The Maynard Cultural Council hosted a reception on Thursday, August 7, at the Maynard-Clinton Elks Lodge to recognize the 2025 recipients of Maynard Cultural Council Grants. The event also featured the presentation of the first annual Erik Hansen Award, honoring Maynard resident and architect Tim Hess for his outstanding contributions to the town’s arts and cultural community.

Named in memory of the late artist and photographer Erik Hansen, the award celebrates a resident whose work has significantly enriched Maynard’s creative landscape.

“Erik was a passionate and committed advocate for the arts in Maynard,” said Armand Diarbekirian, who initiated the award. “He was an original member of ArtSpace, where he maintained a studio for 17 years, a founding member of 6 Bridges Gallery, and a driving force behind outdoor murals through his vision of ‘Maynard as a Canvas.’ Erik inspired and influenced countless artists, helping make Maynard a true destination for arts and culture.”

Diarbekirian explained why Hess was chosen as the inaugural recipient: “Tim, alongside Erik, played a key role in establishing Maynard’s Cultural District designation and served as Chair of the Cultural Council. Inspired by the Berringer Report, which envisioned Maynard as a regional hub for dining, arts, culture, and entertainment, Tim developed a design for Naylor Court (Triangle Park) that earned an AIA award. His architectural work has shaped downtown Maynard, including collaborations with the owners of Sanctuary and the interior design of Azucar. Tim also serves as a design peer reviewer for the Planning Board. He is a fitting recipient of this award, continuing Erik’s legacy with vision and dedication.”

In accepting the award, Hess spoke of his relationship with Erik Hansen and the growth of their friendship around a shared feeling of excitement about the potential they saw in Maynard and the desire and effort to nuture that potential. “The gap between what is and what can be, and the the thrill of imagining into that gap is powerful here,” Hess stated. “There’s a real magic to that sweet-spot here in Maynard…It’s a perfect place for people that want to do something or make something.” 

Following the award presentation, grant recipients shared highlights from their projects, including the recent Summer Concert in the Park organized by the Friends of the Maynard Public Library, the Bicyclist Sculpture coordinated by the Assabet River Rail Trail, the Farmers Market Music Series, new microphones for the Maynard Theater Association, the Maynard Library Art Workshop Series, The Maynard Community Band Free Concerts, and the Silk Road Art project.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for grant recipients to meet the people behind the funding decisions—and each other,” said Rich Pepin, Chairperson of the Cultural Council. “We wanted to bring everyone together to celebrate their contributions and show that they’re all part of a vibrant cultural ecosystem here in Maynard.”

The Maynard Cultural Council serves as the town’s local representative of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, supporting arts and humanities initiatives through grant funding allocated by the Commonwealth. In 2025, eleven individuals and organizations received grants totaling more than $8,700.