Beyond Walls mural in Holyoke (Photo courtesy of Beyond Walls)
LYNN, MA—Beyond Walls, a non-profit that uses civic engagement and education through public art, today announced a partnership connecting its Street Art Tour 2022 and Fall River-based organizations. This venture, which includes the creation of 20 large-scale murals over a four-month period, will arrive in Fall River on July 17, followed by additional installations in Lowell, and finally Lynn where Beyond Walls is based. The Street Art Tour 2022 launched in Holyoke on June 14.
Beyond Walls will join forces with the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition, Viva Fall River, and Fall River Public Schools to produce three world-class murals celebrating the community, its history, and the significant contributions of the city’s Portuguese American population.
“Our local nonprofits, educators, and residents of every age and background have always contributed to our community, in ways that make a real difference,” said Ashley Occhino, Executive Director of FRACC. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with our friends at Beyond Walls to bring public art that celebrates Fall River’s beauty, unity, and culture to our dynamic city.”
The Beyond Walls Street Art Tour 2022 is intended to provide greater access to the arts, unite local organizations, educators, businesses, and city leadership around a common mission, and boost the creative arts economy.
“Since 2017, Beyond Walls has helped transform more than physical landscapes; we have ignited social transformations,” said Al Wilson, Beyond Walls Founder & CEO. “Under the Beyond Walls umbrella, painted images and mixed-media pieces created by some of the world’s most acclaimed muralists reflect the cultural roots of the cities we engage with. This summer, we will build on earlier initiatives by underscoring the Latinx, Portuguese, and Cambodian influences within our region. Our goal is to spark meaningful conversations, shift perspectives, and draw attention to these remarkable, resilient cities.”
Viva Fall River stated that the Fall River murals will come to life with locations being painted July 17 – 31 which include Doran Elementary School on Columbia Street and the former Herald News building (now Potter’s Printing) at 207 Pocasset Street. Two murals are being painted at 207 Pocasset. The upper wall (with The Herald News logo) will be done by Add Fuel, an acclaimed street artist from Portugal and the lower street level brick wall will be done by local artist Greg Penniston, who also shepherded the living wall project at the underpass at the Quequechan River Rail Trail.
