Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn

Beyond Walls Neon Art Lighting on Wednesday

May 17, 2017

The Daily Item

Wednesday night will be bright.

Outside the Prime Manufacturing Co. building, 545 Washington St., pieces of neon art will be lit as part of the Beyond Walls project.

Beyond Walls founder and executive director Al Wilson, speaking Tuesday with The Item, said this is an important step in the fundraising efforts.

Wednesday’s lighting will show that this is not just vision and a plan; it will show the vision is being implemented, he said.

Lighting technician Brian Bourgeois completes wiring on one of the many signs that will be lit downtown Lynn

ITEM PHOTO BY JIM WILSON

Lighting technician Brian Bourgeois completes wiring on one of the many neon art pieces that will be lit downtown.

“We are excited for this aspect of the project to be seen,” Wilson said “The vintage neon will illuminate the neighborhood at night, increase the walkability of downtown Lynn and help improve downtown for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Since March, the project has raised about $181,000 of its $255,000 goal. Reaching $50,000 on April 6 put Beyond Walls on track to receive a matching grant from Commonwealth Places, an effort between MassDevelopment and Patronicity.

This leaves about $74,000. Wilson wants to see that amount raised by June 15; “Timing-wise, now’s the time (to donate),” he said.

Three pieces of neon art are already placed. It has yet to be determined where nine others will go.

The lighting on Washington Street will be attended by Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy and state Sen. Thomas M. McGee. The art will be lit at 8 p.m., Wilson said.

Other elements of the Beyond Walls project include LED underpass lighting connecting Central Square and Washington Street; 10 murals reflecting the cultural makeup of Lynn; and a sculpture paying homage to the city’s industrial history.

On Saturday, Bent Water Brewery will host its second annual “Bent Water Blast Off.” It’s a free event, but a $5 donation is suggested to benefit the “totally awesome” project, their Facebook page says.

The Bent Water Blast Off will take place from 3-10 p.m. at its location, 180 Commercial St.

Visit https://www.beyond-walls.org/ to learn more about the project. Visit https://www.patronicity.com/lynn to donate.

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