BETHEL – A blend of art and nature sculptures could one day grace Bethel area trails.
At Monday night’s meeting, selectmen expressed interest in the Mahoosuc Arts Council project, as presented by Executive Director Vicki Rackliffe.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Selectman Chairman Harry Dresser Jr. Three other board members agreed.
Rackliffe said the council was considering applying for a grant to support sculpture artwork that would be placed along current trail systems used by the public. Such trails would include the Pathways Project, the Mount Will extension and possibly the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s gateway.
Rackliffe told selectmen that the sculptures would be gifts to the town because they would be on town land.
“We hope to employ Maine artists in this project,” she said.
The number of sculptures would depend on the cost per sculpture, and the placement would be subject to mutual agreement. Rackliffe said that the type or subject matter of the sculpture would be determined by site visitation by the artist, who would be asked to propose sketches of the artwork.
Other factors in the process include discussion between the artist and the council regarding content, materials and cost. Selectmen are to have final consideration.
“If public reaction is favorable, this project might be extended to include future walkways defined by the newly formed Trails Committee,” Rackliffe said.
Dresser said any grant funding must be accepted by voters at town meeting or a special town meeting. But Town Manager Scott Cole said that funding of up to $25,000 can be accepted by selectmen without a town vote.
To give selectmen an idea of possible sculptures, Rackliffe provided three photographs of nature- or wildlife-oriented sculptures, one of which was a trio of playful otters.
Other ideas, she said, could involve kinetic sculptures or wind chimes.
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