A New Attraction that Adds to the Charm of Historic Bernardsville.
The community comes together to make Bernardsville more beautiful with its Mural Project which was unveiled in May 2021. This mural, depicting the historic borough, covers both sides of the bridge on Mount Airy Road, the main road connecting Bernardsville with other towns.
One side of the mural reads “Welcome to Bernardsville” and the other, “Small Town, Big Community” – words that aptly describe the town and its spirit.
Mural Unveiled on: Memorial Day, May 31, 2021.
The Bernardsville Mural Project is a collaborative project with the Borough of Bernardsville, the Somerset Hills School District, and Downtown Bernardsville. It is made possible by funds from community donations, sponsorships, and two grants (in 2020 and 2021) from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission totaling $8,500 through the Commission’s Local Arts Program Grant. Sherwin Williams donated all of the paint and materials. Additional sponsors of the mural are Melilo Equities, Wavelength Audio Video, Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, Jersey Central Power & Light, Advance Realty, Bernardsville Print Center, Borough of Bernardsville, and notable donations from Greg and Mary Jane Canose, Jack and Bonnie Frost, and Diane Greenfield.
Approximately $20,000 in funds have been raised of the total $25,000 goal. Additional donations are needed and may be made online https://downtownbernardsville.org/muralproject/
The mural designed by renowned artist, Caren Frost Olmsted is a community endeavor. Olmsted involved the Bernardsville community in the creation and painting of the mural, a process that began in October 2019. Olmsted provided guidance to Bernardsville residents of all ages as they painted the mural together in carefully planned sessions in the Bernardsville Train Station over the past several months. Olmsted, a Bernards High graduate, is also the artist of the mural on the Bernardsville Cinema.
“We are thrilled to finally showcase our beautiful, community-created mural of Bernardsville,” said Mayor of the Borough of Bernardsville, Mary Jane Canose, who is also on the Board of Directors of Downtown Bernardsville. “Bernardsville has never done a project like this before, but we hope and plan to do many more. It has been a phenomenal process. Members of the community that have painted have had such a great time,” added Mayor Canose.
“The excitement and feedback from the community has been tremendous,” said Olivia Manning, executive director of Downtown Bernardsville and co-owner of Wavelength Audio Video. “Beautifying this area is inspiring members of the community to improve all of Bernardsville. Creative placemaking projects like this are based on a community-led process that helps revitalize downtowns and gathering places. This is what we hope to accomplish with this project, and with Downtown Bernardsville,” added Manning.
The mural on the walls of the bridge will add a distinguishing panache to the town of Bernardsville making it an even more attractive place to pass by and hang out.
About Downtown Bernardsville
Downtown Bernardsville is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing, enhancing, and promoting Bernardsville, New Jersey. Engaging the community, supporting local businesses, and maintaining the charm of Bernardsville’s historical structures are the focus of our mission.
For more information, please visit http://DowntownBernardsville.org.