World-famous shoe and handbag designer Stuart Weitzman will lend his artistic expertise when he returns to Haverhill at noon on Thursday, August 18. Weitzman will join Massachusetts Cultural Council Executive Director Anita Walker to take part in a community paint session for the Essex Street Gateway mural, titled “Hues of the Heart,”. This 4 story work of art will feature Stuart Weitzman’s profile as one of many images of notable people who have ties to Haverhill. His father, Seymour, created Seymour Shoes (also sold as Mr. Seymour, in the 50s) with a factory in Haverhill.
The mural, “Hues of the Heart,” is inspired by a John Greenleaf Whittier poem entitled “A Lament”. Taking inspiration from Whittier’s passionate and timeless language, the Essex Gateway Mural consists of elements that address the unique aspects of our community–heritage and history, social and physical infrastructure, and future direction. Historical and contemporary images will combine in a composite image addressing themes that emerged from discussion with citizens and research in Haverhill. This work of art addresses the question of how a city with a rich history can embrace its roots and engage with its future with equal passion.
When the Essex Gateway Mural is completed next fall it will span 3,000 square feet and cover the entire four stories of the wall at 25 Essex Street. The Essex Gateway Mural is a project of Team Haverhill, which invited community participation from concept to implementation. The mural has been funded in part by Mass. Cultural Council, area banks, foundations, and community fundraising. The mural was designed by nationally acclaimed artists Meg Saligman and James Shuster of Meg Saligman Studio in Philadelphia. Team Haverhill has also invited State Senator Steven Baddour of Methuen, Representative Brian Dempsey of Haverhill, and Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini to attend the Aug. 18 ceremony.
“I’m delighted to return to Haverhill to see the progress the city has made in revitalizing its downtown through the arts,” said Walker. “This mural is a great example of how artists use the past to help a community imagine a better future.”