Milford Seeks Artists For Art In The Parks Project

MILFORD, MA — The Milford Cultural Council has opened the submission period for the town's second public art project involving picnic tables. It's the first of two projects coming up this spring where local artists will get the chance to create public pieces that will be on display along the Upper Charles Trail.

Here's more from a Milford Cultural Council news release:

The Milford Cultural Council (MCC) is excited to announce a multiphase public art initiative, Art in the Parks, being conducted in partnership with the Milford Parks Department and Highway Department. Launching now is a second round of the Brush to Table Picnic Table Project. This year, the council is purchasing three picnic tables from the Milford High School Building Trades Department to be creatively painted in a patriotic theme by local artists and installed in a location on the Upper Charles Trail by the Italian-American Veterans Hall in Milford.

The council is now seeking design proposals from artists and art students, as well as financial sponsors for each table. Artists and sponsors will be recognized on a metal plaque that will be installed on each table upon completion. The artists and sponsors will also be recognized in an online portfolio of all designs.

Each artist is welcome to submit more than one design proposal. Designs will be reviewed by the MCC Public Art Subcommittee based on feasibility, originality, innovation, and adherence to design criteria.

Community groups, service clubs, businesses, schools, churches, residents, artists, and other community groups and/or organizations are eligible to sponsor tables. Sponsors may choose an artist to work with on a design proposal, or they may select an approved design from a portfolio provided by the MCC. Potential sponsors are welcome to support more than one table design. Applicants (artists and sponsors) need to mail, email, or deliver to Milford Town Hall a completed proposal no later than midnight on April 15.

Detailed information for artists and sponsors, including the sponsorship form and design entry form, can be downloaded from the town website. Go to MilfordMa.gov/milford-cultural council and click “Milford Cultural Council Brush to Table Call to Artists and Sponsors” in the left menu panel.

The MCC will notify winning artists and sponsors by April 25, 2022. Questions about this project can be emailed to culturalcouncil@townofmilford.com. To see a map and portfolio of the Brush to Table designs completed in 2021, go to MilfordMa.gov/milford-cultural-council and click “Brush to Table Map and Portfolio of Tables” in the left menu panel.

The second phase of Art in the Parks will launch in early May, when the council will invite local artists to design and paint a series of 12 trash barrels to be placed along the Upper Charles Trail and in Milford parks. The council will also be seeking community groups, businesses, families, and individuals to sponsor each barrel. Additional planned projects for Art in the Parks include the installation of a permanent chess table at Town Park, as well as painted game boards on existing tables at Louisa Lake.

The MCC seeks to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural experience for all Milford residents. Current members include: Geri Eddins, Chairperson; Sandra Buckley, Vice Chairperson; Martin Montoya, Treasurer; Nicole Romiglio, Secretary; Gary Bonetti, C.C. Chapman; Maxwell Li; Jenny Lyons; Patricia Solomon; Michael Visconti; and Sara Vono-Caires. Any resident who is interested in joining the council is invited to complete a talent bank application (available on the town website) and return it to the Town Administrator’s office.

The MCC welcomes ideas, recommendations, and feedback regarding programs and events funded or sponsored by the council. Interested Milford residents are encouraged to attend meetings, which are held every third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. typically in Room 14 of Town Hall. Comments and requests for information can be emailed to the council at CulturalCouncil@TownofMilford.com.