BERWICK — Artists and residents from Berwick and surrounding areas are reclaiming a closed mill for a public art project that’s truly public.

Members of the Berwick Art Association began painting a mural on the unused Prime Tanning property last week. On Saturday and again on July 26, the art association is asking residents to lend a hand. Paints and brushes will be provided, and residents are welcome to claim their own rectangle in the cinder block wall.

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The painting project will continue July 26 at the site of a closed mill on the Prime Tanning property in Berwick. Businesses have donated 30 gallons of paint. Courtesy photo

People will be assigned blocks and encouraged to paint their own images, doodles, art, creativity and passions. People of all ages, skill sets and backgrounds from Berwick and beyond are welcome.

“We want to get the people of Berwick engaging with their downtown, engaging with their local arts community, and collaborating with one another,” said Justin Bloom, the art association’s director.

He expects up to 100 people will participate.

Several local businesses donated materials and support, including 30 gallons of paint.

The mural project began last summer, when the association approached the mill’s owners and lawyers. The group then solicited ideas about the design. When finished, it will look like a rural landscape.

For information, visit berwickarts.org.