The town of Mason was recognized by Gov. Chris Sununu this year for its efforts towards fostering creativity, honored with the “Creative Communities” Arts Award.
The town was mainly recognized for its contributions to including art in the celebrations of Mason’s 250th anniversary in August of 2018. Not only did the town receive a grant to specifically include artists and artisan demonstrations, but the town partnered with the Mason Elementary School on several art projects as part of celebrations, and the children’s theater group Andy’s Summer Playhouse returned to Mason – the town where it was founded – for a performance.
Mason Elementary School Art Teacher Michelle Jimeno led each grade in creating a mural of significant town landmarks – the school, the Mann House, Uncle Sam’s House, the church, the town pound, and Wolf’s Rock – which became part of the 250th celebrations.
Mason is a town that takes pride in its creative figures, Selectwoman Louise Lavoie said. Local author and illustrators Elizabeth Orton Jones and C.W. Anderson still hold high esteem in town, years after their passing, Lavoie noted.
“Mason has always been a community where a lot of creative minds come together,” said Lavoie in an interview Monday. Lavoie, along with representatives from the town’s 250th Anniversary Committee and the Mason Elementary School, attended a ceremony on Oct. 21 to collect the Governor’s Art Award. “I’m just proud the community was recognized.”
Lavoie said she was particularly proud of Mason’s recognition, considering the Art Awards are only awarded every three years. The last winner of the Creative Communities award was Nashua.
“Considering it was such a large city that was recognized last time, it was really an honor,” Lavoie said.
The award is on display at the Mason Elementary School for the remainder of the school year, after which it will be displayed in the Mann House.