Artists Needed To Give Downtown Manchester Benches New Color

MANCHESTER, CT — Downtown Manchester officials have issued a call to artists for a project to liven up the sidewalk benches.

Imagine Main Street, in cooperation with the Downtown Manchester Special Services District is seeking artists to help renovate the downtown art benches. This project has been made possible by the town of Manchester’s Mini Grant Program for Downtown Arts and Culture.

Colorful benches that were installed by Imagine Main Street several years ago, thanks to the New England weather, are now ready for fresh coats of paint, officials said.

Artists will be chosen by the Imagine Main Street Board of Directors in early July. Those chosen will receive a stipend of $150 to be used to paint the provided backrests for the benches. The backrests will then be installed on recently refinished benches and then placed on Main Street in late August.

Artists can visit imaginemainstreet.com or email cthrall.imaginemain@gmail.com for more information.

All applications, along with detailed sketches, must be received by June 30, 2021.

Here are dome downtown sentiments:

• "Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, economic and aesthetic vitality of a community. It is a great tool for civic engagement, building social capital and encouraging civil discourse. It also provides professional opportunities for artists and cultivates an environment in which creativity thrives." — Stacey Zackin, manager of Work Space
• "Imagine Main Street is thrilled to continue in its mission to revitalize the Downtown District of Manchester, through the economic and cultural impetus of the arts by providing opportunities to our local creators to share their skills and talents. It is our firm belief that a community's identity and health are defined by its support for and encouragement towards its artists and artisans." — Bill Ludwig, town troubadour and President of Imagine Main Street
• "I love the Downtown benches because they add an artistic charm to our lovely downtown Main Street." — Liz Hall, owner of The Angry Egg and Imagine Main Street board member
• "This project will continue the goal of beautifying our historic downtown by adding a splash of color to the street. We’re excited about this project." — Dan Pesce, Downtown economic development specialist
• "The benches on Main Street are a unique look into what makes Manchester so special. Art is alive here. From our alleys, to sidewalks, to benches, to events. Cultivating this energy is an effort recognized by all who come here. Opening The Firestone on Main Street just made sense." — Sophia Dzialo, owner of The Firestone Art Studio & Café
• "Imagine Main Street’s Art Bench Project is an eye catching addition to your walk on Main Street. Projects like this are why we love being a part of Main Street Manchester." — Michael Gerrity, owner of Urban Lodge Brewing, Inc.