North Shore CDC invests in the arts to foster stronger and more resilient communities
The Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM) is a social justice public art program created in 2017 to foster neighborhood pride in the Point. The goal of PUAM is to break down invisible socio-economic barriers. We believe public art can be a tool to help integrate neighborhoods and create more resilient communities.
Our educational tours showcase the Point’s art and history
We highlight its rich and storied history as an immigrant community and the impact of redlining and housing discrimination. Through PUAM, we provide economic opportunities for Massachusetts-based artists to showcase their art. The open-air museum hosts over 75 murals by international and local artists.
AGONZA
“I believe in the transformational power of art. I believe that art can change people and communities.”
Angela “AGONZA” Gonzalez is an award-winning artist who grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Dominican Republic. Throughout her life, she experienced emotional, verbal, and physical abuse, which has impacted her mental health. She uses these traumatic experiences to influence her art.
“The feedback was amazing as I watched how many people could relate to my art and see the children hug my paintings as they felt encouraged and empowered. North Shore CDC even offered me a hand during my personal life when I had been in and out of the hospital and became homeless. Without PUAM I wouldn’t have been able to build my confidence and portfolio to accomplish what I have today.”
While living in Peabody, she connected with North Shore CDC, which gave her a platform to further her career as an upcoming muralist and artist and build strong, positive relationships throughout the community.
See her work @agonzaart.
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