About three years ago with the help of a grant from the Norwood Cultural Council, marypaz used the funds to give the community an opportunity to walk between exhibits on the Town Common, Custom Framing on Central Street, and Tax Solutions on Washington Street, and named it Norwood Art Walk. She coordinated with the artists at the Space Center so that once the "walk" uptown was over, they would open their studios to continue the day long art event. Unfortunately, it rained relentlessly that day and night, so with Dave Dupree's blessing the artists participating uptown were invited to set up in the hallways at the Space Center and the "Walk" could be held in much dryer conditions.

Over the next two years, the name "Norwood Art Walk" was used to advertise various art events. She worked with Susana Murphy, owner of Tax Solutions, to install art exhibits in her business, and sought other opportunities for artists to display their work, like coordinating with Julie Vecchio to host a "Gallery Hop" between Tax Solutions and her gallery at Custom Art Framing. It was obvious from the start that occasional exhibits and art events were not enough to highlight the talented artists in and around Norwood, and that there were not enough locations for displays. What was needed to create a vibrant arts community would take more than an occasional event. More locations needed to be found to create opportunities for artists to display their work which meant seeking new partners in the business community, and more effort needed to be made to involve the viewing public.

The solution? Norwood Art Connection, Inc. was formed, a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and visibility of art within the community by fostering strong relationships among artists, local businesses, and the public. Besides hosting exhibits in gallery spaces, the goal is to locate nontraditional exhibit opportunities providing artists with greater chances to display and sell their artwork. Displays set up in businesses will benefit them from increased foot traffic and visibility. Through these efforts, the community can encounter art in familiar and inviting spaces, enriching the local cultural landscape.

The Town will benefit from these partnerships. There have been several studies done that show the positive economic impact that Art has on a community. Art and economic development connect when creative industries, cultural organizations, and individual artists drive local job growth, tourism, and community revitalization. Norwood has the artists, the businesses, and a burgeoning interest in cultural expansion to make this a reality.

"We invite artists and business owners to contact us to be part of this creative enterprise," marypaz said. "We are putting together a "virtual rolodex" of artists and their work, and we will serve as the liaison between interested businesses and artists. Folks can visit our website, https://norwoodartconnection.org , or email us at [email protected]. Besides hanging art in traditional and nontraditional locations, in the future we want to host street festivals of artists, musicians, and performers, connecting artists, businesses, and the community. Popular events, like Art in the Park, could be resumed, as well as holiday exhibits and sales."

There are eight board members on Norwood Art Connection and two advisors:

marypaz, Chair/President

Susana Murphy, Treasurer

Nick Grow, Clerk/Secretary

Tara Bilotta, Director

Ieshia Karasik, Director

Amy Schubert, Director

Michele Taranto, Director

Julie Vecchio, Director

Clayton Cheever, Advisor

Michael Thornton, Advisor