The Legacy of Somerset: Artistic Bus Stop Revitalization

Barbara Dillas, a former teacher, artist, and mentor in Somerset, has recently taken on an inspiring community project. Her journey in art, initially fueled by her art teacher Madree Orridge at Sandys and further nurtured at Central State University, Ohio, has led her back to her roots in Somerset. Today, she's a beacon of creative energy, never seen without a collection of paint brushes and a head full of imaginative ideas.

Transforming Public Spaces into Art

Supported by her collaborator Kim Wilkerson and the Ministry of Works & Engineering, Barbara embarked on a mission to convert a local bus stop into a vibrant public artwork. What was once a simple memorial has been turned into a gallery of sorts, honoring Sandys Parish's historic shops and institutions. This list, which continues to grow, includes Cessi's, Village Inn, and Salt Rock, among others.

Celebrating Community Heritage

The bus stop has evolved into a monument that sparks memories and pride among local residents. A poem by Tina Christopher, 'The Legacy of Somerset', can be seen accompanying the mural, beautifully summing up the essence of the community's solidarity and history.

Anecdotal records of forgotten enterprises from Angle Street, preserved by Dale Butler's uncle, emphasize the importance of projects like this in remembering our past. The bus stop project has united principals, teachers, students, and local figures in a collaborative artistic effort, resulting in a space that not only adds colour to the area but also serves as a historical touchstone for locals and visitors alike.

Further plans to document stories and possibly produce a film are in consideration, emphasizing the necessity to preserve and celebrate Somerset's unique culture and history which underpins the community's enduring spirit of self-reliance and unity.

art, community, heritage