Mansfield Artwalk - Grow

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Mansfield Artwalk

The Town of Mansfield, in consultation with RiseUp for Arts, has invited three selected artists to create public art installations along the Warrenville Road Corridor in Mansfield Center to become the new Mansfield Artwalk.


Grow

 by Artist June Bisantz

Grow is a series of 15 double-sided outdoor signs mounted on historic-style posts.  Each sign features stylized silhouettes of local flora and fauna combined with aspirational words to celebrate Mansfield's burgeoning growth and beautiful natural setting.  They use both words and images to reference Mansfield's community vision and the importance of its local wildlife.  The signs reference Mansfield’s community vision, and the importance of its natural environment guiding visitors to and from the Mansfield Public Library to the mouth of the Nipmuck Trail at Southeast Park, Warrenville Road. 



1-Emerge

EMERGE
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, Papilio glaucus

This Butterfly, frequently seen in the local landscape is a symbol of transformation.  Shown here with its former self, the caterpillar.  

For more information visit here 

2-Lead

LEAD
Bald Eagle, Halliaeetus leucocephalis

The Bald Eagle signifies strength, skill, abd leadership.  These birds are effortlessly skilled, soaring and diving to their heart's content.  Eagles represent expansion, a higher perspective, victory, power, vision, and manifestation. 

For more information visit here 


3-Persist

PERSIST
Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides

This plant symbolizes persistence.  It can overcome a variety of natural challenges. Native to North America, this fern can tolerate a range of soil and weather conditions, including drier areas that are challenging for other ferns.  

 For more information visit here 


4-Advance

ADVANCE
The White Tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus

This beautiful animal is a symbol of good luck, strength, and resilience.  In Cherokee spirituality, these deer are considered advanced "other-than-human-person", wearing their antlers as amulets. 

 For more information visit here 



5-Forward

FORWARD
Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis

Cardinals represent encouragement and forward movement.  They appear as messengers to encourage us to keep pushing towards your goal.  It is a sign of good luck to see them frequently!

 For more information visit here 




6-Elevate

ELEVATE
Queen Anne's Lace, Daucus carota

Queen Anne"s Lace (Wild Carrot) is believed to help individuals connect with their higher selves and raise their consciousness.  These flowers are said to have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping individuals focus on spirituality. 

For more information visit here



7-Accomplish

ACCOMPLISH
Halactic Bee, Halictadae

Halictidae are an extremely diverse population of pollinators. Commonly called "sweat bees" they are known for their extraordinary cooperation and work ethic.

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8-Breathe

BREATHE
Red Maple, Acer rubrum

The Red Maple is a beloved and iconic tree species in North America.  It symbolizes renewal and is capable of supplying a day of oxygen for four people.

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9-Balance

BALANCE
Great Egret, Ardea alba 

Despite a graceful appearance, egrets possess remarkable strength, navigating various outdoor conditions with resilience and determination.  Egrets are known for their balanced posture and deliberate movements.  They demonstrate the importance of finding equilibrium in life. 

For more information visit here


10-Persevere

PERSEVERE
Dandelion, Taraxacum officionale

The dandelion is thought to represent the journey of the soul and one's ability to find their way through difficult or uncertain times.  It is a symbol of clarity, purity, and inner peace.  

For more information visit here

11-Communicate

COMMUNICATE
Blue Flag Iris, Iris versicolor

This flower is loved for its unique and beautiful appearance and is a symbol of communication between heaven and earth.  It is associated with the Greek Goddess Iris who was believed to be the messenger of the gods.

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12-Succeed

SUCCEED
Goldenrod, Solidego

Goldenrod flowers are associated with sun, wealth, and happiness.  In many cultures, the gold flowers hold the meaning of prosperity, happiness, and success in life.

For more information visit here


13-Connect

CONNECT
Wild Canada Goose, Branta canadensis

The Wild Canada Goose, with its unique characteristics and behaviors, is symbolic of loyalty, community, and connection.  It is a powerful totem for those seeking to cultivate these values in their own lives.  

For more information visit here


14-Imagine2

IMAGINE
Eastern Bluebird, Sialia salis

The Eastern Bluebird represents seeing the world through the imaginative eye of your younger, more open self.  As an Animal Spirit guide it can uplift, impassion and encourage you to live life with curiosity and passion.  

For more information visit here


15-Grow

GROW
Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum

The Jack-in-the-Pulpit is often described as a spiritual teacher, believed to hold deep wisdom.  It represents a journey of self discovery and spiritual growth, encouraging us to look beneath the surface of things and expand our awareness.

For more information visit here



About the Artist:

"I call this installation Grow because I believe Mansfield, CT embodies the ideal of healthy growth - protecting and celebrating its natural landscape while serving the community with expanding cultural and commercial activities."


June Bisantz received her Masters of Fine Arts degree in painting from Claremont Graduate University in California. She has lived and worked in Boston, Los Angeles and New York City, and her work has been shown in galleries and museums nationally and internationally. 

Since 1999, she has received grants and commissions to support her public projects from organizations including the Connecticut Office of the Arts; the Connecticut State University System; the Berkshire Artist Trust Fund; the Te Women’s Foundation; the Pittsfield, MA Cultural Council; Hartford Health Care, CT, the Denver, Colorado and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Percent for Art programs; and the Charlotte Area Transit System in Charlotte, N.C. 


Her public projects have been installed in New York City, Oregon, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, California, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. She has been a finalist in public art competitions including New York City’s MTA Centennial Car Card competition, Charlotte, NC’s Light Rail Expansion Project, Philadelphia PA’s Marion Anderson Recreational Center Project and Denver CO’s Brighton Blvd. Redevelopment Project. 

Ms. Bisantz is a faculty member in the Art Department at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she founded Eastern’s Digital Art & Design Program. During her tenure at Eastern, Ms. Bisantz received multiple grants and awards for both her own and her students’ work, and in 2015, was granted the title of Emeritus Professor of Art. 

Bisantz is also an award-winning vocalist who has co-written and produced several albums of vocal jazz, all of which have all received national and international recognition. She has performed throughout the United States and Asia, and continues to record, write, and perform. She is the recipient of three Global Music Awards, a World Songwriting Award and a Clouzine International Music Award.