Morrisville, VT, September 25, 2023 – A public facing mural will soon adorn the exterior facade of Village Center Apartments in the heart of downtown Morrisville, spearheaded by nonprofit collaborators River Arts and Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP.)  

“With each of LHP’s affordable housing developments, we strive to contribute vital housing resources as well as vibrant spaces to our communities. This mural along with Village Center Apartments’ steel dragon sculpture are examples of that practice in action,” says LHP’s Advancement & Communications Director Kerrie Lohr. 

Teaming up

When LHP’s development team began discussing a public facing mural at Village Center Apartments, they immediately reached out to River Arts. “River Arts is such a fantastic organization and so fabulous at what they do, we’re thrilled to team up and create something beautiful for our residents and the broader community,” said Lohr.

Representatives from LHP and River Arts put their heads together and established framework essential to the mural’s creation, drawing on each organization’s expertise and community-centric mission. Following the duo’s call to artists this June, a selection committee reviewed a diverse pool of artist’s proposals, ultimately selecting mural artist Jo Marsan for the project. Marsan’s proposal was a standout to the committee as much for their colorful, vibrant depiction of flora and fauna native to Morrisville, as well as their understanding of and connection to values shared between LHP and River Arts.  

“I hope the mural design itself, in addition to community members’ participation in its creation, will contribute to residents feeling at home while connected to the larger community and natural surroundings Vermont and Lamoille County are known for,” Marsan expressed in their proposal. Image at right: A preview of Marsan’s mural, courtesy of Jo Marsan.

“Although new to the area, Jo has worked with many communities to bring art into their spaces. Jo is also an accomplished printmaker and brings so many enriching artistic skills," says Stephanie Drews-Sheldon, Executive Director of River Arts. "Their skillset and community focus is a perfect match for our programming, and Jo has been such a great addition to our teaching artist community." The mural will be Marsan’s first publicly displayed work in Lamoille County.

Bringing the community together

In early September, River Arts and LHP put out a call to community members to lend a hand in painting the mural through a free workshop led by Marsan and their partner, Loran. 11 intergenerational participants as young as five years old painted each of the mural’s 12 panels, in a “paint by numbers” approach guided by Marsan. “Jo’s well organized and ease of application made the mural painting friendly to all ages and abilities,” reflected Drews-Sheldon. Image at right: Community members at the mural painting workshop. 

“Participating in the collaborative mural project was a great experience,” said Jen Hagen, a workshop participant. “As a new resident of Morrisville, it was so enjoyable to meet and work together with members of the community. And Jo's design was so bright and beautiful! This was a wonderful creative activity, grateful to be a part of it.”

Mural Unveil & Community Dedication

River Arts and LHP invite the public to attend the upcoming mural unveil and community dedication, happening at Village Center Apartments’ location on Hutchins Street on Friday October 6 beginning at 3:30pm. Attendees can expect speakers’ remarks, unveiling of the mural, and an apple cider toast. Open to the public, free to attend.

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About Lamoille Housing Partnership

Lamoille Housing Partnership collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. We envision equitable, inclusive communities where all households regardless of income can thrive in safe, quality, accessible, and affordable homes. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 350 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

About River Arts

River Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts organization based in Morrisville, Vermont with a mission to enrich the community through the arts. Our core operating value is Arts for Everyone, committed to making art accessible no matter race, gender expression, age, ability, or financial means. Learn more at www.riverartsvt.org. 

About Jo Marsan

Marsan’s business, The Campy Bird Print Studio, was launched in September 2022 with works inspired by gardening, typography, tarot, and cryptids in the form of cardstock, tote bags, t-shirts, drawstring bags, bandanas, and upcycled materials. Marsan’s work can be purchased at River Arts, and on their website: https://linktr.ee/thecampybird.