Courtesy Tova Speter
At top, what the site looked like before work began on the mural, and a recent photo as the project nears completion.
After years of planning and months of work -- and a little delay by some rain -- Malden's downtown mural will be dedicated July 10, organizers said today.
The dedication is set for 2:30 p.m., said Tova Speter, who organized the design and painting of the mural, and comes after weather delayed final touches on the community art work earlier this month.
Work on the mural began in May after the design process first began three years ago, when local teens, citizens, and others helped design the final version of the painting.
Financial woes halted progress, however, when the project did not win a key grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts last year. About $6,000 was raised by Speter and others to complete the project, she said in May.
The 70-foot by 20-foot formerly blank expanse of concrete, situated under the Orange Line overpass on Route 60, now is host to a vibrant display that depicts Malden's past and hopes for the city's future.
Painting was done by students from Malden schools, community members, and others, during weekly after school sessions.
