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Writer's pictureRyan DiLello

Somerville Stickers: A Guide to the City's Adhesive Adherents

At last, a piece for the pole watchers, street sign stalkers, and ink stain inquirers. Somerville has a lot of stickers from bands, politicians, artists, pranksters, and the list goes on. Some have really evident associations and others are fun mysteries. This is the first installation of the Somerville Sticker Guide, a roundup of the city's most prevalent stickers and the bite-size stories behind them. We begin in Union Square.


CASH FOR YOUR WARHOL

Seen in various iterations around town, this satirical sticker is a rich man’s play on a rich man’s art prompted by another rich man’s scheme. Originally from Somerville, wealth manager and street artist Geoff L. Hargadon created the fake Warhol reseller business during the recession in 2008, to spoof the predatory companies that posted notices offering consumers cash for houses and other goods. The bit evolved into a full on street art operation and even a short-lived storefront in Inman Square. 




FLIM SOMERVILLE

If you don't understand this sticker, this Simpsons clip might help explain. Still unclear who's posting this one around town, but there was a Reddit thread about it.




WEATHER HAPPENING

This Providence writer is very proud that the most puzzling and chaotic sticker around Somerville originates from the 401 capitol. Visit the Weather is Happening website for more information. I found the press page most helpful.


(And shout out Unseemlier, whose band sticker is also in the frame).





EXIT

Well, hello yonder Allston, ye fair city across the river Charles. We at SOME hope things are well at the ole gallery. If you're not familiar with EXIT and Mr. Sam Fish, check them out here. Great times ahead.




FACES FROM EDDIE MELLOW

This artist makes ghoulish clay figureheads and replicates them in sticker form. I've been lucky enough to stumble on one of Mr. Mellow's actual clay heads hanging from a nail on a telephone pole and let it be. The next week it was gone. Should have snagged it. Get yours and stay up to date on his work here.


(And shout out #ArtStaysHere, volunteer-based arts coalition that works to prevent arts displacement and create arts spaces in Boston).





EELS JYKINGS HOULA

Not sure of the backstory on this sticker, but it's so well distributed, it warranted including. Here's Shel Silverstein reading his poem Hula Eel; closest thing I could find.





EXCERPT FROM THE REVOLUTION OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Check out Raoul Vaneigm's "Revolution of Everyday Life" at your local library. Or, you know, get the gist from this sticker.





WHAT CHEER RECORDS + VINTAGE

An old sticker from a beloved record store formerly based on Thayer Street in Providence, RI. The shop closed its brick and mortar location in 2017, but the owners pop up around New England at events like Somerville's Rock n Roll Yard Sale.





ROCK N ROLL YARD SALE

Speaking of, save the date: Sunday, September 8, 2024 in Union Square. Keep an eye out for the folks from What Cheer!





GIVE THE CHILDREN A BRAKE

Not a sticker, but a sign — that you need to slow the fuck down. And look out for more stickers.





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