"Seven Stars for Renne Ave." by Huckleberry (Huck) Elling

The City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development in partnership with Artscape and the owners of The Cooper Center commissioned Huckleberry (Huck) Elling to create a mural entitled Seven Stars for Renne Ave. on the east side (facing Renne Avenue) of The Cooper Center at 1 Fenn Street in Pittsfield. The mural was sponsored in part by Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

Huck describes her mural, Seven Stars for Renne Ave., as a “brick quilt”, and the mural features seven stars in reds, oranges, and browns. “I am interested in folk traditions and patterns and their place in modern life,” says Huck. “This mural is inspired by the language and lineage of quilt patterns and ceramic tiles. The design and colors developed through conversations with the building owner, with particular interest in making a mural that felt integrated with the building and the block. This mural was a total joy to paint and I hope that joy radiates on Renne Ave.”