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Featuring 10 large-scale sculptures, the endeavor started back in the spring of 2014 when representatives of Bethel Arts met sculptor David Boyajian, whose sculpture barn in New Fairfield is home to many creative works.
Boyajian, along with Bethel’s economic development director and Bethel Arts co-founder Janice Chrzescijanek, worked on a strategy to bring this idea to life.
Once a plan was in place, Bethel Arts applied for and received a $5,000 grant from the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. That supplemented a community art project lasting one year. The remaining $10,000 was raised by volunteer efforts through community support from residents and businesses through a crowdrise campaign.
“My main objective was the proximity of the sculptures to a central location of major public access. The sites were the library and the town hall, both civic institutions with great outreach potential to all the citizens of the community of Bethel," said Boyajian. "Proximity creates a greater sense of inclusion and access to the public and the artist. It creates a sense of balance and community purpose. Each artist that was selected for this exhibition is a close and personal friend of mine with a long working history in the field of sculpture."
Boyajian also created the Hatter's Monument that was dedicated this summer outside Danbury City Hall.
Bethel Arts has put together a walking tour that can be picked up in the library, town hall or viewed on their website at this link.
So far three sculptures have been sold totaling almost $20,000. Those sculptures were replaced by new ones.
In the future, Bethel Arts plans to develop artist talks and programs as well continuing the tradition in 2017 with 10 new sculptures.
Bethel Arts’ Artspace is a gallery and event space at 91 Greenwood Ave. that is open to the public. For more information, visit this link.
Click here for a story about David Boyajian from the Daily Voice.
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