Salesman James Dabilis of Lowell, right, enjoys watching the mural take shape in the Drum Hill Ford showroom thanks to the talent and skills of Carlos Pujols, Josh Rondeau and Courtney LeMay.
01/16/2016
Lowell Sun
By Andrew Manuzca
LOWELL -- The recent renovation of Drum Hill Ford is not only giving prospective car buyers a pleasant car-buying experience, but it's also giving UMass Lowell fine arts students a great opportunity to strut their stuff.
Following the $1.5 million construction project, the dealership was left with a large blank space at one end of the showroom, and employees suggested this space would be great spot for a mural.
So in the spirit of partnership, Drum Hill Ford asked UMass Lowell art students to paint a mural capturing the city's industrial heritage, rather than hiring a professional muralist.
Drum Hill Ford owner Bernie Ristuccia agreed to underwrite the entire project, including supplies and an honorarium for the students.
The student artists -- Carlos Pujols of Methuen, Josh Rondeau of Salem, N.H., and Courtney Lemay of Billerica -- began their project one afternoon earlier this week.
The mural will depict a transformation of sorts: the city's industrial part, evolution of the industrial process and adaptation to emerging technologies.
The mural is expected to take a few weeks to complete.
Drum Hill Ford's business manager, Robert T. Provencher, invites the public to come see piece when it's finished.
"You don't have to buy a car to visit and enjoy the mural," he said.