A number of local volunteers, led by Jessica Rayno, recently undertook the task of renovating the Elfland at Cedar art installation. — Photos by Jessica Rayno

By Jeffrey Shwom

A Ball Square-area resident, seeking out “the joy of crafting and sharing with other people,” organized an impromptu cleanup of Elfland at Cedar and the community path. Jessica Rayno and about eight volunteers came together midday on a Tuesday with helping hands and supplies to recover, restore, and add to the art exhibit, a collection of miniature buildings and figurines started by an eight-year-old.

Volunteers dropped off and poured gravel, righted fallen structures, and took some wood items home to renovate. Rayno and her husband, who live in Medford, donated a thrifted white tree with fairy lights and solar panels, and another volunteer took home artwork to install hangers, so that it could be placed on the fence behind.

“Seeing community art out and about is just a way for us to bring beauty to our community and to take pride and ownership in it,” Rayno explained on a Zoom call. “It’s just a way to connect with our neighbors through a shared art experience.”

Elfland had fallen into slight disrepair. Many of the items laid flat on the ground and were strewn about. When Rayno heard about and saw the shape of Elfland, she took action to organize. Rayno created a Facebook event called “Restoring Elfland Together.” She expressed, “I’ve seen some complaints about Elfland looking a little worse for wear. The winter took its toll, and we could use some love from us in the community. I’m a local artist and crafter and truly believe in the power of art, and that Elfland is a staple in our community- let’s rebuild it together!” She encouraged folks to make a new elf land decoration, restore one of the original buildings, or come to the clean-up day on April 15.

Rayno is by no means the sole steward of the public exhibit. Elfland was first located on a gravel lot where Somerville Gas was demolished in preparation for a housing project. “Elfland was started by a local 8-year-old boy and some elves. Organically grown in an empty lot at the corner of Summer and School Streets, it epitomizes the creativity of Somerville residents,” according to the Somerville Museum. The museum hosted Elfland temporarily before it was moved to its current home in Davis Square. In terms of its recent state, Rayno said, “I wanted to get us started, but I want to encourage other people to make things and bring and clean it up and continue with landscaping and just make it like a whole community.”

Rayno used to be a corporate product manager for over a decade before she changed careers. She is the owner of The Cozy Artist, which creates art experiences for people. We asked why this art space was important and why she felt connected. “I’m close to Somerville and Davis Square. I see it as part of my community, even though the town name isn’t the same. It’s all the same area, and everybody’s there. There are so many things going on in Davis Square. And a lot of renovations are happening there. So, just to bring it back to the community, just is meaningful to me.” Rayno has professional connections to Davis, too, as she hosted two bring-your-own craft nights at Diesel Cafe this winter and is hosting another event in April.

As I walked by to take in the new and improved art, two folks on a walk remarked positively about the changes. “They did a really good job,” two passersby said. They even took time to adjust one of the structures so it would not fall over in the early spring wind. Community stewardship at its best.