Temporary outdoor art highlighting Waterville’s rich history and iconography as interpreted by local artists will grace Waterville landmarks – installation begins July 2nd
Waterville, Maine — Waterville Creates!, one of Maine’s leading arts and cultural organizations and a key driver in making the city a vibrant destination in central Maine, has launched a Public Art Task Group to foster community involvement and collaboration through the execution of highly-visual, dynamic Public Art Installations throughout Waterville. One of the primary goals identified in the Waterville Cultural Blueprint, a roadmap to enhancing greater Waterville’s creative economy endorsed by the City of Waterville, is to provide diverse encounters with art, culture, and creativity in the public realm through public art, the city streetscape, neighborhood programs and enhancements, and public performances in both traditional and nontraditional venues. In keeping with this goal, the Public Art Task Group is embarking upon its first Public Art Installation, Waterville Wheat Paste, which will begin going up on buildings throughout downtown Waterville next week in anticipation of the 20th Annual Maine International Film Festival this July. Installation will begin in select locations on Sunday, July 2nd and will remain visible to passersby through September 30th.
The Waterville Creates! Public Art Task Group is working with Maine wheat paste artist Kerstin Gilg and select local artists to install 10 large-scale temporary wheat paste and paper artworks on historically significant landmarks in the downtown Waterville area. Artists were invited to work with pre-selected historic photographs and iconic images of Waterville, including the Hathaway Man and the Two Cent Bridge, and were encouraged to reinterpret, manipulate, and recreate the imagery in a way that reflects their perceptions of Waterville. Kerstin Gilg will oversee the installation process, having successfully overseen a project of similar size and scope in the town of Gardiner for two consecutive years.
“One of the things that is appealing about wheat paste is its temporary nature,” said Shannon Haines, Waterville Creates! President and CEO. “It is also very high-profile and accessible yet still affordable, which makes it a great way for the Public Art Task Group to kick off its efforts to engage both residents and visitors alike.”
“I am excited to be contributing to the creative landscape within Waterville,” said Kerstin Gilg. “A lot of positive growth has happened in a relatively short period of time and this wheat paste project will serve as a terrific highlight for the arts. This kind of project, at its core, is a physical illustration of the care people have for their city. It is a reflection of value, inclusion and pride for shared public spaces and how these areas can be used to share ideas and strengthen community.”
Where can you find Waterville Wheat Paste? Art is planned for the following locations, which were selected by participating artists in conjunction with Waterville Creates! staff:
The Center, 93 Main Street facing Castonguay Square – Lisa Wheeler
The Center, 93 Main Street facing the Waterville Opera House – Chris Nilles
The Old Post Office, 1 Post Office Square – Serena Sanborn, Bria Sanborn and Jessica Shoudy
Joe’s Smoke Shop, 121 Main Street – Gary Green
The Rancourt Building, Across from Silver Street Tavern – Kate Barnes
Camden National Bank, 33 Main Street – Helene Farrar
Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street – Peter Precourt
Railroad Square Cinema, 17 Railroad Square – MIFF 2017 Poster Art
Two additional locations are still being confirmed to feature the work of artists Kerstin Gilg and Karen Adrienne.
About Waterville Creates!
Waterville Creates! promotes increased awareness of cultural opportunities and events while supporting enhanced programming and operations for its community partners and audiences. Waterville Creates! provides marketing, administrative, and development services to arts and cultural institutions in the greater Waterville area. Learn more at https://www.watervillecreates.org