The “Riding Through History” public art initiative seeks to seamlessly blend art and history, using horse iconography to promote not only Lexington’s storied equestrian heritage, but the legendary journeys of Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others, as they rode through the countryside on April 18, 1775.
Tova Speter and Emily Bhargava, Illumi-neigh-ted, (2024)
The concept for Illumi-neigh-ted centers around the light that was carried through the darkness during Paul Revere’s famous ride–both literally and metaphorically. It features a Paul Revere-inspired lantern with stained glass designs and mirrors, allowing viewers to see themselves as part of the light. The horse is tiled and painted with light emanating from the lantern contrasting against darker tones that mimic the midnight sky. Part of the inspiration comes from an Edith Wharton quote: “There are two ways of spreading light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
About the Artists
Tova Speter
Tova Speter is a community artist, art therapist, art educator, and arts consultant based at Gorse Mill Studios in Needham, MA. Her art is inspired by the natural patterns found in wood and water and she works as a practicing painter, installation artist, and community muralist. Tova facilitates collaborative art experiences that offer opportunities for self expression, artistic exploration, and community connection, and, with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy, she has over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of arts and healing. Tova has been leading community art projects for 25 years including residencies in schools, neighborhoods, and in other countries. All of her work is based on her belief that engaging in art-making is inherently therapeutic and formative and that art helps us connect with each other and with ourselves.
Emily Bhargava
Emily Bhargava is an artist, community organizer and educator who has been leading community art projects for more than 20 years. As a muralist, a stained glass artist, a mosaic artist and a facilitator, Emily has seen the power of art to bring people together and to transform spaces into powerful forces for change. Emily often works on the border between art and public health, using art to share health information, to increase community collaboration and community capacity, and to increase engagement in building healthy communities. She believes that community members have the power to make change in their own homes, neighborhoods, towns, states, and countries. As Community Art Director for a creative reuse center called the Beautiful Stuff Project, Emily upcycles a wide variety of materials to use for play and learning, and through Connection Lab LLC she carries out large and small art projects.