As you walk around Allston, you can’t help but notice the wonderland of art lining its city walls. From massive murals like the one outside of Allston Pudding-beloved Great Scott to the often-comical scenes covering the electrical boxes along the streets, Allston is coated in public art. Where does it come from? How did it get there? Most of all, how can we support it?

Allston Village Main Streets joined forces with the ARCH Gallery team along with local artists, musicians, restaurants and more to create a fundraiser for Allston public art on March 9 at the Brighton Music Hall.

Local musicians DJ Leah V, Matthew Connor and Bryan Murphy of The Shills will all be performing at the event to help raise funds. Of course, what’s an art fundraiser without art itself? Local exhibitors will include the !ND!V!DUALS Collective, Jasmine “Kimieye” Graham, Karen Jerzyk, Daniel Levy and many more. To save the best for last, food and drinks will be provided from the ever-scrumptious Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Lulu’s, Garlic N’ Lemons and Bon Chon.

We caught up with the Allston Village Main Streets Executive Director Alana Olsen to find out more about the organization and how you can support public art in the community.

Allston Pudding: What is the mission of Allston Village Main Streets?

Alana Olsen: Allston Village Main Streets is a neighborhood non-profit organization that works to make Allston a better place to live, work, dine, shop and own a business. Some of our work includes holding special events like the taste of Allston, managing the weekly Allston Village Farmers Market, providing assistance to small business owners, and advocating for a more walkable and bikeable Allston Village. We are part of the Boston Main Streets Program, a City of Boston Program that provides support to 20 neighborhood non-profit organizations that do work to improve their communities.

AP: What do you do as executive director of the organization?

AO: As the Executive Director I oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization and coordinate the efforts of all of the volunteers who make everything we do possible.

AP: What do you hope to accomplish from the Arts on our Avenues event at Brighton Music Hall?

AO: Arts on our Avenues is a celebration of the artistic and cultural influences in our community that shape Allston and create its vibrancy. We look forward to hearing from Julie Burros, the City of Boston’s Chief of Arts and Culture about her vision for Allston and other creative hubs in Boston. Also we hope to raise significant funds and support for the maintenance of existing public art and to fund more public art.

AP: Where will the funds go that are raised at the event?

AO: All funds raised at the events will go to support Allston Village Main Streets and our efforts to maintain the existing public art, and enliven our streetscape with new public art every year. This year we are specifically raising funds for a gateway mural that will be on the third and fourth-floor exterior walls of the Contal building at 1211 Commonwealth Ave.

AP: How can individuals get involved that can’t make it to the event?

AO: We hope that everyone can make the event, but if you can’t we are always looking for volunteers and donations. Visit www.allstonvillage.com for more information.

AP: In general, how can individuals be more supportive of the arts in their local community?

AO: Mayor Walsh, in creating a cabinet level position in the Chief of Arts and Culture has demonstrated that the arts are a priority for him and his administration. Every community has a local arts organization – if you’re passionate about the arts get involved! Donate, volunteer your time, or just call them and share your ideas.

AP: What are some recent accomplishments of AVMS outside of this event?

AO: Recently Allston Village Main Streets was awarded a grant from the Boston Cultural Council in support of public art in Allston Village.

AP: What is your favorite thing about Allston?

AO: I love Allston. As a resident and someone who works in the community I always enjoy the music, food and culture in Allston, but I have to say my favorite thing about Allston is the people. We have a wonderful and diverse community, and it’s because of the people who live here.

Find out more about this event and grab your tickets for a donation here.