New Public Sculpture Garden Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Williston Northampton School invites the community of Easthampton and friends to a celebratory ribbon cutting of the new public garden, located at the corner of Union and Railroad Street in Easthampton on October 23, at 4:30 p.m. Join Headmaster Brian Wright, Mayor Michel Tautznik, competition judges and the Williston community in the commemoration of the completion of the garden.
Last fall, Williston developed a parcel of land that runs alongside the Manhan rail trail that is owned partly by the school and partly by the City of Easthampton. The school opened a national competition to artists to create benches and trash receptacles for the location. The final selections were chosen by local judges.
The panel of judges was comprised of local artists Silas Kopf P’98, Marcia Reed, and Kristina Madsen ’73. Silas Kopf is a local woodworker who specializes in Marquetry decoration. His studio is located in the former Easthampton firehouse across the street from the garden. Marcia Reed, landscape painter and teacher at Williston, lives in the adjoining property to the garden in the converted railroad station. Kristina Madsen graduated from The Williston Northampton School and is a furniture designer based in Easthampton. After reviewing the entries the panel of judges selected two trash and recycling receptacles and three benches. The criteria for the competition was based on aesthetics, cost, safety, and durability.
Winning artists D. Czerniejewski of Chicago, IL; Peter Flanary of Mineral Point, WI; Jay Gibson of Morrill, ME; Matt Evald Johnson of Easthampton, MA; and Cameron Van Dyke of Grand Rapids, MI, installed their public sculptures during the summer. The benches add a contemporary seating area to the wide assortment of trees, bushes and ornamental iron fencing that local landscape architect William A. Canon designed. Last
year, representatives from the school met with Easthampton city officials who agreed to the park’s design, Williston will be responsible for the regular upkeep and maintenance of the park.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact 413-529-3237.
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.