Public art activates and brightens our civic spaces
At Spark Newton, we believe public art is essential to building a vibrant, welcoming city by transforming everyday spaces into places of connection, conversation, and shared community.
Spark Newton has played a leading role in bringing public art to Newton. Every year, we organize annual public art initiatives to bring color and vitality to our parks, streets, plazas, and buildings. These projects not only add spark to our city, but also provide a way for us to showcase the incredible talent of local and regional artists.
In recent years, these initiatives have included:
Gath Pool Mural Project (2025)
Four vibrant panels, designed by a local artist, will be installed on the newly renovated Gath Pool Bathhouse in October 2025.
PictureUsNewton Selfie Stations (2024)
We placed twelve selfie stations, designed by eight regional artists, in locations around the City and invited the public to upload their selfies to an online community photo album.
Celebrate Newton Banners (2023)
Over 150 light pole banners decorated with designs celebrating the culture, history, diversity, values, and beauty of the City of Newton were installed on major streets and in commercial areas.
Sit and Let Your Spirit Soar (2022)
Upcycled pews from a local church were turned into three-dimensional public art and outdoor seating by 19 artists.
Newton Out Doors (2021)
Twenty-five vibrantly painted upcycled doors designed by local artists were installed throughout the City to encourage the enjoyment of art in a safe, socially distanced manner and to promote the walkability and economic vitality of Newton’s uniquevillage centers.
We are also the lead financial sponsor of two of the City of Newton’s annual pubic art projects:
Artful Pianos
Pianos painted by local artists are placed in our parks and plaza
Halloween Window Painting
400+ young people decorate merchants’ windows with Halloween-themed paintings.