Neighbors Together, the group of Middlebury boosters that is working to keep downtown vital during the railroad bridge replacement project, is getting ready to roll out its “Chain-link Gallery” art project.
Great art is often based on a grid. Ancient tapestries and contemporary computer art all begin with a simple lattice. The chain-link fence that will soon surround Fountain Park is one big grid. Rather than trying to mask it with canvases and flowers and signage, the group looks to celebrate this enormous grid and the possibilities it will create for local artists.
The possibilities for geometric op-art are literally infinite. Simple, inexpensive materials can be used to create eye-popping effects. Large, mural-sized figurative work is only limited to the artist’s imagination.
Ideas for art that can be hung on — or IN — the fences are being solicited. Town Hall Theater, for one, is contacting a long list of artists associated with the Jackson Gallery seeking. Artists have just a few more weeks to submit their design proposals. Grade schools, clubs, computer types, artists of every stripe and level of experience are invited — and encouraged — to participate.
The first series of works will be mounted in June. Between two and four works will be displayed at one time, and will remain on the fence for two or three months, and then will be replaced by new works.
The artist will oversee the creation of the work on the fence. Neighbors Together will supply the labor force — perhaps 6-10 people per artwork— and pay for the cost of materials.
It is assumed the various panels will be in the range of 10 feet wide by 8 feet high. For the all-important summer of 2020, however, it is hoped that there will be one huge mural running the entire length of the fence — 100 feet. A townscape perhaps, or a dreamscape, or who knows what?
To submit an idea, go to townhalltheater.org.