Art project aims to beautify North Hamilton

More than 150 people are expected to join forces to spruce up North East Hamilton on Monday, February 21.

Adults and children will work together to pick up trash, design murals, paint over graffiti, clear overgrown areas and put up hanging baskets in and around the Court Street area.

It is hoped that improving the environment will have a positive influence on those who live or work in the area.

Focal point

Organizers particularly hope that the public art will become a focal point for the community which is working hard to revitalize itself.

‘Beautification in the Zone’ has been organized by the Economic Empowerment Zones Agency (EEZA) and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB).

About 120 volunteers from the Marsh Group of Companies will be involved, as well as a further 50 helpers from Dellwood Middle School, Chewstick, the Art City Project and Youth on the Move.

Erica Smith, director of EEZA, said research had shown that  a person’s environment is “a key trigger in their behaviour.”

She said: “This is going to be a win-win situation for us all.

“If we take the time to improve the environment that people reside, work and recreate in then we hope it will improve the way they act.”

Ms Smith said the Marsh Group of Companies had approached her about possible opportunities and they “jumped at the chance of some help in North East Hamilton.”

Ms Smith said she was looking forward to the team-oriented day which would focus on community service.

She said: “We have been talking about public art in North East Hamilton for a long time, now we are getting on and doing it.

“It means we are all coming together to physically improve the environment we live and work in.

“It’s an all-day event which also gives us all a chance to come out and get to know each other.”

Chandra Maybury and Tineke Stevens from the Art City Project are looking forward to getting creative with the plywood boards around the construction site on the corner of Angle Street and Brunswick Street.

The two artists will draw the outline of the huge mural, then it will be up to volunteers to help them fill in the gaps in what is being called “a community paint by numbers.”

Ms Maybury said: “We are bringing beauty to the back of town, which is not always seen as such a beautiful area.

“It will bring life to an area that may seem lifeless.

“There’s been a lot of violence in the area and we want to help change people’s ways by making them proud of their environment.

“The day will bring the community together and hopefully make a big difference.”

This is the first community action day in North East Hamilton, but organisers hope it will become an annual event.