Utica Community Schools issued the following announcement on Aug. 27.
Something beautiful is growing in downtown Utica, thanks to UCS teacher and professional artist Gail Borowski.
Borowski is leading an effort to paint a mural featuring 10 different flowers on the east side of the Auburn Road Utica Fire Station.
The mural, made possible through a partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts, is coming to life thanks to Utica community members, residents and volunteers of UCS teachers and student artists.
“This has really become a whole community partnership,” Borowski said. “I think there is nothing that can make an artist prouder.”
The origin of the mural goes back to February 2020, and after delay due to COVID, is scheduled to be completed by early September.
Utica is one of eight communities selected for this year’s Partners in Public Art (PIPA) program, an outreach that creates lasting works of public art.
Charlier Garling, director of studio programs for the Detroit Institute of Arts, said Borowski was chosen for the quality of her work and her Utica roots.
“You were selected for this project because you’re a great artist, part of the Utica Community, and we know and trust you,” he said in awarding the project to Borowski.
For the Utica piece, Borowski submitted three design ideas to city officials, with the community leaders eventually choosing a series of flower that represent what makes the city such a great place to live. The museum surveyed residents on what they liked most about living in the City of Utica.
The flowers and what they represent are:
· Amaryllis- pride, many comments indicated pride in their city
· Lily- courage, there were several requests related to police and fire fighters
· Carnation- I will never forget you, for residents of the past, and through the city’s long history
· Magnolia- love of nature, the parks and Clinton River were popular requests
· Dahlia- dignity, Utica residents are ambitious and proud
· Iris- wisdom, residents love their schools and success, asking for Utica High School representation, specifically!
· Tulip- love, mentioned often with regard to their city
· Zinnia- never forget absent friends, a couple people responded that once kids graduated and move on, they often return to Utica to raise their own families
· Chamomile- energy in adversity, the horse drawn wagons of Utica’s history carried determined pioneers who founded the town
· Rosemary- remembrance
Utica High School junior Sarah Monticciolo is a student volunteer who has been helping Borowski with the mural. She joined the team when her art teacher made her aware of the opportunity.
“I’m really excited to be here because it’s a great opportunity for me,” she said. “I really love doing art, and I thought it would be a new thing to try.”
Borowski said she is proud of the team’s work to create a mural that will symbolize the community for generations to come.
“While there is a lot of meaning in every line, shape and color, sometimes you just need some beauty in a cool, historic city,” she said. “Some place pretty to rest your eyes.”
Original source can be found here.
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