If you’ve stopped to look and wonder at this gorgeous mural — as we did back in June, well, it’s about to get its closeup. The 35-foot work of art, a joint project created by the Montclair Arts Council (MAC), MSU and the Montclair Parking Authority will be officially unveiled on September 25 at noon.
According to Ira Smith, Chair of the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission, the mural was set in motion by a handful of town groups and organized by Dale Jacobs, a board member for both MAC and the Montclair Parking Authority board. The group wanted to offer passersby an inspirational peek into Montclair.
The mural itself was researched, designed and created by students in an art studio at Montclair State University. “As chair of the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission, I was enlisted to give the studio a pep talk on possible subjects and themes at the start of their semester. I think it’s a great example of partnership between the town, its residents and the university in our midst,” said Smith in an email.
Located in the alley walkway near Bamboo and Montclair Charboil in Upper Montclair, the mural adds an element of interest to the neighborhood.
“It makes that walkway more interesting. People stop and look at it, think about it, read some of the poetry and hopefully it brightens their shopping experience a little bit” says Jacobs. “To me, public art is a way to add a little more excitement, life and interest in the community.”
The mural, measuring 35-by-8 feet, is comprised of acrylic on canvas. Students from MSU worked under the guidance of MSU instructors and professional artists Julie Heffernan and Zachary Wollard. Community members including Patricia Selden, Jane Susswein, Holly Felber and Frank Louvis helped direct the student artists.
How do you safely hang such a big piece of art? Architect John Way designed a substantial frame to hold the 35-by-8 foot canvas, and Classics Reborn, LLC, worked in tandem with him to install it. Both Way and Classics Reborn not only erected the public art project – they both donated their time and materials for free. Local merchant Tom Vultee also provided some of the materials and supplies needed for the mural.
“Ever since it went up, people have come in and commented on what a lovely addition to the community is it,” Vultee says.
The mural traces important events in local history, including conflicts between the Lenni Lenape Indians with the European settlers; Israel ‘King’ Crane, the merchant credited with the development of the area, and the impact of renowned landscape artist George Inness, who was from the Hudson River School.
The public unveiling is planned for Saturday, September 25 at noon.
Special thanks to Bob and Bobbie Constable and the Jacobs Family Foundation for private funding, and to Vanick Property Corporation for their permission to use the building wall at 605 Valley Road.
Photos of mural by Fran Pelzman Liscio
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