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Public Art In Rochester, NH
Artists and volunteers are working to beautify and enhance the visual landscape of Rochester, New Hampshire. Several artists have been commissioned by sponsors and organizers to create murals and sculptures for various locations. The purpose of this page is to catalog every major public art project in order to create awareness and attract visitors. The projects below are organized by date of completion. There is also a virtual map to locate each project.
See the Virtual Art Map
See the Virtual Art Map
Various Artists / Municipal Campus
In late 2021, the Commission for Arts & Culture, for the City of Rochester, contracted several artists and AMI Graphics to install a variety of art pieces on downtown municipal buildings, to create a Public Art Walk.
The Commission worked with a diverse group of NH artists to create an Art Walk that incorporates existing downtown murals and sculptures from previous efforts. The newly installed works are created with a vinyl material that can be applied or removed without compromising the integrity of the surface area.
“Vinyl murals are great because they don’t damage the buildings and the material is safe in the sun and extreme weather,” said Matt Wyatt, Commission Chair. “Our murals are easily removed or replaced. This was an easy way for us to support local artists and create some additional downtown vibrancy.”
The Commission worked with a diverse group of NH artists to create an Art Walk that incorporates existing downtown murals and sculptures from previous efforts. The newly installed works are created with a vinyl material that can be applied or removed without compromising the integrity of the surface area.
“Vinyl murals are great because they don’t damage the buildings and the material is safe in the sun and extreme weather,” said Matt Wyatt, Commission Chair. “Our murals are easily removed or replaced. This was an easy way for us to support local artists and create some additional downtown vibrancy.”
from left to right: Nate Twombly, Scotty Arsenault (City Hall)
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The murals have been installed on the Public Library, Fire Department, Police Department, and City Hall. There is also a sculpture planned for the Public Library by Barrington artist Adam Pearson. The mural sites and designs were approved by the Planning Board, Historic District Commission, and the City Manager's Office.
Artists include Laura Harper Lake, Michele Johnsen, Mike Durkee (Durkish Delights), Nate Twombly, Sarah Koff, Scotty Arsenault, Susan Schwake, and Tom Glover.
The Art Walk was funded by a grant from the NH State Council on the Arts and a contribution from the City’s Economic Development Department. Michael Scala, Director of Economic Development, describes the project as a benefit to all that look to enjoy the downtown.
“We have a lot of commercial and residential development happening right now and we anticipate a lot of people living downtown in the next year or so,” said Scala. “These new residents are looking for activity, things to do, places to go. We need to be ready for them.”
Shanna Saunders, Director of Planning & Development and staff liaison for the Commission for Arts & Culture, says she’s thrilled to see so many art projects happening in the immediate downtown area.
Artists include Laura Harper Lake, Michele Johnsen, Mike Durkee (Durkish Delights), Nate Twombly, Sarah Koff, Scotty Arsenault, Susan Schwake, and Tom Glover.
The Art Walk was funded by a grant from the NH State Council on the Arts and a contribution from the City’s Economic Development Department. Michael Scala, Director of Economic Development, describes the project as a benefit to all that look to enjoy the downtown.
“We have a lot of commercial and residential development happening right now and we anticipate a lot of people living downtown in the next year or so,” said Scala. “These new residents are looking for activity, things to do, places to go. We need to be ready for them.”
Shanna Saunders, Director of Planning & Development and staff liaison for the Commission for Arts & Culture, says she’s thrilled to see so many art projects happening in the immediate downtown area.
from left to right: Susan Schwake, Sarah Koff, Laura Harper Lake (PD)
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from left to right: Tom Glover, Mike Durkee a.k.a Durkish Delights (Library)
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“Rochester has done a wonderful job embracing local arts, in supporting everything from the Museum of Fine Arts and Opera House to installing several unique murals and sculptures around the city,” said Saunders. “These new murals are just the next step in expanding our public art offerings in our growing and vibrant downtown!”
