On Nipmuc Land

Latex paint mural, 2024.

I painted this mural on this winding staircase at Pernet Family Health Services in Worcester, MA. The mural depicts pre-colonial, industrial and modern-day Worcester. The Precolonial section depicts wildlife and flora that used to fill the land and other symbols that are a nod to Nipmuc culture that was and still is here. It then transitions into a waterway highlighting the importance of the Blackstone River and other notable inventions like the water wheel, the Goddard Rocket, steel and the Providence-Worcester Rail Road. Finally, it ends off with modern-day references and notable places in the city. Many of these symbols were brainstormed with students who attend the after school program at Pernet. I tried encapsulating what Worcester was and is while making it educational. The Pernet staff already has plans to make a worksheet to have students identify the different symbols and make it a larger learning experience! I had a blast painting the piece! Special thanks to the Worcester Arts Council for helping fund the project and Pernet Family Health Services for the invitation.