June 7, 2015 marks the 250th anniversary of the city of Concord, and plans for the citywide celebration are already underway. Concord 250, a newly formed non-profit organization, is a group of citizens and friends of Concord with the mission of supporting and promoting the 250th anniversary for the benefit of all residents, guests and friends of the city.
But what is a birthday celebration without a gift? Over the next six months, during various community events that take place in the city, mosaics will be created by community members. The finished product will be a beautiful display of artwork that Concord 250 will present to the city of Concord to commemorate its 250th Anniversary and installed publicly in downtown Concord for all residents and visitors to enjoy. The project is sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group and being organized by Concord 250, Jessica Fogg of JFogg Social Inspirations and local artist Lizz Van Saun of Kast Hill Studio.
Community members are invited to participate in the creation of Mosaic 250, making the project truly a community-owned work of art. Mosaic 250 will be a piece of history that will live on in the Concord community for many years.
“We recognize that art builds community, so what better way to celebrate Concord’s 250 years of history and achievement than through a community art project?” said Byron Champlin, program officer at Lincoln Financial Group. “We hope that this mosaic will be a lasting gift to the city on its birthday as well as a project that brings the perse parts of our community together in a common endeavor.”
During its tenure as public art, the mosaic will serve as a focal point in the city and its legacy will live on as subsequent city anniversary celebrations occur. The location of the final installation is still to be determined, but organizers are working with downtown building owners to select the ideal location.
“Creative choice and placement of public art can make the difference between a ‘nice’ downtown and a really cool downtown. And public art that involves the public in its assemblage adds a real depth of meaning for the community,” said Tim Sink, president of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.
The Mosaic 250 project got underway at the June 6 Dancin’ in the Streets party and the June 7 Concord Arts Market, but there’s more opportunities to contribute ahead.
Community members can participate in the creation of Mosaic 250 during the following events:
∎ Midsummer Night Magic, June 20, 4-7 p.m., downtown Concord.
∎ Granite State Music Festival, June 21 and 22, 2-5 p.m., Kiwanis Riverfront Park.
∎ Free Family Fun at Market Days, July 17, 18 and 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., State House lawn.
∎ Concord Arts Market, Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Bicentennial Square.
∎ Concord Arts Market, Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Bicentennial Square.
∎ Porkfest, Aug. 17, 12-2 p.m., Merrill Park.
∎ Concord Arts Market, Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Bicentennial Square.
∎ Concord Multicultural Festival, Sept. 13, 1-6 p.m., State House lawn.
