Ten vibrant sidewalk installations are transforming downtown Greenfield into an open-air history lesson as the city launches its 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution Art Walk. Beyond adding a splash of color to the city’s pavements, the local artists behind the mural project hope their work prompts passersby to pause, relearn Revolutionary history and reflect on what democracy means to them today.
“Each artist has been really thoughtful about their own reflections of the American Revolution, and each artist has done research and put forth thoughtful imagery that is still open-ended, which allows for diversity in interpretation,” artist Cameron Schmitz said. “I think that’s what makes it so beautiful; it gives people a chance to relearn history and gives people the opportunity to feel like they can contribute their own ideas, experiences, and thoughts. Each artist has their own concept, but at the same time, each person who comes to see it is free to draw their own conclusions based on their personal life experiences.”
With $15,500 in funding from the Massachusetts office of Travel and Tourism, the city hired five artists to paint 10 murals throughout the city for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution Art Walk.
“I am thrilled that Greenfield will be host to 10 beautiful sidewalk murals in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Mayor Virginia Desorgher said in a written statement. “This artwork will speak to the American experience while making our city more vibrant.”
Artist Danielle Lucier designed two of the murals, including the prominent mural directly in front of Greenfield City Hall. She explained that her layout centers on the idea that democracy and freedom require consistent work and is inspired by how the country was formed out of a protest, and to this day, citizens continue to protest for what they believe in.
“For the one at City Hall, my inspiration was how do we celebrate America in today’s political climate,” Lucier said. “I think it’s a nod to the consistent work of the people … I’ve lived here for over 30 years and every year there’s protesters on the Common speaking out about different causes that matter to them.”
Her completed sidewalk mural incorporates distinct local imagery of the Poet’s Seat Tower alongside groups of people holding up signs set against a sweeping American flag background, complete with painted banners declaring, “Liberty is unfinished work” and “Celebrating 250 years of raising our voices.”
Lucier also created a second mural outside the Historical Society of Greenfield. She explained that this piece was inspired by learning that during the American Revolution, many Black and Indigenous individuals who fought for America went undocumented on company rosters because they were either enslaved or lacked the identification required to formally enlist, but still volunteered and followed the army anyway.
She said that the mural was designed to resemble a quilt with different squares weaving together to tell a single story — symbolizing how those forgotten soldiers came together to build the army that won American independence.
Schmitz was similarly inspired by the diverse efforts behind early American freedom. In front of the John W. Olver Transit Center, she painted a mural featuring the Betsy Ross flag — the historic American design with 13 red and white stripes and 13 stars representing the original colonies. In her mural, the flag is suspended by threads held aloft by hands of various skin tones.
“For this project, part of my mission was relearning the American Revolution, because you learn about it in elementary school and maybe you remember bits and pieces, but it’s impossible to remember everything,” Schmitz said. “One thing that struck me was the diversity. I wanted to communicate that people of all cultural backgrounds were involved in the revolution … The flag holds us together, and these people are holding together the flag.”
She added the 250th anniversary of American independence comes at a time when the nation feels deeply divided, and she hopes the mural, showcasing people of different ethnicities and colors holding up the flag, will serve as a visual reminder that “the diversity of our country is really our strength.”
Artist Cameron Schmitz paints a mural of an American flag on the sidewalk near the James Olver station. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
Artist Cameron Schmitz paints a mural of an American flag on the sidewalk near the James Olver station. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
Artist Cameron Schmitz measures straight lines while working on mural of an American flag on the sidewalk near the James Olver station. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
In addition to Schmitz and Lucier, artists Althea Keaton, Jill Strait and Youme Nguyen Ly created murals showcasing their takes on the American Revolution. These pieces are located in front of the Greenfield Public Library, the Franklin County Justice Center, the Fiske Avenue Pocket Park, the corner of Main Street and Sears Avenue, and the Federal Street Cemetery.
“I felt really honored to be included in this group … and to be chosen out of so many talented artists,” Lucier said. “It’s a nice honor to take my love of Greenfield and make it something public.”
“Each artist has gone in a different direction,” Schmitz said. “It’s been wonderful to see them all come to life.”
Community members can view the completed murals and meet the artists during a walking tour set for Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m. The tours will begin in front of City Hall.
Those who are interested in learning more about the murals but are unable to attend the inaugural walk can take self-guided tours at their own convenience. Informational signs featuring QR codes will be placed at each installation site to provide deep background on each piece.
The artists expressed gratitude that their artwork occupies public spaces where it is accessible to passersby. They hope that viewers will bring their own perspectives on the Revolution to the pieces, but remain open to other ideas and interpretations.
“I would love to have people come out and experience them with an open mind and hear the history and inspiration behind them,” Lucier said.
“This project has made me feel even more proud of my country … We are all patriots, no matter what political party,” Schmitz said. “No matter what political affiliation, I hope this project will help people reclaim their own patriotism and realize democracy is up to all of us. It’s not one person, but all of us contributing and continuing working to repair the fibers of our nation.”
