Arlington Heights Bus Depot

"Arlington: Past & Present"

The Arlington Heights Bus Depot Community Mural Project is the recipient of the 2009 Gold Star Award from the Massachusetts Cultural Council!

A group of students from Dearborn Academy designed and painted Arlington's first public mural under the direction of artist Tova Speter and with the help of fellow artists Anyahlee Canas and LeeAnn Love Price as well as the greater community. Celebrating Arlington's past and present, the mural highlights historical buildings and events including Paul Revere's ride, the Old Schwamb Mill, Uncle Sam, and the old trolleys; as well present day landmarks such as the Minuteman Bike Path and Spy Pond.

Students worked throughout September and October 2008 to paint the design they created during a series of workshops the past year, and were joined by the general community who participated in a Community Painting Day in September. The mural was funded in part by a grant from the Arlington Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as a project grant, and supported by the Town Manager's office and the MBTA.

A mural dedication celebration took place Friday October 31 at the bus depot. Speakers included: Daniel A. Grabauskas, General Manager, MBTA Sean Garballey, State Representative Sharon Shaloo, Arlington Cultural Council Howard Rossman, principal, Dearborn Academy Enrique Velasquez, student artist