RAW Artworks Brings Life to Community Fridge

Raw Art Works Students Transform Lynn Community Fridge into a Vibrant Symbol of Hope and Food Access

The Lynn Community Fridge has a fresh new look thanks to the creativity and talent of local young artists.

On Tuesday, students from Raw Art Works' Artists in Action program unveiled a colorful new mural on the Lynn Community Fridge, turning an essential community resource into a vibrant work of public art that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and access to healthy food.

Located outside Centerboard's Lynn Family Resource Center at 16 City Hall Square, the Lynn Community Fridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing free, fresh food to anyone in the community—no questions asked.

The mural was designed and painted by Artists in Action students, who selected the Lynn Community Fridge as this year's community impact project to raise awareness about food insecurity while making the space more welcoming and inviting for neighbors seeking support.

"We were thrilled to see the students' incredible vision come to life," said Olivia Grinstead, Director of Centerboard's Lynn Family Resource Center. "The Lynn Community Fridge is about more than providing food—it's about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. This beautiful artwork reflects the spirit of our community and reminds people that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

The public unveiling brought together students, community members, Centerboard staff, and supporters to celebrate the artists and the powerful message behind their work.

Founded in 2020, the Lynn Community Fridge was created to combat food insecurity by offering free, accessible food to residents at any time of day. Earlier this year, Centerboard assumed stewardship of the fridge, continuing its operation through ongoing maintenance, volunteer coordination, and community partnerships to ensure the resource remains available for anyone in need.

Emily Bucklin, founder of the Lynn Community Fridge, emphasized the importance of pairing public art with community service.

"The purpose of the community fridge is really to combat food insecurity in Lynn," Bucklin said. "It's a 24/7 open refrigerator and pantry that's been serving the community since 2020. Art makes it a more welcoming place and creates curiosity. A bright, beautiful mural invites people in and reminds them this is a space for everyone."

The Artists in Action students intentionally chose food insecurity as the central theme for the project while also highlighting Lynn's diversity and sense of community. Through bold colors and thoughtful imagery, the mural reflects the idea that everyone deserves access to healthy food and a welcoming community where they belong.

"At the beginning of the year, our students discussed the issues they cared most about, and food insecurity emerged as the topic they wanted to address," said Helen Danz, leader of the Artists in Action program. "Working with the Lynn Community Fridge gave our students the opportunity to create something meaningful that will serve the community every day."

For Centerboard, the collaboration represents the power of partnerships in strengthening neighborhoods. By combining public art with community resources, the project not only beautifies the space but also helps raise awareness of the Lynn Community Fridge and encourages both food donations and community involvement.

The Lynn Family Resource Center continues to provide a wide range of support services for local families, including parenting education, youth programming, clothing assistance, food resources, and connections to essential community services. The Community Fridge is one of many ways Centerboard works to ensure every family has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Centerboard extends its sincere gratitude to Raw Art Works, the talented Artists in Action students, Emily Bucklin, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to this inspiring project. Together, they have transformed the Lynn Community Fridge into not only a place where neighbors can access healthy food, but also a vibrant reminder that creativity, compassion, and community can nourish us all.

Coverage of the event included Item Live.