Finalists Selected for Mural Art Project
Three artists to propose mural sketches
16 March 2025
The response to the Destination Downtown mural opportunity RFP process was extraordinary, with many talented artists from the area, and around the country, submitting thoughtful and inspiring applications. After a thorough review of all portfolios and application responses, the selection committee faced the challenging task of selecting the top three mural finalists.
Candidate artists gathered at Walpole Library for community event on March 4
The finalists will now create a sketch or mock-up of their proposed design for the mural. The deadline for submitting their sketches is March 25. The winning artist will be announced shortly thereafter with painting slated to begin early to mid April.
Here are the three mural finalists with a little background on each artist. Listed alphabetically, they are:
Scott Groome lives in Cumberland, RI and is eager to collaborate with the community to create art that will enrich the lives of the residents but also attracts visitors to downtown. Scott has traveled around the country which he says provided him with inspiration, opportunities to meet people, and to explore diverse places. These experiences fueled his passion for drawing, painting, and creating art for others. His mural idea will be to focus on the rich history and landscapes of the town of Walpole. Scott utilizes various mediums, but acrylic and spray paint remain his primary tools. Scott has been painting murals for approximately seven years. You can see examples of his mural work at this link .
Ariana McWeeney lives in Grapevine, Texas, but is originally from Walpole where she went through the Walpole Public School system before she met her husband and moved to Texas. Some may recognize her by her maiden name, Ariana Chariton. She studied at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and she has painted murals for many cities and towns. Ariana says, “there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the positive impact they have! I would love to be able to do that for Walpole and bring even more beauty and character to my hometown!” You can learn more about Ariana and her mural work at this link:
Ruby Rose owns a Boston-based mural production company called Bullseye Mural Co. Her love of wall art began in 2011 as a member of the Mayor’s Mural Crew, the City of Boston’s Parks and Recreation program that has beautified neighborhoods since 1991. After five summers crisscrossing the city with the Mayor’s Mural Crew, she hasn’t put down her brush. Ruby says her mural concept will celebrate Walpole’s rich history, vibrant community, and stunning natural landscapes through a panoramic townscape that transitions between the four seasons. Her mural idea intends to celebrate Walpole’s identity while creating an engaging, welcoming space for all. Her website can be found at this link .
Planned mural site (white wall) at 954 Main Street.
You can stay abreast of the mural progress as well as other projects and initiatives by following Destination Downtown on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Beyond the mural itself, Destination Downtown will also initiate an effort to improve the landscaping in the space adjacent to the mural site, which is the access alleyway that connects the large public parking lot to downtown businesses. The organization is grateful for the support received so far, but there’s more to do yet! Fundraising will continue throughout the winter and spring. If you would like to support the effort, please share the campaign with your friends and family or give at: https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Walpole-Downtown-Partnership. Donations are also gratefully accept and can be mailed to: Walpole Downtown Partnership, P.O. Box 14, Walpole, MA 02081.
