Welcoming Windows and Wall Mural Heighten Spirits in Arlington Heights

YOU ARE LOVED Mural ( by Alex Cook and Arlington volunteers) on wall of Roasted Granola Café and Szechuan Dumpling 1346 and 1360 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA, 02476

“Alex Cook, known in the region and beyond for spreading his positive messages, worked with Arlington volunteers on a mural on the side of the building that is home to Roasted Granola Café and Szechuan Dumpling. ” ( quote from Arts Arlington Nov 2023)

“**The mural broadcasts the message “You are loved” and was co-created by the community. Volunteer painters in the neighborhood joined Alex on a Community Paint Day on Sunday, October 22.**” ( continued quote from Arts Arlington Nov 2023)

Quotes about the mural are from ARTS Arlington: Arlington Heights: A Message of Love (For email subscribers: Click on the title of this post to view full-size photos)

Links in red should lead to more information plus inspiring photos of people making and sharing their art, for three creative community projects in Arlington: 1. YOU ARE LOVED mural,* 2. Poetry on windows,* 3. Painting on windows. (*curated by Cecily Miller)

Community Poem and Neighborhood Haiku on windows of Big Picture Framing · 1332 Massachusetts Ave. Arlington, MA

“Arlington Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan had an idea: let’s get the whole community contributing to a collaborative poem that celebrates the small acts of kindness that create moments of grace in our lives.…Poems were solicited from all over the Arlington community, and the results were assembled into a poem that made its debut at the Arlington Heights Spring Fling Festival on June 10, 2023.” ( quote from Arlington Arts, Small Acts of Kindness) Calligraphy and art for poetry in windows are by Suzanne McLeod.

“The poems were written by your friends and neighbors in response to our Call for Original Haiku inspired by the green spaces, history, streets and shops of this distinctive neighborhood. Arlington’s Poet Laureate Steven Ratiner enlisted his Beehive Poets in contributing more poems,…” (quote from Arlington Arts, Celebrating Haiku in the Heights, 2021) Calligraphy and art for poetry in windows are by Suzanne McLeod.

Winter Paintings on Windows of stores along Massachusets Ave near intersection with Park Ave

“Winter images of snowmen, polar bears, people at winter play and more will brighten storefront windows in Arlington Heights beginning on Saturday, December 2, with a community painting day scheduled 9am to 1pm ” ( quote from Arlington Chamber of Commerce ) Paintings will remain on display through January 2024.