Danielle Rizzo Brings New Artworks to ServiceNet’s Administrative Building

There’s new artwork on the walls at ServiceNet’s administrative building at 21 Olander in Northampton! The artworks were created over several months by Danielle, a staff member at ServiceNet’s Rooster Café, a vocational culinary training program for individuals with disabilities. 

Danielle’s newest works reflect her perspective on human rights, sanctuary, spirituality, and freedom. Her art represents the freedom to allow people to be who they are, feel safe and comfortable, keeping in mind the injustices brought to immigrants and marginalized people. The pastel charcoals help reflect the warmth of the pieces. 

Danielle’s work is influenced by two writers. Victor Hugo, a French romantic author, human rights activist and politician, famous for writing The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Danielle’s favorite book; and Ken Follett, a historical novelist most known for his novel, The Pillars of the Earth. Her own work mirrors their thoughts on spirituality and social justice. 

Those two novelists made her appreciate cathedrals and church architecture. Through her own perspective, she created renditions of local churches in Northampton, Amherst, and Springfield. 

One of her favorite pieces, which represents her perspective on human rights, shows two women holding an infant, a reminder of her own two mothers.  

Danielle’s work has been featured in ServiceNet’s last two annual art shows, as well as Northampton City Hall and the Greenfield Public Library. Her illustrated book, Mommy’s Little Farm Girl, is available for purchase at ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm Store in Hatfield.