Public Art Taking Form at Attleboro Arts Museum
Roughly 10 years ago, Max Volterra, a community leader in Attleboroand supporter of many area non-profits including the Attleboro Arts Museum, was visiting the organization to take in one of its exhibitions.
He was met in the parking lot by Executive Director and Chief Curator Mim Brooks Fawcett and casually mentioned that perhaps the bare brick wall on the side of the building could benefit from something that would enliven the façade.
Fawcett heard what Volterra had said and didn’t disagree.
At the time she couldn’t implement a solution, but she didn’t forget his comment. Volterra, who passed away in October of last year at age 86, is ostensibly now leading the way to activate that brick wall and turn it into an artful reflection of his commitment to community, equity, and the power of art and culture.
Max’s wife Marion, a long-time trustee and active supporter of the Attleboro Arts Museum, recently discussed the Volterra Family’s plan to make a donation to benefit the Museum and have it impact the greater Attleboro community.
She was leaving the form of the gift in the hands of the Museum.
Fawcett immediately knew that the time had come to respond to Max Volterra’s brick wall critique.
With the many public art projects that she has been working on in downtown Attleboro and beyond, a painted mural on the side of the Museum was a natural fit.
She contacted mural artist and Attleboro resident GoFive, explaining that the artwork was to recognize Max Volterra’s devotion to the greater good and support of the Museum’s motto of Arts for Everyone. She asked for the painting to include Max, but not have it take the form of portraiture.
GoFive, an accomplished artist working as part of the GN Crew – a talented collaborative of muralists working primarily in Boston – had recently been flagged to Fawcett by former Museum board president Nancy Aleo.
Aleo is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is a professor at the institution, and GoFive was one of her students. He graduated in 2009 and recently moved to Attleboro.
Interestingly, Marion Volterra is also a graduate of MassArt, having majored in Fashion Design.
A large-format mural is being painted on the side of the Attleboro Arts Museum, 86 Park Street, Attleboro.
GoFive’s interpretation brilliantly captures the essence of Max Volterraand the power of the arts. The viewer, looking through Max’s iconic round glasses sees a grey scale group of children morph into vibrant color.
Through Volterra’s eyes the diverse collection of children, depicted as young Attleboro artists, realize their full, colorful potential.
Three of the four children are also Attleboro residents.
Work is underway on the mural with GoFive, accompanied by collaborating artist TakeOne, and a rotation of talents from GN Crew adding their magic painterly touch. The goal is to complete the mural during early July.
About the Attleboro Arts Museum The Attleboro Arts Museum involves audiences of all ages and backgrounds in the visual arts through diverse educational programs and engaging arts experiences. We work to support the creative and artistic development of both promising and professional artists. The Museum is a privately supported, non-profit arts institution whose core commitment to Arts for Everyone guides the Museum’s programs and operations.
www.attleboroartsmuseum.org