Springtime to bring Meredith new sculptures

MEREDITH — As warmer weather returns, those living in or passing through Meredith will see something exciting happening. In late spring (May, to be exact), a group of people will install and, in some cases, replace sculptures that have graced outdoor locations in the community for months.

Springtime is the annual installation of new pieces for the Meredith Sculpture Walk, a project of the Greater Meredith Program.

The sculptures stay up all year, and the changing seasons and weather cannot deter the exhibition of over 30 sculptures. The pieces are chosen by a jury committee composed of area artists, and the submission guidelines are strict. Starting in January of each year, applications are available to artists online, with a deadline in March. During April, the jury meets to review the applications, with installations in May. The set-up process goes on into June, and docent-led tours of the Sculpture Walk begin in July.

“We began the Sculpture Walk in 2014, so this is our 12th year,” said Bev Lapham, chair of the committee. “In 2012, the Greater Meredith Program did a major beautification project in The Courtyard On Main, which we landscaped, added a paver walkway, and installed lighting and benches. We also installed two sculptures from local artists. It was a huge public success, and the concept of a Meredith Sculpture Walk grew from there.”

“We started with 24 sculptures in the beginning, and by the second year, the response to the Call to Artists was so strong that we expanded our site number to 32, where we remain today.”

Initially, the call for sculpture submissions went to northeastern U.S. artists. The community response was overwhelmingly positive after the sculptures were chosen and installed. The Sculpture Walk committee knew they were on to something good.

Submissions now come from sculptors all over the country. Lapham said, “Predominately northeastern artists submit, but there have been many exceptions over the years. Word of mouth is our best friend. We continuously expand our Call To Artists list to reach more sculptors. The quality of the sculptures has remained high.”

Choosing the sculptures is a careful process, and Lapham explained the committee selects three artists each year to jury in the required number of sculptures needed (and alternates) from the call to artists submissions.

For those who pass through or live in Meredith, select sculptures become familiar because some pieces stay up for two years. Lapham said, “Each artist agrees to one year of display. They then can resubmit for a second year, subject to re-jury with new sculptures. After two years, each sculpture terms out.”

Identifying the best place for each sculpture is a process because factors such as space requirements, backgrounds, and the location that best fits each piece must be considered. The jury must also consider if each sculpture is safe and suitable for viewing by all ages.

The Meredith Sculpture Committee collectively selects the individual location for each sculpture, using their judgment and familiarity with the site.

“Water sites are popular, but size is important when viewed from a car window at speed. Quiet/intimate sites are popular for smaller sculptures. Each site has its own characteristics,” Lapham said.

Weather is also a factor. Part of the jurying process is determining if each sculpture can endure two years of New Hampshire’s sometimes harsh weather. Lapham said, “However, our ground team (and citizens) keep an eye on the sculptures throughout the year.”

Some sculptures are placed in peaceful small spots, such as by the Meredith Public Library. “Twenty-one of our sites are in the beautiful Meredith town parks. The remainder are in Mill Falls Marketplace, Meredith Public Library, the Baptist Church, and on private property,” Lapham said.

Docent tours of the sculpture walk begin on June 15, and many

visitors find it helpful to tour the outdoor artwork with a volunteer who knows about the pieces and the artists who created them.

It is hard to miss the sculptures due to the size of many pieces and the unusual colors and shapes. Some are amusing, some have messages that require thought, and many are beautiful works of art that can be enjoyed year round.

Once the sculptures are chosen and arrive in Meredith, the ground team goes to work installing them. Lapham knows the process quite well and said, “We have a very experienced volunteer ground team that meets the artists on a scheduled basis and assists in installing or removing each sculpture. The key to the installation is that it be secure on its base and safe from elements that might injure the public.”

Past years have seen a wide variety of sculptures that are familiar to many. Pieces such as Eye of the Beholder, Black Sailboat, Cow, and others have enlivened the streets and waterfront of Meredith.

Art lovers and others eagerly anticipate each year’s sculpture choices. One thing can be assured: no matter the size or location, every sculpture will be discussed by viewers with favorite pieces selected.

For visitors wanting the full Sculpture Walk experience, a handy map with a keyed location for each piece of art is available at greatermeredith.org.