Southborough’s Hidden Gem: Art on the Trails

By Tyler Charpentier

Contributing Writer

SOUTHBOROUGH - Alongside Main Street in the town of Southborough, and across from Chestnut Hill Farm lies a hidden world filled with wooded nature trails and a variety of unique pieces of sculptural art.

Known as “Art on the Trails,” it’s a 55-acre tract of land that is owned by Southborough Open Land Foundation and doubles as an outdoor art exhibit from June 10 until Sept. 17.

Catherine Weber is the program director for Art on the Trails. She held her seventh installation of the program this year; its theme is “Transforma- tion.”

In order for participants’ artwork to be showcased in Art on the Trails, the artists are asked to submit existing work or a proposal piece to a blind jury by the beginning of April.

Each year there is a group of approximately 15 jurors who are scouted through a social media based “call-out” conducted by Weber. The panel consists of jurors with varying backgrounds, ranging from artists who have previously participated in Art of the Trails, to creative directors of local art centers.

“One of the most important factors in choosing the jurors is finding people who understand what this space and show is all

Chase Bank closer to opening

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH – Chase Bank is one step closer to opening a branch in the city.

The City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee has approved a special permit for Chase to open at the former Boston Market location on Boston Post Road West. The permit will also allow Chase to operate a drive-up, freestanding ATM.

“The bank will be in a marquee location,” said City Councilor David Doucette.

This will be the bank’s first location in Marlborough; the nearest Chase bank is in Framingham.

Josh Kline of Stonefield Engineering and Design, the project, traffic and civic engineer on the project, said they have been working with the Site Plan Review Committee to upgrade the site’s parking and signage. The measure has been sent to the city solicitor, and it will be sent to the full City Council for a final vote on Monday, Aug. 21. about,” said Weber.

Out of the submissions received and reviewed by the jury, 15-16 artists are chosen to display their pieces on the trails and awarded $100 each.

Weber expressed great passion about being able to financially support the artists who participate in her installations.

“Lots of artists are asked to show their work not for money but for exposure. There