BRIDGEWATER, VA (Town of Bridgewater) — Bridgewater has installed artwork by local students along its Riverwalk at the Main Street (Route 42) bridge.

The display brightens up the underpass and adds an additional attraction for those walking the path. The installation also celebrates the nearby river and its role in the town’s life.

“We were aware that the bridge underpass left a lot to be desired. After some brainstorming, it was decided that artwork from locacl students would be the perfect addition,” explained Betsy Putney, who headed the project for the town. “I really enjoyed working with local art teachers and their enthusiasm for this project.”

Four schools that serve the town’s families were each invited to design and paint a panel for the mural project. Art students from John Waylan Elementary, Wilbur Pence Middle, Turner Ashby High, and Blue Ridge Christian Schools all contributed to the display.

“Our students have been excited to work on this mural,” said Erin Whetzel, art teacher at Turner Ashby. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity that the Town of Bridgewater has given our Art Department and other area schools to help bring some extra color and life to the Riverwalk downtown and most importantly… {to give} back to our community in the process.”

After the schools completed their pieces of art, the town finished the panels with protective coatings and installed them in frames alongside Riverwalk. The riverside area is subject to occasional flooding, so the use of panels, as opposed to painting murals directly on the bridge supports, ensures that the artwork can be removed and preserved in times when flooding is anticipated.