Yesterday was the 3 year anniversary of Linda Plaut's passing, the longtime Director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. On this day we remember Linda with gratitude for incorporating Newton Community Pride over 33 years ago and the energy and advocacy she brought to the arts community. At NCP, we are proud to carry on Linda's legacy. Here is a poem by Newton artist and poet Grey Held that graces the Linda Plaut Memorial in Newton Centre that was dedicated last month.
Elergy for a Lost Treasure
She was the epitome of generosity and welcoming,
helping to enrich and enliven the community
via festivals and events that connected us.
She knew how to tinker with the working circuitry of City Hall, adjust its practical
mechanics to spark our hearts with art.
She let the steps of the War Memorial be transformed into moonlit
stage for classical enactments of tragedy;
let poetry be chalked, line by line onto the nineteen granite riser of those steps.
She garnered approval for fifteen artful sculptures to be planted on vast civic grass, approval for revolving craft exhibits that grace official corridors.
She gave kids carnivals with whirligigs and Ferris wheels, handed
out kindness sweet as Cabot's Ice Cream.
Linda was a collaborator, co-conspirator, cheerleader,
concierge of culture, and a dear, dear friend.
She gave to Newton's fledgling voice of art a megaphone to speak through,
left a legacy to treasure, a strong foundation on which we build.