Saunders also encourages private owners to reach out to the Commission for Arts & Culture if they are interested in having public art installed on their property.
“We’re excited to add these murals to our growing Art Walk,” Wyatt continued. “We’re seeing more and more art added in Rochester every year. There are sculptures on Columbus Ave./RT. 125 and the Community Center, a new mural on the backside of Salvation Army, and so many others. Our plan is to continue supporting that positive enhancement of our visual landscape.”
Visit www.RochesterNH.net > Boards & Commissions > Arts and Culture to see the Virtual Art Map, learn more about the Commission for Arts & Culture, and see the interactive Virtual Art Map.
Saunders also encourages private owners to reach out to the Commission for Arts & Culture if they are interested in having public art installed on their property.
“We’re excited to add these murals to our growing Art Walk,” Wyatt continued. “We’re seeing more and more art added in Rochester every year. There are sculptures on Columbus Ave./RT. 125 and the Community Center, a new mural on the backside of Salvation Army, and so many others. Our plan is to continue supporting that positive enhancement of our visual landscape.”
Visit www.RochesterNH.net > Boards & Commissions > Arts and Culture to see the Virtual Art Map, learn more about the Commission for Arts & Culture, and see the interactive Virtual Art Map.
In progress
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Bianca Mireles / Salvation ArmyIn 2020-21, Make Rochester Great commissioned Bianca Mireles to design and organize a mural on the backside of the Salvation Army, facing Union Street/City Hall. The project was initiated by community organizer Jess Clay and Make Rochester Great, a local volunteer group.
Special thanks to Lisa Stanley (Rochester NH Rotary Club & Wit-Way Supply Inc.), Clay Properties, Making Ours Great, Profile Bank, Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, Salvation Army, Kerry Norton, anonymous donor, Home Depot, Rochester Sherwin Williams, Rochester MiBox (Hampton), SOS Recovery Community Organization, Rochester DPW, Miranda Landscape Co. LLC, JET Window Cleaning, Urban Tree (Ray Felts), and DeVuono Painting Group. |
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Mike Durkee / Downtown Dining BarriersIn spring of 2021, volunteers from the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts painted the jersey barriers surrounding temporary outdoor dining areas on North Main Street. With a design conceived by artist Mike Durkee, a small group of painters executed a continuous five-color gradient mountain range and skyscape across more than 20 cement barriers.
“We worked with Durkee to create a design that would be colorful, fun, and easy for volunteers to fill in,” said Amy Regan, Rochester Museum of Fine Arts. “We are very pleased with the results. This is exactly the kind of vibrancy we need to attract more people to our downtown shops and restaurants.” The barriers were originally installed in 2020 as part of the city’s response to COVID-19. At the time, the lack of indoor seating would have been detrimental to most restaurants. City staff worked swiftly to install outdoor dining options within two weeks, according to Jennifer Marsh, Assistant Director of Economic Development, City of Rochester.
“The option for outdoor dining was critical to the success of my restaurant over the past year,” said Chef Kris Enis, owner of Fallen Leaf Bistro. “I love that the barriers were painted. It makes such a difference!” The painting project was supported by the city’s Economic Development Department. Director Michael Scala cites the success of similar projects in Nashua and Manchester. “Jersey barriers are necessary to keep people safe while dining outdoors,” said Scala. “Other cities have done similar art projects to make the barriers more attractive to residents and visitors. The art in our downtown is positively enhancing the overall visual landscape.” |
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Josh Dannin / The Ridge MarketplaceIn 2020, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts commissioned Josh Dannin to submit a design to be used for a vinyl mural at The Ridge Marketplace, between Moo-yah Burgers and 110 Grill. The project was sponsored by the Waterstone Properties Group. Special thanks to AMI Graphics for the printing and installation.
Josh Dannin is an artist and printmaker based in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Working primarily with relief and risograph print processes, he is interested in the intersection between modern technology, traditional craft, and mass production. Dannin has a BFA in Printmaking and Photography from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and an MFA in printmaking from Ohio University. His printed and bound works have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Visit www.joshdannin.com to learn more about the artist.
