Local artists Justin Estrella, Mark Maher, John Almeida and Joey Pinard have created a huge mural along the eastern side of Father Kelly Park that was "unveiled" on June 1, 2012 to a small group of city officials and supporters. The mural depicts both historical events connected to the Park as well as a number of positive messages focusing on reducing violence, healthy eating, reading, saying "no" to drugs, and staying healthy. A large anti-violence message runs across the top, stating "Be Bright, Take Flight, Refuse to Fight." The left side of the mural depicts the fighter plane that used to sit in the park, as well as Polish, Portuguese and American flags emerging from the top of an 1811 cotton mill that used to sit at the site. Former Scholarship City Softball League director Jack Hackett, who served from 1963 to 2012, is depicted on the right hand side. Four representatives of the the Greater Fall River Domestic Violence Coalition praised the artists for their messages as did Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julie Kelly for the benefit to users of the park. Supplies for the mural were donated by the BMC Healthnet Plan, Home Depot and Sherwin Williams. The artists donated their time. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here and here for photos of other art work in the city. For more information, contact Neighborhood Outreach coordinator Perry Long at 508-676-0324.

(Top row) The huge mural extends along the entire wall of Buldoc's Lumber on Dwelly Street, a space that was once covered with graffiti. (Middle row, left) Mayor William Flanagan praises the artists for depicting positive messages, like the "Eat Right" message over his left shoulder. (Middle row, center) Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly notes how the mural brightens the park, making it more inviting for people to play outdoors. (Middle row, right) Greater Fall River Domestic Violence Coalition members Melissa Boudria of Bristol Elder Services, Brenda Viveiros of BMC Healthnet Plan, Julie O'Hanley of South Coastal Counties Legal Services, and Janine Gendreau of Arbour Counseling praise the artists for creating a strong anti-violence message. (Bottom row, left) Mark Maher of Etipsone talks with Justin Estrella about the mural. (Bottom row, center) Fall River Neighborhood Association Coordinator Perry Long addresses the group. (Bottom row, right) Fall River Herald News staff reporter Derek Vital interviews Mr. Estrella while Father Kelly Neighborhood Association president Rosemary Lapointe listens.