|
Artists' Alley Unveiling in Bristol
Artists' Alley, a Bristol Friends of the Arts project in the planning stage for two years, will reach completion this June with a not-to-be-missed unveiling celebration on Saturday, June 19 from 2 to 5 PM held rain or shine. The community celebration will include food, live music, dignitaries, including Governor Douglas, and the opportunity to be the first to view original works of art by area artists and students.
Artists' Alley is located off Bristol's Main Street between Deerleap Books and the Bristol Shoppe antique store. The space will be a serene oasis featuring artwork created by the community for the community.
Spirit of Vermont Murals
Five breathtaking murals depicting the theme, "The Spirit of Vermont", painted over the winter by five Vermont artists were selected from numerous entries. These unique murals will hang permanently on the sides of the buildings along the alleyway. The mural artists are Mark Benton, Jean Cannon, Brenda Myrick, Colette Paul and Rachael Rice. The artwork will remain covered until the June 19th unveiling.
Sixth Graders Create Unique Benches
The sixth grade classes in each elementary school in the five town area of Bristol, Lincoln, New Haven, Monkton and Starksboro designed and built truly original benches to grace Artists' Alley.
Under the supervision of BFA board member and landscape architect Katie Raycroft-Meyer and with the enthusiastic help of the school art teachers, the students merged their individual bench designs into one bench that represented the group's efforts. The students each made a tile that will be part of the finished benches.
The benches were built by a carpenter in each town who is volunteering his or her time. The students will assist with the placement of the tiles and the finishing touches. At the unveiling, students from each school will briefly discuss the theme of their group's bench and why they chose it.
Brick Walkway Honors Family, Friends & Donors
A serpentine walkway will feature bricks engraved with the names of friends or family members people wish to honor or celebrate. In addition, the names of donors who made the Artists' Alley project possible will be etched in the bricks. If you would like to sponsor a name or names to be engraved in the bricks, please call 453-4032 for more information.
Note Cards to Reflect Murals
Blank note cards of the five mural images will be available to purchase at the unveiling celebration. The cards will be sold in a boxed assortment or individually. Note cards of the students' five benches are planned; however, these may not be completed by June 19.
Musical entertainment during the celebration will be provided by several musicians. Live demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery and painting will be held during the afternoon. A silent auction featuring specialty baskets will be held to benefit Art on Main Cooperative Fine Art and Craft Gallery.
Town Administrator Bob Hall, a member of the mural selection committee, commented, "Artists' Alley will enhance Bristol and provide a comfortable place for folks to wander and enjoy local art."
Grants from the Bolger Foundation, Vermont Arts Council, DRM Community Fund and in-kind and monetary donations from community members helped finance the Artists' Alley Project. Mark your calendar and come help us celebrate this community event.
|
|
