Dear Editor,

On behalf of the family of Erik Hansen I want to tell you how wonderful, and emotional, the recognition of Erik’s efforts to bring public art to Maynard means to us. The dedication of the outdoor bike sculpture, establishing an annual Erik Hansen Award through the Maynard Cultural Council, 6 Bridges Gallery for opening up time for a retrospective exhibit of his art, as well as various articles lauding Erik’s passion for art have been lovely.

Erik truly loved Maynard. In 2017 Erik and I wrote little notes of gratitude and put them in a jar to read later. I recently read them and found this little gratitude note from a day that May. “Great energy and friendships in Maynard.” Probably a lot of us think about where to move to when we get old and can’t stand the cold any longer. Not Erik. He told me he couldn’t see himself living anywhere else than Maynard. He was passionate about wanting Maynard to succeed as an arts destination as well as wanting all our wonderful independent small businesses to thrive.

Thank you, Maynard friends and community, for being you. Thank you for your passionate support of the arts. Erik certainly found a home of kindred spirits.

Sincerely,

Kathy Belisle-Hansen