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
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
UMass Amherst 31st Annual Chef Culinary Conference brings together some of the country's most well-known chefs
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The UMass Amherst 31st Annual Chef Culinary Conference is bringing together some of the country's most well-known chefs. The conference kicked off Sunday, with live cooking demonstrations, cultural showcases, and workshops. This year's theme is 'Power of Food: Harmonizing health, food, culture and sustainability.' It featured a lineup of chefs from Alice Waters, the Pioneer of the Farm-To-Table Movement to Food Network Star Jet Tila. Tila led culniary competitions, including 'CutThroat Kitchen' during the day. 'It's fun to show these chefs that somone who's worked in the same kitchens they have can basically go up and be, you know, world famous, be on Food Network. But at the end of the day, we're just cooking food, we're feeding people, and we're sharing knowledge. That's what it all comes down to,' said Tila. This six-day event goes until June 13th. And it's expected to bring together more than 550 people from the culinary and academic worlds, with participants from 70 universities. 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
a day ago
- Yahoo
Discounts and specials offered during Amherst Restaurant Week
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Amherst Restaurant Week begins this week, with over a dozen restaurants and eateries participating. Springfield Pride Block Party unites LGBTQ+ community through rain or shine The Amherst Business Improvement District announced the launch of this weeklong event, showing off the local cuisine with special deals and activities. On Sunday, local band Prone to Mischief will perform an outdoor set in downtown Amherst, inviting residents and visitors alike to stop by the area and see what's in store. The band is set to perform from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. During this time, a free cooking demo will also take place at the White Lion Brewing Patio, where Chef Bill Collins will teach attendees how to prepare and cook a delicious Asparagus Marsala. From Sunday to Thursday, numerous restaurants in Amherst will have special offers available, from dine-in discounts to free desserts. Additional prizes can be won at select locations when customers tag @AmherstDowntown on Instagram or Facebook while visiting one of these local spots throughout the week. The following businesses are participating in Amherst Restaurant Week: Antonio's Pizza Amherst Oyster Bar Bistro 63 Bueno Y Sano D.P. Dough Fresh Side GoBerry & Cream Inn on Boltwood IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen Johnny's Tavern Kwench La Veracruzana Lime Red Teahouse Osteria Vespa Pasta E Basta Protocol Taqueria Del Pueblo Zhu's Kitchen For more details on specials offered throughout the week and prize announcements, visit 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
3 days ago
- Yahoo
22News morning anchor Rich Tettemer says goodbye with iconic ‘see ya!' to viewers
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – 22News morning anchor, Rich Tettemer, signs off for the last time with his iconic catchphrase, 'see ya!' For over three decades, viewers across western Massachusetts have welcomed Rich Tettemer into their homes with a voice of calm, credibility, and a voice of passion. On Friday, Rich anchored his last morning show as he heads into retirement. 'Thanks, everyone, for watching. You made a difference in my life, and I'm glad to be a part of yours. And any time you see me, make sure you say hello because I'm more than happy to say hi. Thank you so much for being a part of it. For one last time, have a great day, see ya!,' Rich Tettemer signs off. Longtime 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer retires after 37 years Hundreds of viewers flooded 22News on social media with comments congratulating Rich on a successful career and contribution to the western Mass. community. 'Congratulations rich been watching you for years you'll be missed enjoy your retirement you deserve it ,' said Joanne on Facebook. 'I will always remember Rich and his lovely wife coming to be the announcer at the Children's Miracle Network Cow Flop contest my wife and the Baystate Pediatric Nurses were running at the Agawam Polish Club field. We had a lot of fun guessing where the cow would 'go' and the action took a lot longer than anyone expected, so the announcing had too as well LOL,' said Tom on Facebook. 'Good luck Rich and enjoy your retirement. I know I am enjoying mine. I've watched you since you were on the sports desk and moved up to the big seat,' said Roy on Facebook. 'It was a beautiful send off! Thank Rich, for being such an important part of our community,' said Diana on Facebook. 'Congratulations on your well deserved retirement, Rich! We have watched you from the beginning…you are an extraordinary person! We will miss you… we wish you and your family all the best!,' said Paul on Facebook. 'Wishing you all the best on your new adventures. Well deserved break for sure. Enjoy ,' said Janice on Facebook. 22News morning anchor Kaelee Collins who joined the desk just recently shared the above photo on X and said, 'Today we said 'see ya' to @RichTettemer as he retires after a 37-year run at @WWLP22News. He's been a mentor & friend to so many over the years and I feel so honored I got the chance to share the desk with such a legend for even a short period of time! Enjoy sleeping in, Rich!' Also in the photo, 22News Storm Team Meteorologist Chris Bouzakis posted on X, 'A very happy retirement to the one and only Rich Tettemer who I have had the privilege of working with every morning for the past 4 years. Rich is a true professional and role model. Good luck in retirement Rich, SEE YA!' 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.
