Morrisville, VT, October 18, 2023 - On Friday October 6, a new mural adorning an affordable housing development in the heart of downtown Morrisville was unveiled and dedicated to the community. 

Gathered on Hutchins Street at Village Center Apartments, community members and representatives from River Arts and Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) celebrated “River Life,” a colorful 12-panel mural depicting Lamoille County’s natural landscape and wildlife which now adorns the recently completed building. The mural unveiling and community dedication ceremony was the culmination of collaborative efforts to contribute to downtown Morrisville’s beautification and vibrancy by the arts and affordable housing nonprofit organizations.

“We’re thrilled to be part of Morrisville’s public arts scene and to have done so with a phenomenal community partner, River Arts,” said LHP’s Advancement & Communications Director Kerrie Lohr. 

“River Life” was conceptualized and designed by Jo Marsan, a mural artist and Johnson resident. Marsan was selected for the job through a public request for proposal process and ultimately chosen by a selection committee composed of Village Center’s residents, representatives from River Arts and LHP, and additional community members interested in local arts initiatives. In September, intergenerational and all-abilities volunteers lent a hand painting the mural panels in a community workshop led by Marsan and hosted at River Arts.

“I hope the mural design and 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,” said Marsan. 

Why incorporate public art with affordable housing? Lohr explains, “LHP’s mission in action is to contribute vital housing resources to our communities, and vibrant spaces, too. Public art creates a sense of place, that sense of home and connection to community. This mural along with Village Center’s steel dragon sculpture is that aspect of our mission.”

"We love working with Lamoille Housing Partnership. They aren't just creating housing, they are creating community and are actual neighbors to River Arts and the Village Center,” said River Arts Executive Director Stephanie Drews-Sheldon. “Jo's mural is a reflection of that connectivity for everyone to enjoy.” 

Key to the mural’s creation were a broad network of volunteers, businesses and funding partners, including Marsan and the artists who submitted proposals, selection committee members, workshop participants, Marsan’s wife Loran, Neagly and Chase Construction Company, and Vermont Integrated Architecture. Funding came from LHP’s development partner Evernorth, and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board. 

“River Life” is Marsan’s first publicly displayed work in Lamoille County. The mural can be viewed from the Hutchins Street sidewalk. LHP asks that visitors to the mural consider and respect Village Center residents’ privacy and space.

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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 (they/them)

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.