Northampton, MA

FRESH VALLEY

Located in the heart of downtown Northampton, MA, the "Fresh Valley" mural graces the E.J Gare Parking Garage, spanning an impressive 100 feet alongside the pedestrian plaza where the beloved Grow Food Northampton Farmer’s Market happens weekly.

Image Credit: Isabella Dellolio

Fresh Valley Mural is a vibrant mural depicting produce in seasons on panels of the E J Gare Parking Garage in downtown Northampton Thornes Marketplace

THE INSPIRATION

Celebrating the diverse beauty of Northampton's landscape, "Fresh Valley" celebrates the land and harvest across the seasons in vivid hues. Crafted in 2023, this mural was a true communal effort, integrating the insights and artistic contributions of hundreds of local residents throughout the planning and creation process.

Image Credit: Isabella Dellolio

Hand holding a head of lettuce and a cucumber in front of a panel of the Fresh Valley Mural. Fresh Valley Mural is a vibrant mural depicting produce in seasons on panels of the E J Gare Parking Garage in downtown Northampton Thornes Marketplace

COMMUNITY PAINT PARTY

Hundreds joined us in a vibrant community paint party, laying the foundation for our mural panels. With brushes in hand, attendees became co-creators, setting the stage before our artists added the final masterful touches in the studio. A truly collaborative burst of color and creativity!

Image Credits: Isabella Dellolio, Gaby Sepulveda

Community members painting the Fresh Valley Mural created in collaboration with The Color Collaboration in downtown Northampton 2023

Founder of The Color Collaborative, Sharon Leshner, mural artist and community connector with Northampton Community Mural Paint Party Volunteer.

Northampton Paint Party people getting paint from a big table with containers holding different vibrant colors for the community mural on the garage behind Thornes Marketplace by The Color Collaborative

Hands of community members painting the Fresh Valley Mural created in collaboration with The Color Collaboration in downtown Northampton 2023

PROJECT PARTNERS

A collaborative venture, "Fresh Valley" was commissioned by The City of Northampton Paradise City Cultural District, in collaboration with Grow Food Northampton and Community Action Pioneer Valley, and with sponsorship from Mass Cultural Council and Royal Talens.

A special acknowledgment goes to the indigenous ancestors and caretakers of this region, honoring the Pocumtuc, Norwottock, Woronoco, Agawam, Nipmuc, and Abenaki peoples, upon whose land this mural stands.

Special Thanks to artist assistants: SELF, and Gabriela Sepulveda.

Image Credits: Isabella Dellolio, Tiboet Photography