NORTHAMPTON — A fundraising effort is underway to restore one of Northampton’s most iconic pieces of street art.

The History of Women in Northampton mural, painted in 1980 by the women’s art group Hestia Art Collective and located on Masonic Street, is seeking funds for restoration of the mural, which suffered some damage last year from what is believed to be from a chemical solvent.

The assessed cost to fix the mural is $28,000. A group of mural artists calling themselves the Hestia Mural Restoration Collective began the fundraiser to support efforts, with local non-profit Available Potential Enterprises (A.P.E.) agreeing to be the fiscal sponsor for grants and contributions over $500.

A GoFundMe page set up to contribute funds has currently raised over $1,000 since Feb. 28, and a $5,000 donation made through A.P.E. has also been announced.

The mural was painted by a group of women artists amid an influx of artistic migrants into Northampton and a burgeoning feminist movement across the country. It depicts women partaking in all facets of society through different historical time periods, from traditional homemakers to scientists and engineers. It also depicts historical women’s suffrage movements, along with prominent women in the city’s history, such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth.

Though slightly controversial when it was first painted, with some saying it should not be exclusively depicting women and others saying it didn’t go far enough, today it is considered one of the most distinctive murals in a city overflowing with colorful street art. The mural has undergone one successful restoration since its original painting, that having been completed in 2003.

“The current damage really interferes with the public’s ability to enjoy the mural,” said Linda Bond, one of the mural’s original artists, in a statement. “Our fear is that if the mural is not repaired in a timely manner, it will continue to degrade and may be destroyed. It would really be sad to lose this iconic landmark.”

In addition to fundraising, the artists are also looking to volunteers to help them with fundraising strategy and outreach. Those interested in volunteering can contact Rebecca Muller at rebmuller@comcast.net, or Linda Bond at info@lindabondart.com.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.

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