WILMINGTON — To celebrate the completed installation of the original artwork on the retaining wall along Beaver Street to School Street, join Wilmington Works and Payne and Elise Junker of Payne Junker Studio for a community art opening on Saturday, June 18, from 4 to 6 p.m.
According to Wilmington Works, the artists and theme for the artwork were chosen through a community vote in 2020, and work has gone on since then to incorporate community input into the design, engineer the installation without damage to the wall, and then produce and install more than 80 feet of sculpture. The finished product depicts the town's natural setting, elements of its human history (logging and sugaring), as well as depicting several of Wilmington's historic buildings in a concluding scene.
During the June 18 event, Beaver Street will be closed from East Main Street to School Street for viewing and photographing of the artwork. Parking for the event is available by the town tennis courts, the Old School parking lot, the two municipal parking lots on Church Street, or any other public parking in town. Spots along School Street (the Old School driveway) will be reserved for guests with limited mobility.
While viewing the art, enjoy music by the talented duo Blind Date (Holly and Joe Fortner), as well as a set by the Southern Vermont Suzuki Violins Woodland Musician troupe. There will be free cookies from Butter Mountain Bakery, as well as lemonade and iced tea to enjoy.
Beaver Brook Children's School will have a craft activity for children, as well as plenty of chalk available to adorn Beaver Street.
At the event, winners will be chosen for the artwork prototype raffle. Tickets to win a piece of Wilmington history may be picked up at the event, or online in advance at BeaverStreetArt.com, where you can also find more details about the artwork and the event.
For more information, contact Wilmington Works at 802-234-1433 or visit wilmingtonworksvt.com.