Local artists vie for city prize

Which Malden artist will display work on this fence?

By Travis Andersen
Town Correspondent

About 15 local artists are hoping for the chance to display their work on a fence panel along Main Street, near the Malden Public Library.

They've entered their paintings and drawings in "Features of Malden," a contest sponsored by the city and the Housing Trust of New England, LLC, a group working on a mixed use development in the area.

Artists have until Friday to submit their work to the Council offices at City Hall. Then a panel of judges from the Council, Mayor Richard Howard's office, and the Housing Trust will choose a winner.

The rest of the artwork will be displayed in City Hall. Councilor James Nestor, one of the judges, said they hope to choose a winner in about a week, with a screen print of the artwork going on the fence in mid-July. A reception is also planned.

"It's all very impressive work," said Nestor, who chairs the Council's Citizens Engagement and Downtown Revitalization Committee, which launched the contest.

He said the judges have received mainly abstract renderings of city scenes, including one of a food truck that often parks near Malden High School.

One especially compelling piece, he said, includes a person staring out a window, with different landmarks on each part of the pane, including a view of Fellsmere Pond.

"We wanted to keep it open," Nestor said. "It's basically whatever inspires them about Malden."

Nestor added that the Housing Trust will pick up most of the installation costs for the winning piece. Officials hope to launch similar contests in in the future, to beautify different parts of the city.

"This is a good first step," Nestor said.