H.A.R.P Public art project – Holyoke, MA

The goal of HARP is to bring people together from all wards of the community to clean up and transform an urban alley for daily use as an attractive, connecting walkway/ bikeway, including plantings and art. I was invited by HARP’s founder – Carol Soules – to help with one component of the project namely, the “Dance Panels”. After a series of community input sessions, the theme of “dance styles” in Holyoke was suggested. Public school students helped with brainstorming sessions and a photo-shoot yielded imagery that was used in half of the panels. This project is an example of how motivated people working towards a common goal can effect change in a timely manner. HARP stands for Holyoke Alleway Revitalization Project