Acton’s newest piece of public art was unveiled on Friday, October 17. The twelve-foot-square mural is mounted on the back wall of Donelan’s in Gould’s Plaza, visible from the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and Brooks St. Several town and state officials attended the ceremony in the parking lot, with coffee and treats supplied by Donelan’s. Patricia Costa, Acton’s Economic Development Director (EDD), was the MC for the event. She thanked Julie Pierce, the previous EDD, who initiated the project in 2022. State Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Dan Sena both spoke, as did Town Manager John Mangiaratti.
The mural depicts a young boy leaning on a pile of books, holding a key, and looking into the distance where the Acton Memorial Library floats on an island. Below the island is a narrow river and, on the riverbank opposite the boy is a forest with leaves of green, orange, and red.
The mural was painted by Elizabeth Ames, born and educated in Peru, where she developed her realistic style. She was joined by her daughter, Elizabeth Bejar-Benz, who read a statement from her mother that explained the mural. The green in the forest represents summer, and the orange and red, the fall. Near the boy is a tree without leaves, representing winter. And on the horizon, there is the promise of spring with a clear blue sky. The library is a symbol of knowledge, and “knowledge is the key to our future.” She mentioned 1775 and Acton’s part in the revolution. The freedom we won depends on the citizens continuing to be knowledgeable. The artist ended her statement by inviting us to utilize our library.
Elizabeth Ames’ daughter, Elizabeth Bejar-Benz, painted the mural on the side of the Acton Pharmacy building in West Acton celebrating the life of George Wright, an Acton businessman, which was unveiled last May.
Jeff Brown is the business beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.
