The new Paradise City Arts mural was installed and presented inside City Hall on April 28.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — A new 14-foot community mural celebrating Northampton’s rich artistic and cultural history was unveiled inside of City Hall on April 28, and features famed opera singer Jenny Lind and the origin of the city’s nickname, “Paradise City.”
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra joined Paradise City Arts and members of the local arts community in the celebration of the new art installation inside City Hall. The mural was created during the 30th annual Paradise City Arts Festival as a public art collaboration led by renowned artist Rick Freed.
“We’re happy to have sponsored this and happy that so many in the community took part in painting it,” said Paradise City Arts Founding Director Linda Post.
Freed added it was great to get the community together on a project like this that will now be showcased inside of City Hall.
“It became a true community project because I set it up so when it’s done, it doesn’t look like a lot of people did it, but a lot of people — most of whom had no background in art — were able to participate and so it draws community together.”
Painted over three days by community members of all ages, the mural captures the iconic view of the Connecticut River Valley from Mount Sugarloaf, Northampton City Hall and a portrait of Jenny Lind surrounded by nightingales. It makes a vibrant tribute to the arts and the story behind the city’s beloved moniker, Paradise City.
Post explained the nickname came from Lind’s visit to the city in 1851. She quickly fell in love with Northampton and eventually returned on her honeymoon to the city.
“This must be the paradise of America,” Lind famously proclaimed during her stay.
Post added the installation of the mural was fitting for the work accomplished by Paradise City Arts over the years as it was a tribute to the community’s love for its city.
“It feels like a culmination of our working with the city for the last 30 years helping make Northampton such a cultural destination. We feel as if by running Paradise City Arts festival twice a year, we’ve contributed a lot to putting Northampton on the map as far as a tourist destination and cultural destination,” Post shared. “I think this is a really graphic way of cementing that and having the whole community take part in that is amazing.”
The installation also serves as a notice of the upcoming Paradise City Arts Festival taking place Memorial Day weekend. The festival will host 200 artists and activities at the Three Counties Fairgrounds in Northampton.
“I really believe that art is addictive and once you bring art into a space, you just want more art. I love having art in City Hall,” said Sciarra.
