‘Many Stories, One Norwood’ Mural unveiled

At the start of Norwood Day, about 80 residents came out to the outside of 534 Washington St. (the Kappy’s building) to celebrate the unveiling of Norwood artist Tara Bilotta’s piece, ‘Many Stories, One Norwood’.

The mural was a collaboration between the Norwood Cultural Council (NCC), several organizations throughout Town, private citizens, Bilotta and, of course, the building’s owner John Carroll of Carroll Advertising.

The mural itself is a sort of family tree, in that there are nods, hints and even hidden images of pieces of Norwood throughout the mural.

Bilotta said she wanted to be a bit subtle about it, and many people will see different things depending on how close they get.

“I think you could look at it for a good 30 minutes and probably find most of the hidden things,” she said. “I think it’s more about making the connection with those things in the Town. People who have lived here a really long time will probably recognize most everything up there, but I want newcomers to come and see it and feel the need to look for the items there, too.”

Bilotta said she wanted the piece to speak to people who were standing right in front of it, walking by on the sidewalk or driving by.

“There is a lot of detail you can find up close, but stepping back, you definitely see a lot more of the bigger picture,” she said. “I think that’s how I feel about Norwood as well.”

Bilotta said she was feeling a little anxious about being the center of attention, but she was happy the piece was completed.

“I’m excited and a little nervous; I don’t usually have this amount of attention on me at one time, but I’m really happy with how it turned out,” she said. “It’s a good turnout of people here, and it seems like everyone’s happy with it. So that makes me happy.”

Bilotta said she wanted viewers to get a sense of the people and places in Norwood when they see the piece.

“The feeling of connection with their community and other people in their community,” she said. “That was the basis of this. I want folks to feel the heart of the Town.”

WCC Member Deb Reddick said the Women’s Community Committee (WCC) was happy to see the mural come to fruition.

“We’re just very happy we were able to contribute,” she said.

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NCC Co-Chair Jonathan Cardoni welcomed the onlookers to the event and introduced the NCC.

“The Council helps to preserve, promote and encourage endeavors that honor and build upon the culture of our Town, the things that make us who we are,” he said. “We’re here to dedicate the Council’s latest project, ‘Many Stories, One Norwood,’ the first of what we hope will be many public art projects that we can have for residents to gather around and enjoy.”

Cardoni said he wanted to especially thank building owner John Carroll.

“Who not only allowed us the use of the building, but paid for the printing of the mural on the vinyl,” he said. “I’d like to thank Dedham Savings for their generous donation. We’d like to thank the Women’s Community Committee – their donation allowed us to print the posters and fine art prints and greeting cards that we have available at our booth. And we’d like to thank everyone who donated.”

Cardoni said Norwood Community Media is also producing a documentary about the mural, detailing its planning and design process.

Cardoni also thanked the administration of the Town of Norwood for helping to organize the mural, including Town Manager Tony Mazzucco, Town Planner Sarah Dixon, and Economic Development Director Joseph Collins for supporting the project and helping the NCC to get it through all the necessary permitting that goes with it.