Saturday, July 14, 2018

Sculptures of Chesterwood: Andromeda - Stockbridge, MA

Andromeda
Chesterwood
Stockbridge, MA


N42 17.108 W73 21.173




Short Description:

Andromeda was the last sculpture by Daniel Chester French (April 20, 1850 – October 7, 1931). He died before it was finished and it was never publicly shown. Copies of Andromeda are located both in the studio and the barn gallery of Chesterwood, French's summer residence at 4 Williamsville, Road in Stockbridge, MA.

Long Description:

The marble sculpture of  Andromeda depicts a life size nude figure, lying on her back with shackles on her wrists and chained to a rock.  The copies of the sculpture ares located in the center of the Studio and in the Barn Gallery at Chesterwood.

In Greek mythology, Andromeda was the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia. To save his kingdom from the sea monster, Cetus, sent by Poseidon, Cepheus was advised by the Oracle of Apo1lo  to sacrifice Andromeda to the sea monster by chaining her to a rock on the coast. However the Greek hero Perseus saved Andromeda from the sea monster and then they married.

Friday, July 13, 2018

Decorated Utility Box: Westfield Sights - Westfield, MA

Westfield Sights
Westfield, MA




N 42° 07.349 W 072° 44.923





Short Description: 

A new artistically decorated utility boxes is located on Elm Street near the PVTA Olver Transit Pavilion in Westfield, MA

Long Description:

Two artistically decorated utility boxes have recently been commissioned by the Westfield on Weekend organization. Both are on Elm Street. The northmost utility box is by the new Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority Olver Pavilion at the corner of Elm and Arnold Streets.

Morgan Sanders was the first artist chosen. She decorated her assigned utility box with well known sights in Westfield. On the street side, the top depicts the Holy Trinity Church and the twin bridges over the Westfield River. Below are the cascading fountains of the Great River Park located between the twin bridges. On the north side is the pavilion located in the newly renovated Park Square in downtown Westfield. The sidewalk side contains a representation of Provin Mountain which forms the eastern boundary of Westfield and the neo-Gothic free standing clock that was erected as part of the Great River Park project. The south side contains the meter and was just painted black.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Decorated Utility Box: Westfield Icons - Westfield, MA

Westfield Icons
Westfield, MA


N 42° 07.280 W 072° 44.948

Short Description: 

A utility box on Elm Street north of School Street is decorated with images of object of importance to Westfield.

Long Description:

Two artistically decorated utility boxes have recently been commissioned by the Westfield on Weekend organization. Both are on Elm Street. The southmost utility box is by the new Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority Olver Pavilion at the corner of Elm and Arnold Streets.

High School student Emily Colby chose to paint this utility box light green and used shades of green and yellow to represent familiar objects of Westfield.

The buggy whip in the center represents Westfield's historic past as the Whip City. During the 19th century, nearly all buggy whips in America were made in Westfield.

The covered bridge in Stanley Park.

A black squirrel, which are common in Westfield.

The bridge over the Westfield River

The freestanding Gothic clock installed as part of the Great River Project.

The pavilion in Park Square.

A book - representing Westfield's bookbinding industry

Ice skate - skating is a popular attraction at Amelia Park Ice Arena.

A ream of paper - represents Westfield's paper industry.

Bicycle - Columbia Bicycles are headquartered in Westfield

Bus - represents the new Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority Olver Transportation Center Pavilion.

Coffee Cup - represents the recently opened Circuit Coffee Shop located next to the utility box.