Leah Kolidas
When I saw the call for the Celebrate Newton banner art, I spent some time thinking about what has made Newton special to me and my family over the last 13.5 years that we've lived here.
The first thing that came to mind was the Boston Marathon which cuts through our great city, like a lifeline. Runners and supporters from all over the world travel the familiar path, up the iconic Heartbreak Hill, on their way to the finish line. It feels symbolic of the way that Newton draws residents from all over the world on their journey to seek excellent education, pursue a career, and/or raise their families. The cultural diversity is one of the things I love most about Newton.
The next image I worked on was of the Fourth of July celebration, which my family has enjoyed over the years. Newton does an amazing job with its fireworks display and it's a wonderful time when the city comes together to celebrate our city and country. This past year seemed particularly special after the hiatus due to Covid.
Next, I focused on the way Newton supports and celebrates the Arts. Last Spring, I had the opportunity to paint a recycled church pew in Farlow Park as part of a Newton Community Pride’s Sit and Soar public art initiative. It was a beautiful spot to paint in, full of families enjoying the outdoors. While I was there, my son played one of the painted pianos there and some people stopped to listen. It was such a sweet moment and speaks to what I love most about living here.
Lastly, I chose to paint Echo Bridge from a spot in the woods. This is one of my favorite places of beauty in Newton and one of many hidden gems within the city. During the pandemic, my family and I explored many trails and enjoyed the pockets of nature that the city has preserved. This is one of the many things that makes Newton a wonderful place to live and raise a family. We feel so lucky to be part of this bustling, creative, diverse community and I'm thrilled to be able to celebrate it through these images.
