Community members push local theme for mural

By Chet Williamson

The Green Street Bridge mural will finally be repainted. That alone should be reason to celebrate, but while everyone agrees that it has long lost its luster and become an eyesore, people in the neighborhood are questioning its focus. They say the bridge is a gateway to the city's Canal District and the new mural should reflect that.

The painting is being funded as part of the City's Manager's Community Taskforce on Bias and Hate Crimes through the Human Rights Commission. The project is part of an ongoing initiative originally proposed by the Anti-Defamation League to make Worcester a "No Place for Hate" community. 

Historic photo of Oilzum sign

"While I can appreciate the thoughts of the people who want to put up the mural with 'No Place for Hate,' it doesn't really tie into the neighborhood," says John Rooney, a member of the Canal District Alliance (CDA). "I was involved with the group that put up the original one. That was to depict the various ethnic groups in the neighborhood. I would like to see something more in keeping with the Canal District theme."

The existing mural, which replaced the long-lived "Oilzum" sign, was painted in 1989 by Rocco Savino and his assistants in the Rainbow Coalition. With its themes of "Perestroika" and "Glasnost" it was hailed as a colorful statement of unity. It is decaying badly.

"The theme for the new mural is 'Building Bridges of Understanding,' with an underlying message of respect for all people," says Frances Manocchio, director of the Human Rights Commission. "It is certainly going to be a vibrant, quality piece of public art that will be a creative beacon in downtown Worcester."

Local muralist Donna Vayo of Fear No Art has been hired as the project manager, who will manage and design the mural. "Donna has received input from various groups, particularly youth through the Hope Coalition," says Manocchio. "Some of their ideas are going to be incorporated, but as the artist/project manager, she has the authority to put together the final vision of what the mural will be."

Aware of the CDA's questioning of the mural's focus, Vayo says, "Everyone has ideas on what's happening. There's too much politics going on. I don't want to get involved in the politics. We have been working on it most of the summer. We wanted to do it before Canalfest [Sept. 8], but that's not happening. I can't do it that fast. We haven't even had it primed yet."

Decaying mural today

According to Manochio, $13,000 has been raised for the effort to date. "We have a variety of partners in this project," she says. "The funding sources include the Worcester Cultural Commission, the Worcester Cultural Coalition, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the College of the Holy Cross, Coghlin Electric, the Anti-Defamation League, Commonwealth National Bank and the Providence & Worcester Railroad."

When asked if the Blackstone Canal District would be considered in the mural's theme, Manocchio says, "That will not be factored in. It is not going to depict specific neighborhoods in the city of Worcester. There is a lot to celebrate and perhaps the Canal District folks would be inclined to do a Canal District-focused mural on the Green Street side of the bridge. It would be great if both sides of the bridge were made into vibrant public art."

"I wouldn't agree with that," Rooney says. "Plus, I don't think the railroad would let us. We had to fight hard to get the Providence & Worcester to let us do it years ago."

In July, CDA member Nancy Johnson wrote a letter to Erin Williams, the city's Cultural Development Officer, and members of the Cultural Commission, with a copy sent to Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray. In it she wrote: "With the Canal District in the forefront recognized at the state and national levels, it is embarrassing that another year - a Canalfest year — passes with this faded artwork. The City of Worcester deserves better."

"I personally think the theme 'Building Bridges of Understanding' is a lovely title," she commented this week. "But at this point I think they should address the gateway to the district."

John Giangregorio, owner of Three G's on Millbury Street and a CDA member, agrees: "The businesses want to see some maintenance improvement on the bridge," he says. "They want it to look good. The Blackstone Canal area was the flash point for immigration in Worcester. That is an important theme. The bridge should be welcoming to the area with that theme." o