ATHOL — The Millers River Environmental Center is looking for artists to display community artwork in 14 of its basement windows.
Visual artists should submit proposals for their work, which will hang in the historic former school building at 100 Main St. For almost 20 years, members and friends of the Athol Bird and Nature Club have been transforming the school building into a museum and center for organizational meetings, as well as a place alive with natural history and activities.
Through a combined effort of organizations, government and public support, the club has received a matching grant from Massachusetts Development’s “Commonwealth Places” program and the Town of Athol to upgrade accessibility of the building, improve signage and reintroduce the “Windows On Main” community arts project.
The project’s original panels were artistically created by local artist M.E. Kane, celebrating Athol’s industrial development using the power of moving water, changing seasons and connection to the wild lands and wildlife adjacent to the town’s center.
Kane had depicted such scenes as Tully Lake, the 1938 Flood in downtown Athol, a blue heron, dragonflies of the region and more. Over the years, those works have dissolved.
New panels will continue to be the 54-inch square to fit the window spaces of this historic building.
“Windows On Main” at 100 Main St. is the gateway for natural history, recreational, and tourist destinations at the Alan E. Rich Environmental Park, home of the accessible canoe/kayak dock, the Millers River Blue Trail, historic Fish Park with ball fields, tennis courts and the bandstand that comes alive with Tool Town Live performances every September.
The club is seeking local artists to join in and submit a visual concept for one or more pieces of art, which will enhance the historical, cultural and community identity of the center.
The club’s board of directors said it is looking forward to hearing ideas and getting the Windows on Main part of the project underway.
For more information or to submit a proposal, contact Clare Green at: dclara_2000@yahoo.com or Bonne Benjamin at: abbonbenjamin@gmail.com.