Watch the install video |
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Bianca Mireles / Recreation DepartmentIn 2020, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts commissioned Bianca Mireles to paint a large mural in the Recreation Department at the Rochester Community Center. The project was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development for the City of Rochester and Rochester Main Street.
Mireles is an artist living and working in the seacoast area. Originally from Big Spring, Texas, Mireles has exhibited in a variety of venues in Los Angeles CA, Birmingham AL, Odessa TX, and Big Spring, TX. She received Bachelors degrees in English and Studio Art at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa. Follow Bianca on instagram (@art.biancamireles) to see more of her work. "I’m honored to work with Matt Wyatt and Amy Regan with the RMFA. They dedicate so much time to facilitating a connection between art and the community," said Mireles. "I’ve lived in three states in the past few years and always gravitate towards the grassroots doers and shakers, and Matt and Amy are exemplary. I love being part of their artistic initiative. Rochester is so lucky to have these two."
Watch the install video |
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Durkish Delights / Community CenterIn 2020, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts commissioned Mike Durkee to paint a large mural in the main entry of the Rochester Community Center. The purpose of the design is to incorporate a diverse group of people with a theme centered around community. The project was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development for the City of Rochester and Rochester Main Street.
Mike Durkee is a graphic and mural artist living and working out of his home studio in Alton, NH. He is originally from Massachusetts and studied fine arts at Chester College. His works have been previously exhibited at Ello Gallery, Oak and Iron Gallery, Monastery Artists Gallery, and Wrong Brain Studios. “The RMFA is special to me because it is such a hidden gem. From the art to the curators themselves, the vibe of this place is so welcoming and fun. I’m so excited to share art in this space," said Durkee. "Art should be accessible to all and I want people to feel welcomed as soon as they enter the Community Center. My goal is to spark people’s curiosity and draw them in to experience all the art Rochester has to offer. There’s a lot of heart in the RMFA and I feel truly blessed to be a part of their vision. Huge thanks to Matt and Amy for this opportunity!”
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Nathan Walker / Community CenterIn late 2019, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts commissioned Nathan Walker to install a large metal sculpture on the front lawn of the Rochester Community Center. The sculpture, a nearly 8ft tall Katydid, made entirely of recycled metal, stands prominently near the main entrance of the Recreation Department. The project was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development for the City of Rochester and Rochester Main Street.
"We recognize that art not only adds to the quality of life of the community but it spurs commerce," said Michael Scala, City of Rochester. "Businesses benefit from a community investing in itself with Public Art – it signals to visitors they are welcome, encourages them to linger, to shop, dine, and live." "I've been an artist for pretty much as long as I can remember, working in animation, graphic design, children's literature, and sculpture," said Nathan Walker, artist. "To me, beautiful design speaks volumes. For over 15 years I have been creating public art to help the respective communities create a strong visual statement and to find their own unique voice."
Watch the install video |
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Bianca Mireles / Barker CourtIn 2019, Bernier Insurance commissioned Bianca Mireles to design a mural specifically for the former Charter Trust building, facing the Union Street parking lot. The project is supported entirely by Bernier Insurance, a financial sponsor of the RMFA.
“We have wanted to support a project like this for years… I think the mural will fit in nicely with all the work the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, and the entire arts community, has already done to enhance our every day lives," said Troy Dillow, Bernier Insurance. "We hope this project inspires our neighbors to add even more wonderful art like this. We believe it’s the key to unlocking the beauty of our downtown.” Bianca Mireles is an artist living and working in the seacoast area. Originally from Big Spring, Texas, Mireles has exhibited in a variety of venues in Los Angeles CA, Birmingham AL, Odessa TX, and Big Spring, TX. She received Bachelors degrees in English and Studio Art at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa. Follow Bianca on instagram (@art.biancamireles) to see more of her work.
