PUTNAM — It may not seem like it, but behind the scenes, MuralFest is hard at work bringing murals to Putnam.
The group asked Walldogs (who would be doing the murals) to move Putnam’s MuralFest date to 2028 instead of 2030.
MuralFest officials said: “We believe that it would be challenging to sustain momentum over five years, especially related to funding, the economy, and the status of business owner/property owner agreements over that extended timeframe.
"Another considerable concern is that some talented muralists known for their legendary work in the industry are at, or approaching, advanced ages that could impair their ability to participate.”
The group will be looking for walls and for mural ideas.
They also thanked the Putnam Area Foundation ($10,000), the Putnam Business Association ($10,000), and the Putnam Arts Council ($4,000) and individual donations for their “generous and solid foundation for our fund-raising efforts.”
MuralFest officials also thanked Putnam Mayor Barney Seney and Mary Ann Chinatti, director of Economic and Community Development/Redevelopment, for agreeing to host a MuralFest Putnam webpage on the town website.
The group has connected with the planning members of the Keene, N.H., 2019 Walldog Festival, “who have been very generous in sharing their best practices and planning materials with us.
Most of this information is being exchanged through emails and phone calls, and we will plan an on-site visit in the future.”
The Putnam group is planning to connect with the planners from the 2017 Bricks and Murals Festival that resulted in 17 murals being painted in Westerly, R.I., and Pawcatuck.
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