Client: Town of Monson

Year: 2022-2023

Project Team

• Town of Monson

• Monson Business and Civic Association

• Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce

• Artists: Shara Osgood and Melissa Pandina-Stratton

Originally envisioned by the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Monson, a Monson Business and Civic Association (BCA) was formed to help guide economic and community development projects after the COVID-19 pandemic. With funding from the regional economic development organization (REDO), Civic Space Collaborative (CSC) was hired as project managers for the coordination of five unique placemaking and economic development projects in Monson’s downtown, which included:

• The creation of new, easy-to-maintain areas for outdoor seating.

• A planter program along Main Street that the local businesses and gardening club will steward.

• A public mural by local artists celebrating Monson’s past, present, and future.

• A branding strategy for the Town to guide the development of print, digital, and physical branding and beautification efforts.

• A sub-grant program for new and growing events that would help increase foot traffic downtown.

As project manager, CSC met with the BCA regularly to confirm project goals, track progress, and make key decisions to help shape overall direction.

The Mural Committee selected artists Shara Osgood and Melissa Pandina-Stratton to paint the 100-foot mural Adams Hometown Market in August 2023. CSC oversaw the artists and project timeline, community engagement to collect ideas for the mural, planned the community paint day, and supported the mural installation.

The Events Committee selected ten events to fund, such as the Monson Cultural Picnic, Food Truck & Music Festival, and a Gravestone Cleaning Workshop.