“I taught public school, 5th grade reading, and art in Big Spring, Texas. Through community funding, my student Honors Art Club and I helped completely several murals in our downtown district," said Mireles. "Our small downtown was beat up and a bit infamous for being in a downward track. My students got to experience actively partaking in creating change and beauty in a worn space, and that meant a lot to me. As an educator, I had a passion for taking art beyond the classroom and into the community. Although I no longer teach, I’m still an aspiring muralist. Public art is a movement. It is a social tool that can spread ideas, and perpetuate and influence a collective positive identity. The muralist I am inspired by most is Diego Rivera. As a freelance artist, I have a curiosity to explore identity through cultural, historical, scientific, and transcendent perspectives.” |
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Rachel Carpenter / Union StreetIn 2019, Make Rochester Great commissioned Rachel Carpenter to paint a mural on the side of the former Bennett Building, at the intersection of North Main Street and Union Street. The project was organized by community organizer Jess Clay and Make Rochester Great, a local volunteer group.
According to her website, Rachel Carpenter is a freelance artist and illustrator from New England. She practices with a wide range of material; with a specialty in oil, pen & ink, watercolor and ceramics. She works in a vast range of styles and mediums. Search for @RCarpenterArtworks on Facebook to learn more.
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Adam Pearson / Columbus Avenue
In 2019, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts commissioned Adam Pearson to install 3 large metal sculptures along Columbus Ave./Rt. 125. The sculptures are anchored along a paved walking trail that leads to the Rochester Common. The location was chosen because it's a major gateway to the downtown. Approximately 21,000 automobiles pass the site during the week, 30,000 during the weekend. The project was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development for the City of Rochester and Rochester Main Street.
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Adam Pearson is a sculptor and craftsman from Barrington NH. In 2003, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Hampshire. He currently works in the Art Department at the University of New Hampshire. His work focuses on sculpture, ceramics, welding, and casting. Pearson served as the president of the non-profit arts group Art Esprit from 2009 to 2012. As president he led the organization through the successful completion of the major public art projects If These Rocks Could Talk: Stories of the Granite State in 2010; Rochester Creates: Portraits in 2011; and The Mythology of Rochester in 2012. Visit www.pearsonsculpture.com to learn more about Pearson's work.
James Chase / Downtown
In 2017, the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts commissioned James Chase to create public art to cover boarded windows and alley separators in Factory Court, Wyandotte Alley, and on North Main Street. The project was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development for the City of Rochester and Rochester Main Street.
“As we learned from the Arts & Prosperity survey, compiled by Americans for the Arts, measures the economic impact of art and cultural contributions within the community. The arts have been proven to be one of the most powerful economic engines in Rochester," said Karen Pollard, Economic Development Manager. "We are thrilled to support public art throughout our community.”
“As we learned from the Arts & Prosperity survey, compiled by Americans for the Arts, measures the economic impact of art and cultural contributions within the community. The arts have been proven to be one of the most powerful economic engines in Rochester," said Karen Pollard, Economic Development Manager. "We are thrilled to support public art throughout our community.”
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James Chase has been featured in more than 50 art exhibitions since 2009. Recent solo exhibitions include Echoes with the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts and Kill The Lights at South Plains College in Levelland, TX. Visit www.neverfading.com to learn more about Chase's work.
“I am honored to have been commissioned by the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts for a public art project. It says a lot when local organizations and municipalities invest in the arts. This project will hopefully further the appreciation for public art and help beautify the downtown,” said Chase. “The opportunity to interact and give back to the community through the power of art is important to me. I truly believe art builds community.”
“I am honored to have been commissioned by the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts for a public art project. It says a lot when local organizations and municipalities invest in the arts. This project will hopefully further the appreciation for public art and help beautify the downtown,” said Chase. “The opportunity to interact and give back to the community through the power of art is important to me. I truly believe art builds community.”