Construction Begins on Public Garden
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:07:00 AM
Construction has begun on the new public garden that The Williston Northampton School is building in cooperation with the City of Easthampton and with the support of an anonymous donor. Soon city residents and users of the nearby Manhan Rail Trail will be able to enjoy winding paths, shade trees, flower beds, and artist-designed outdoor furniture.
Last fall, Williston placed a call to artists around the country to submit designs for the benches and trash receptacles that will be featured in the garden. Dozens of submissions were received and carefully reviewed by a committee of Williston faculty and alumni and Easthampton residents and artists. The winners of the competition are:
D. Czerniejewski of Chicago, IL - trash receptacle
Peter Flanary of Mineral Point, WI - bench
Jay Gibson of Morrill, ME – bench
Matt Evald Johnson of Easthampton, MA - trash receptacle
Cameron Van Dyke of Grand Rapids, MI – bench
The criteria for the competition were based on aesthetics, cost, safety, and durability. The artists are due to deliver and install their furniture in June.
The garden will be situated alongside the Manhan Rail Trail near Union Street and will abut the studio and residence of Williston painting teacher Marcia Reed. The land is owned partly by the school and partly by the City of Easthampton. Last year, representatives from the school met with Easthampton city officials who agreed to the park’s design and with Williston being responsible for the regular upkeep and maintenance of the park.
-view park design-
The Williston Northampton School Announces Winners of Bench and Receptacle Design Competition
Friday, December 19, 2008 10:41:00 AM
After carefully reviewing the numerous submitted proposals, a jury comprised of local artists and Williston faculty concluded judging the design competition for a new public garden located in downtown Easthampton. The garden will feature unique benches and trash receptacles designed by the following artists from around the country:
D. Czerniejewski of Chicago, IL - trash receptacles
Peter Flanary of Mineral Point, WI - bench
Jay Gibson of Morrill, ME – bench
Matt Evald Johnson of Easthampton, MA - trash receptacles
Cameron Van Dyke of Grand Rapids, MI - bench
The criteria for the competition was based on aesthetics, cost, safety, and durability. A total of $40,000 was offered for the winning benches and trash receptacles.
Williston is developing a parcel of land in downtown Easthampton into a public garden. The land, which runs alongside the Manhan Rail Trail off Union Street, is owned partly by the school and partly by the City of Easthampton.
New Public Garden: Competition for Benches and Trash Receptacles
Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:24:00 PM
The Williston Northampton School is developing a parcel of land in downtown Easthampton into a public garden. The swath of unused grass runs alongside the Manhan Rail Trail near Union Street and abuts the studio and residence of painting teacher Marcia Reed. The plan calls for a garden with winding paths, shade trees, flower beds, and plenty of opportunities for visitors to stop and sit.
The land is owned partly by the school and partly by the City of Easthampton. Representatives from the school met with Easthampton city officials who agreed to the park’s design and with Williston being responsible for the regular upkeep and maintenance of the park.
The garden will feature unique benches and trash receptacles designed by artists from around the country as part of a juried design competition. Submissions will be judged by a committee made up of Williston arts faculty and administrators, and Easthampton residents and artists.
The criteria for the competition will be based on aesthetics, cost, safety, and durability. There are no restrictions on materials. Metal, wood, stone, concrete, and plastic will all be considered. A total of $40,000 is available for three winning benches and three winning trash receptacles.
Submissions must be postmarked by November 15, 2008. They may also be delivered in person (call ahead for delivery information). Decisions will be announced on the school's website.