Downtown Mural Announcement – We Have an Artist!

We are so excited to share that we’ve selected an artist to paint the Downtown Ellsworth Outdoor Public Art Mural. Maine artist Judy Taylor was selected from a large pool (17) proposals submitted through our recent Request for Qualifications process, held earlier this fall. Judy operates a studio and gallery in Seal Cove and, in addition to the extensive work she’s known for in galleries and installations across Maine and the East Coast, she has a well-known mural that hangs in the Maine State Museum — the “Maine Labor Mural.” 

Judy studied classical painting at the New York Academy of Art winning a scholarship as part of their project master program, the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design. She has also studied extensively in Europe. 

The site for the mural will be the brick Coastal Interiors building on the banks of the Union River. The mural site was donated by Coastal Interiors and initial seed money was received from Maine Community Foundation. Recent funding from the Maine Arts Commission will move the project toward the next phase. The second phase includes subject research, community engagement, promotion and fundraising. The third phase involves the actual painting of the mural and is scheduled in the spring/ fall of 2022. Heart of Ellsworth is currently exploring all funding opportunities through grants and community support.

Judy will work with the Heart of Ellsworth Mural Committee, community groups and volunteers to research potential subjects. She will create renderings of 2- 3 options, which will be put out for community input. The selection committee will select the final design. She will also work with the Heart of Ellsworth staff and committee to plan spring activities, student involvement and the mural actualization process. She has substantial experience mentoring and teaching high school students and has successfully organized teams of students and community members to be part of her past mural projects.

Artist Judy Taylor from 2020. Photo courtesy of the artist.

“I’m so happy to receive this commission to head up the design and implementation for the Water Street mural and to work within my own community. I look forward to putting together a team and getting down to the creative work of designing a large work of art that is not just decorative but inspiring, well thought out and executed. It will be an honor to bring this to the Ellsworth community. Public art reaches everyone and communities are considering enhancing and enriching public spaces. Beyond that, I like it (subject matter) to be thought provoking, inspirational and embracing. At its best, it makes you stop and look and then call your neighbor over.” – Judy Taylor, Maine Artist selected to paint the Downtown Ellsworth Outdoor Public Art Mural

Would you like to help support the mural? You can find more information at heartofellsworth.org/downtown-mural