Thank you to WGME for capturing an epic sunrise (with the sun in between the Great Egrets heads!) and covering this new public art installation in their piece “New avian sculpture unveiled on Back Cove Trail in Portland“.
Thank you to John Ryan, Marc Bourgeois and the team at Wright-Ryan for donating washed river stone and labor to anchor the two Great Egrets in “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)”. They spent Monday June 10 installing with The Myth Makers, and we are all so grateful for your partnership!
Congratulations on 40 years of serving Portland and beyond!
For forty years, Wright-Ryan has delivered construction services of the highest professional standard to clients throughout northern New England. Our team of highly skilled and motivated professionals recognizes that our work goes far beyond building the project. We are in the business of helping our clients achieve their organizational goals by providing thoughtful advice, innovative strategies, and consistent support beginning at the earliest stages and continuing through to our unmatched warranty services.
Wright-Ryan Construction is proud to be a partner in the “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” project by The Myth Makers. Located in Portland, right in our backyard, this initiative brings together community, creativity, and nature in an engaging display. At Wright-Ryan Construction, we believe in the power of art to transform spaces and inspire joy. Our team is dedicated to providing the expertise and support necessary to bring this imaginative project to life, ensuring it stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and the beauty of shared public spaces. Wright-Ryan Construction is excited and honored to contribute to this dynamic project, reflecting our commitment to fostering community, celebrating nature, and supporting public art initiatives that enrich our surroundings.
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Website www.wright-ryan.com
Instagram @wrightryanconstruction
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Dearest TEMPOart supporters!
You are invited to join us for the monumental arrival of TEMPOart’s 2024 commission, “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” by The Myth Makers! We hope you’ll bring a friend or two to this small donor and press event.
Please join us Monday June 10th from 8-9AM at the Back Cove Trail Parking, Preble St. Ext., to watch two Great Egrets made of bamboo land in Portland, ME from 8AM-9AM. Coffee and pastries provided by Small Business Council Member Coveside Coffee!
Thank you to Wright-Ryan Construction for donating their services to help install this new public art piece for all to enjoy.
Thank you to artist and activist Anna Siegel for this stunning design helping us prepare for the birds.
Thank you to Pete Fitz at Buoy Media for capturing this installation – he is offering a generous donation on his services, and we are grateful to the Maine Office of Tourism for their marketing support.
Creating a monumental sculpture like “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” involves a blend of artistic vision, meticulous planning, and hands-on craftsmanship. This blog post takes you behind the scenes of The Myth Makers’ creative process, offering a glimpse into the intricate steps involved in bringing this bamboo masterpiece to life.
The journey of “Dancing for Joy” began with a concept inspired by the natural beauty and vibrant birdlife of Back Cove. Dodson and Moerlein envisioned two great egrets, captured in their enchanting mating dance, as a symbolic representation of the area’s wildlife and the dynamic flow of people through the park.
The initial design phase involved detailed sketches and digital renderings, allowing the artists to refine their vision and address practical considerations such as scale, materials, and site-specific challenges. The goal was to create a sculpture that is both visually striking and interactive, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with the artwork.
A key aspect of The Myth Makers’ work is their commitment to using natural, sustainable materials. For “Dancing for Joy,” they chose bamboo, a material known for its strength, flexibility, and environmental benefits. Bamboo grows quickly and requires minimal resources, making it an eco-friendly choice for large-scale sculptures.
The artists carefully selected bamboo stalks of varying sizes and shapes, ensuring that each piece would contribute to the overall structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the sculpture.
Building a twenty-foot-tall bamboo sculpture is no small feat. The construction process began with the creation of a sturdy framework, using larger bamboo stalks to form the primary structure. This framework provided the necessary support for the intricate weaving and binding of smaller bamboo pieces that followed.
Dodson and Moerlein employed traditional bamboo construction techniques, including lashing and knotting, to securely bind the bamboo elements together. This hands-on craftsmanship not only ensured the stability of the sculpture but also added a layer of authenticity and connection to natural materials.
Every large-scale art project comes with its own set of challenges, and “Dancing for Joy” was no exception. One of the primary challenges was ensuring the sculpture’s stability and durability, given its temporary nature and exposure to the elements. Bamboo is naturally weather resistant, and the design of the anchors and ballasts ensure stability.
Throughout the construction process, Dodson and Moerlein documented their progress with photos and videos, capturing the evolution of the sculpture from initial sketches to final assembly. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offer a fascinating look at the dedication and craftsmanship involved in bringing “Dancing for Joy” to life.
The creation of “Dancing for Joy” is a testament to The Myth Makers’ artistic vision, technical skill, and commitment to sustainability. As the sculpture takes its place on the shores of Back Cove, it stands as a beacon of creativity and community, inviting all who visit to share in the joy and wonder it embodies.
Follow The Myth Makers:
Website https://www.themythmakers.org/
Instagram @themythmakersblog
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Myth-Makers/
TEMPOart’s mission is to commission temporary public art that sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires our collective imagination. This blog post highlights how our latest commission, “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” opening June 13 5-6PM, aligns with TEMPOart’s vision and its impact on Portland’s public spaces.
