When Bill Mast first saw a black-and-white photograph of a Christmas tree standing proudly in the middle of Middlefield’s main street, he knew he had to paint it. The photograph, owned by local historian and civic servant Rick Seyer, captured a rare and nostalgic scene from the town’s past that resonated deeply with Mast.
“I saw that photo, and it hit me hard,” Mast recalls. “I knew I was going to paint it. I didn’t know exactly how it would turn out, but I knew it had to be done.”
What began as a personal inspiration quickly blossomed into a community project, with Mast deciding to gift the completed painting to the village of Middlefield. The mural, which took 150 hours to complete, encapsulates the heart and history of the town, preserving a moment in time that many residents had never seen.
The Creation Process
Mast, known for his distinctive mixed-media style, began by sketching the scene on canvas. The black-and-white photo was his primary reference as he worked to bring the image to life. He started with acrylic paints, carefully blocking in the composition’s basic elements. But Mast didn’t stop there.
“After I had the basic structure laid out in acrylic, I went back and added details with oil paint,” Mast explains. “Oil paints allow for more vibrant colors and finer detail. It’s a technique that really brings the scene to life.”
The result is a painting that blends the precision of acrylics with the depth and richness of oils. The trees, buildings, and cars—muted in color—carry a vibrancy and depth that evoke both the simplicity and charm of small-town life. But the true focus of the painting is the large Christmas tree, standing at the center of the street.
“I wanted the main focus to be the tree in the center of the street,” Mast says. “That’s what really captured my attention. The rest of the scene serves as a backdrop to that, but the tree is the centerpiece.”
A Gift to the Community
From the outset, Mast envisioned the mural as more than just a piece of art; it was meant to be a gift to the people of Middlefield, a way of preserving a piece of their shared history. After discussing the project with local leaders, Mast and the mayor agreed that the mural should be displayed in a public space where everyone could appreciate it. Village Hall was chosen as the ideal location, where it would serve as a permanent tribute to the town’s past.
“I talked to the mayor about it, and we decided that the best place for it would be in Village Hall,” Mast says. “It’s a location where a lot of people come through, and I want the community to be able to see it whenever they visit.”
The mural will be prominently displayed at Village Hall, where it will serve as a lasting reminder of Middlefield’s history. As Mast notes, the artwork is not only a tribute to the past but also a symbol for the future.
“Art has the ability to connect people,” Mast says. “I hope this mural serves as a reminder of what makes this community special—its rich history and the people who make it what it is.”
A Legacy of Art and Community
Mast’s mural is a testament to the power of art to tell stories, evoke memories, and strengthen the bonds that unite a community. It is a work born from the heart, crafted with skill, and gifted to those who call Middlefield home.
For Mast, the process of creating the mural was an emotional journey, one that allowed him to honor the town he loves while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. And for the people of Middlefield, it’s a gift they will cherish for years to come.
From Mayor Garlich:
“When Bill unveiled the painting at council, we were all immediately impressed. The longer we looked at the painting and listened to the description of the effort and thought that went into it, the more impressed we became. We’ve selected the perfect spot to display it and are in the process of building a protective case to ensure it remains perfect. I can’t thank Bill enough for his thoughtfulness and generosity in providing such a high-quality gift to our Village. It will be a permanent fixture at Village Hall, where it will be enjoyed by us and all residents for many years to come.”
