Brand new murals bring color and healing to Amherst-Pelham and Summit Academy
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – A pair of vibrant new murals now adorn the walls of Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and Summit Academy.
'Witch Panic!' exhibit coming to Springfield Museums, exploring the city's forgotten witch trials
The murals are part of the 'Imagined Worlds' project, which invites students to answer a simple but profound question: What would a world look like where you feel happy and safe? Through a collaborative, art therapy-informed process, students work together to design and paint murals that reflect their hopes, dreams, and visions of belonging.
Courtesy of Ray Brod Photography
'Imagined Worlds is not just about painting murals—it's about making space for young people to be seen, heard, and to imagine better futures for themselves and their communities,' said Sharon Leshner, mural designer and Artistic Director at The Color Collaborative. 'The art and the mental health work go hand in hand. The mural uplifts the mood and spirit of everyone who passes through.'
The completed murals at the two schools mark a key milestone in The Color Collaborative's newly launched '10×2030' campaign, an effort to bring the 'Imagined Worlds' initiative to 10 schools by the end of the decade. With three school projects now finished, the nonprofit is actively seeking additional school and funding partners to continue expanding the project regionally and beyond.
Courtesy of The Color Collaborative
Founded as a nonprofit public art organization, The Color Collaborative specializes in community-engaged murals that serve both aesthetic and emotional purposes. The organization partners with schools, municipalities, and nonprofits to use art as a means of transforming shared spaces and promoting wellness.
'I feel like it makes the school more welcoming—this is the pop of color that we needed. It shows that this is a place that supports creativity,' said student Emmett. Another student, Elijah, added, 'It makes me smile!'
The Amherst-Pelham and Summit murals were co-designed and painted by Leshner—also known by her artist moniker Sharona Color—and fellow artist Nellie Marshall-Torres, with the help of many students and community volunteers.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why is this attraction billboard on I-91 in Springfield blank?
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Blue 'attractions' signs along Massachusetts highways potentially inform tourists and those unfamiliar with the city's offerings however, some in the Springfield area appear to be blank. Taylor Swift-themed planetarium show 'Reputation: Under the Stars,' coming to Springfield Museums A western Massachusetts resident contacted 22News and said the signs on I-91 in Springfield labeled 'attractions at Exit 5A and Exit 3' have been blank for many years. The signs appeared to be worn out and possibly deter people from visiting. Exit 3 for I-91 is the Route 5 and Route 57 junction, Exit 5A is downtown Springfield, Union Street, and MGM Way. 22News contacted the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which is responsible for these signs, and was told that there are certain requirements that businesses must meet to be listed on the signs. It is the business (such as gas, food, lodging), tourist center, college, or university that is responsible for requesting a logo on the highway signs. Applications can be found on the state's website to request a highway logo sign. Certain criteria must be complied with, including being within three miles of the sign and paying an annual fee of $1,200. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
WWLP in Massachusetts Launches Casual News Style Show on its App
Springfield, Massachusetts NBC affiliate WWLP just launched a new show on its news app. Off the Desk on the 22News Plus App is a non-scripted, podcast-style show with morning anchors Kaelee Collins (picured right) and Julia O'Keefe (left). The station said the two will talk about a range of topics in a more casual setting. Episodes of Off the Desk will be available on the 22News Plus App every weekday morning at 10:00 a.m.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Upper Hill Council opens new community space in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – There's a new community space in the city of Springfield, and its grand opening was Tuesday. Taylor Swift-themed planetarium show 'Reputation: Under the Stars,' coming to Springfield Museums The space, located at 935 State Street, is on the American International College campus and across the street from the MLK Church. The Upper Hill Neighborhood Council says it is open to all residents, stakeholders, and community partners. The goal of the space is to better help address the needs of the surrounding area. Hours of operation for the new community space are yet to be determined. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
