.

The project is being spearheaded by Needham Youth and Family Services, with support from Park and Recreation, the Department of Public Works and Needham Public Health and the Bay Colony Rail Trail Association. The project invites residents to paint sections of a mural designed by Megan Carleton, an expressive art therapist who works for Needham Youth and Family Services. The mural, designed with input from youth in the community, will be painted along the 75-foot fence that borders the rail trail.

"Given the tensions that exist in our world today and Needham’s commitment to fostering a more welcoming and inclusive community, we believe this is exactly the kind of art project we should be bringing to the community," said Sara Shine, director of Youth and Family Services. "We’re excited to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in this project so that it truly reflects the people who call Needham home."

Given the history of graffiti along the fence, the mural will have graffiti art in its design and will include anti-graffiti covering to ensure that if the mural is tagged with graffiti, it can be easily cleaned. Increased public art is one of the Select Board’s goals.

"The Select Board is enthusiastic about this project and appreciates the work of the staff across many departments to make this happen,"said Moe Handel, chair of the Select Board. "Art that unites, like this project does, is so important right now and we’re glad that it’s happening in Needham. It’s another example of the value of public and private efforts to improve the quality of our community."

Members of the community interested in participating can sign up here. Face coverings and social distancing are required. If you are feeling ill on the day you are scheduled, please email Sara Shine at sshine@needhamma.gov to reschedule.