A recognizable fixture in Belchertown is coming down—but not disappearing. The old radio tower behind the Belchertown Police Department, once used for emergency communication, is being carefully dismantled. In its next life, the tower will be transformed into a large-scale public sculpture that reflects Belchertown’s spirit of remembrance, creativity, and renewal.
A Star is Born: Transforming Steel into Story
This new sculpture, titled “The Star of Belchertown,” will be crafted by local artist and veteran metalworker Donald Longley, known for his large-scale outdoor works that incorporate reclaimed materials. Shaped as a star polygon, the piece will be built from the very steel that once carried radio signals across the region.
Now, instead of broadcasting communication, it will represent something deeper: connection, reflection, and community.
The star polygon, with its overlapping lines and radiant geometry, represents the many lives, histories, and relationships that make up Belchertown. It will stand as a beacon—rooted in the town’s past, but reaching forward with purpose.
Honoring Belchertown’s History
The sculpture is inspired in part by the legacy of the Belchertown State School, located near the site. For decades, the school was home to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The sculpture seeks to honor their lives and stories—not through a narrative of tragedy, but through one of acknowledgement and presence. The past is complex, but remembrance can be an act of compassion and progress.
As Donald Longley puts it:
“This star carries voices—not by sound, but through symbolism. It reminds us to see each other more fully, to connect through shared history, and to build something meaningful from what remains.”
A Community Collaboration
This project reflects Belchertown’s growing investment in arts, culture, and public space. The sculpture is being made possible through collaboration with local partners including:
- The Belchertown Cultural Council
- The Town of Belchertown
- The Belchertown Creative Economy
Together, these organizations are helping bring public art to the forefront—celebrating local talent, preserving meaningful history, and enriching the town’s visual and cultural landscape.
What’s Next
Once completed, “The Star of Belchertown” will be installed at a public location, inviting residents and visitors to reflect, appreciate, and engage. It’s a powerful reminder that progress can grow from remembrance, and that beauty can emerge from the very structures that once served different purposes.
Follow the Build
Watch the sculpture take shape on the Hercworx YouTube Channel.
Interested in supporting or commissioning a sculpture? Email Donald Longley at hercworx@gmail.com.