BERNARDSVILLE, NJ – Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy participated in a placemaking initiative in Bernardsville by painting an ice cream cone on a mural that will be displayed on the Mount Airy Road overpass. 

“I commend Downtown Bernardsville for using a safe, collaborative process to create artwork that will lift people’s spirits and help beautify the neighborhood,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Sooy. “Somerset County is pleased to be able to support the initiative through a Cultural & Heritage Commission grant.”

Downtown Bernardsville (@DowntownBernardsville) is coordinating the Placemaking Initiative in collaboration with the Borough of Bernardsville and Somerset Hills School District. They are scheduling 30-minute paint sessions to manage social distancing during the pandemic. In addition to painting, students and teachers have been invited to learn more about the process of creating a mural.

The beautification project is being funded through a Local Arts Program grant awarded by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and community donations. The artist, Caren Frost Olmsted, is the owner of CFO Design. She has fifteen years of experience working on a variety of projects, including large- and small-scale murals. Paint and supplies were donated by Sherwin-Williams; a list of other donors can be found on the website: http://www.downtownbernardsville.com/.

A community-led process, placemaking helps to stimulate downtowns and community gatherings while capitalizing on local assets and inspirations, which results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness and well-being.

For more information, visit http://www.downtownbernardsville.com/.

Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy paints an ice cream cone on a mural that will be displayed on the Mount Airy Road overpass.