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‘Art is Empowering’

Colorful, surprising, and shared by all, a new wave of public art builds community in Lewiston.

By Bates College

September 13^th, 2024

You can always go downtown

The next time you’re in our home city of Lewiston, enjoy the recent visual explosion of public art, made possible by support from the city government and local nonprofits, including the longstanding community arts organization L-A Arts.

“Art is empowering,” said James Parakilas, professor emeritus of music at Bates and chair of L-A Arts, in an interview with the Lewiston Sun Journal.

Public art is especially so because of its accessibility, he added. “It’s shared because we can all see it.”

Artists from everywhere

Among the new public art in recent years is a retro, aluminum sign with bright neon lights by Lewiston sculptor Charlie Hewett that challenges Main Street passersby to be Hopeful.

There’s a blue jay mural painted by Jared Goulette, born and raised in Vermont and a graduate of the Maine College of Art & Design. And a zebra mural by Brazilian artist Arlin Graff.

From utility boxes to architectural gems

You’ll pass by painted fire hydrants and utility boxes, butterflies and bicycles, and colorful larger-than-life murals and sculptures.

You can gaze up at historic downtown architectural gems or across at paintings in windows of Lisbon Street businesses.

Z is for zebra

There are scenes of nature inspired by the work of renowned Maine artist Marsden Hartley — and whoopie pies. There’s something for everyone.

You might be surprised by Arlin Graff’s huge, leaping zebra, a symbolic message of community among longtime Lewiston residents and new members of the immigrant community. “Zebras are rarely alone,” he explained. “They live and work in community.”

Bird is the word

You might stop by a pop-up event with the Lewiston Farmers’ Market to see hand-painted cornhole boards or vivid birdhouses decorated by neighborhood children.

You might sneak a peek at St. Mary’s Nutrition Center’s Good Food Bus, a mobile food market creating easier access to healthy food — yet another way to nourish the community.