LOWELL — ArtUp Lowell, a community initiative coordinated by the nonprofit organization Project LEARN, has introduced three new murals this season, revitalizing local schools and neighborhoods. These vibrant installations aim to highlight the city’s cultural and artistic strengths, enhancing public spaces and fostering community engagement.
New Murals Brighten Local Schools
This year, the ArtUp Lowell initiative has installed murals at the Career Academy located at 125 Smith St., Greenhalge Elementary School at 149 Ennell St., and Bartlett Community Partnership School at 79 Wannalancit St.. A fourth mural is expected to debut at the Market Street garage in September 2024. Project LEARN’s Executive Director, LZ Nunn, emphasized that these murals serve as more than mere decoration. “They’re a vehicle for engagement, belonging, learning, and creating welcoming spaces that reflect student identities,” Nunn stated.
Since its inception in the summer of 2021, ArtUp Lowell has partnered with local youth, community organizations, and artists from both local and international backgrounds to create 19 permanent, large-scale murals across six neighborhoods. The initiative’s new phase focuses on schools, beginning with murals at Kathryn P. Stoklosa Middle School at 560 Broadway St..
Artists Bring Creativity and Collaboration
This year’s mural projects have drawn attention not only for their artistic merit but also for their collaborative spirit. At the Career Academy, Massachusetts-based artist Sophy Tuttle is creating a large-scale mural that symbolizes growth and new beginnings. Principal Megan O’Loughlin remarked on the immediate positive impact the mural has had. “Students and neighbors alike have stopped to comment on how much it is brightening up the space,” O’Loughlin noted.
Tuttle, known for her previous work on the “MESA” mural at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, is excited to contribute again to the Lowell community. At Bartlett Community Partnership School, artist James Weinberg has transformed a previously dull entryway into a bright and colorful space, energized by funding from Community Schools and Project LEARN. Principal Mathew McLean expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Now a bright, colorful original work of art greets students. It’s a great way to start a day of learning.”
At Greenhalge Elementary School, artist Lena Mac has created a cosmic-themed mural that has become a source of pride for students and families. The mural, featuring bold stars that pay homage to the school’s mascot, overlooks the community garden. Students actively participated in the project, painting garden beds with custom designs inspired by the mural. This collaborative effort culminated in the school’s Garden Party End of School Celebration, which attracted over 100 students and families.
Fourth grader Simone Williams expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “Lena was able to paint our school and make Ennell Street look beautiful.” Her classmate, Kayla Lenkoti, added that despite some challenges, creating the mural was rewarding. “Even though it was hard, it felt good to create something that made our school look beautiful,” Lenkoti said.
Madelaine Hamilton, a K-4 art teacher at Greenhalge, described the mural project as “transformative.” She noted, “It’s been incredible to watch my students collaborate with a professional artist and contribute to something that brings lasting beauty and pride to our community.” Hamilton emphasized the renewed sense of joy and ownership that the art has instilled in both students and the neighborhood.
ArtUp Lowell continues to play a pivotal role in reshaping the community through art, fostering connections and pride among residents while enhancing the vibrancy of public spaces. With ongoing projects and new initiatives, the impact of these murals is expected to resonate throughout Lowell for years to come.
