Arts Collaborative Medford celebrated its first anniversary this Fall. The arts center further enhances the arts and culture scene within the community. The idea for the space originated in 2017. ACM leaders initially looked at a building in North Medford, but the Mystic Ave building presented itself as an option throughout the long and arduous process.
The space is a mixed-use building and offers programming based on community interest. Rooms are rented on a monthly basis. ACM functions as a gallery and performative space.
At the front of ACM is a beautiful, abstract mural painted by Hilary Bouvier, a Boston-based artist who specializes in brand identity, logo design, packaging, illustration, lettering, and hand-painted murals. Bouvier was one of 16 applicants to complete the ACM mural. Bouvier submitted a proposed design and ACM staff polled the community to further engage Medford residents. Bouvier’s design was the community favorite based on the amount of energy and movement in the piece.
“We wanted the mural to be inclusive and welcoming,” said Laurel Siegel, President of the Board of Directors at ACM, “[Hilary’s piece] is easy to read and respond to as people drive or walk along the road in front of the building.
Bouvier noted that a friend told her about the mural opportunity. When thinking about her design, she wanted something that was abstract, had a lot of movement and color. She wanted to blend collaboration and connectivity. Bouvier explained that her mural utilizes the Starburst Effect in the way she paints the different colored bands. This effect symbolizes people coming together in harmony. Individual community members create sparks and when combined, these sparks burst with color.
ACM is a major milestone in Medford. With a central hub, arts and culture leaders in the community hope to build equitable access to the arts.
“We want this space to make everyone feel at home,” said Siegel, “You don’t need to be an artist to visit. Come in and engage and experience!”
Siegel also noted that getting to this point with the space would not have occurred without the continual support and leadership from Medford’s rich artist and creative population. “For us to make this a reality is exciting!”
ACM hosts events, workshops, classes, and gallery viewings. The exhibition on display currently is titled “Scavengers” and explores how anything can be turned into art. “Scavengers” is available to view until January 3rd, 2025. For more information on the center, follow https://artscollabmedford.org/ or Arts Collaborative Medford on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on Hilary Bouvier, check out her website https://hilarybouvier.com/projects.