Since its inception, TEMPOart has been dedicated to enriching Portland’s public spaces through temporary art installations. Each project is designed to be accessible, thought-provoking, and inclusive, encouraging people from all walks of life to engage with art in meaningful ways.
“Dancing for Joy” is the latest addition to TEMPOart’s portfolio, reflecting the organization’s commitment to fostering community connection and dialogue. By bringing large-scale public art to Back Cove Trail and Park, TEMPOart aims to create a space where people can come together, share experiences, and appreciate the transformative power of art.
TEMPOart has a history of successful projects that have left a lasting impact on the community. Previous installations, such as “The American Dream”, have sparked conversations on important social issues, from immigration to environmental sustainability. These projects have demonstrated the potential of public art to inspire reflection, dialogue, and positive change.
The organization’s events and programming further enhance the impact of these installations, offering educational opportunities and engaging activities for people of all ages. By partnering with local schools, cultural institutions, and community groups, TEMPOart ensures that its projects are deeply rooted in the community and accessible to everyone.
“Dancing for Joy” embodies TEMPOart’s mission in multiple ways. The installation’s interactive design invites visitors to engage with the sculpture, encouraging physical movement and playful exploration. The depiction of great egrets in their mating dance symbolizes the vibrant life and dynamic interactions that characterize Back Cove Trail and Park.
The dedication of the installation to the freedom to marry who you love aligns with TEMPOart’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and social justice. By celebrating a significant milestone in Maine’s history, “Dancing for Joy” highlights the power of collective action.
TEMPOart also collaborates with local schools and educational institutions to provide learning opportunities that complement the curriculum and inspire students to explore their creativity. These programs are designed to be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and benefit from public art.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, TEMPOart relies on the generosity of donors to fund its projects and make public art free and accessible to all. Contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations are vital to the success of TEMPOart’s mission and help bring transformative art experiences to Portland’s public spaces.
“Dancing for Joy” is a testament to TEMPOart’s vision of art as a catalyst for community connection and dialogue. By commissioning and supporting temporary public art, TEMPOart enriches Portland’s public spaces and inspires people to see their world in new ways. We invite you to join us in celebrating this magnificent installation and the vibrant community it brings together.
The choice of great egrets for TEMPOart’s “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” is rich with symbolism and meaning. This blog post explores the deeper significance of these majestic birds and how they reflect the themes of nature, community, and love embedded in the installation.
Great egrets are among the most captivating birds found along the shores of Back Cove. Known for their elegant appearance and striking courtship displays, these birds are a symbol of beauty and grace in the natural world. Their presence in Back Cove is a testament to the area’s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving local habitats.
Each spring, great egrets engage in a flamboyant mating dance, growing extravagant plumes and leaping with abandon to attract and impress a mate. This behavior is not only a fascinating natural spectacle but also a metaphor for the vibrancy and dynamism of life in Back Cove.
The Myth Makers chose great egrets as the central figures in their sculpture to highlight the connection between nature and the community. The duet of egrets performing their mating dance symbolizes the harmonious relationship between the environment and the people who visit and cherish Back Cove Trail and Park.
The sculpture also embodies themes of love and freedom. Great egrets share all nesting and child care duties, representing a partnership based on equality and mutual support. This aspect of their behavior aligns with the installation’s dedication to the freedom to marry who you love, celebrating the will of the people to democratically transform society.
“Dancing for Joy” serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. By depicting great egrets in their courtship dance, the sculpture invites viewers to appreciate the wonders of local wildlife and the importance of preserving natural spaces for future generations.
The installation also enhances the sense of community within Portland. As a meeting place and interactive art piece, it encourages people to come together, explore, and engage with the artwork and each other. The various entryways of the sculpture, designed for all ages, invite everyone to participate in the joyous display of the dancing egrets.
The dedication of “Dancing for Joy” to the freedom to marry is particularly meaningful in Maine, one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage through a citizen’s petition that won the popular vote in 2012. This milestone reflects the power of collective action.
By honoring this achievement, the sculpture not only celebrates love in all its forms but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The great egrets of “Dancing for Joy” are more than just a visual spectacle; they are a powerful symbol of nature’s beauty, community connection, and the enduring spirit of love and freedom. As visitors encounter this magnificent installation, they are invited to reflect on these themes and join in the celebration of the vibrant life that surrounds them in Back Cove.
At the heart of TEMPOart’s latest installation, “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People),” are the creative minds of Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, known collectively as The Myth Makers. This blog post offers a glimpse into the lives and work of these internationally renowned artists, shedding light on their unique collaboration and artistic journey.
Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein bring together a profound love of the wild and an appreciation for the natural world. Dodson, a graduate of Wellesley College, is currently a Resident Scholar at the Brandeis University Women’s Studies Research Center and a Visual Art Fellow at the St. Botolph Club in Boston. Her fascination with the mysterious nature of birds fuels her imagination and artistic expression.
Moerlein, a Dartmouth College and Cornell University alumnus, is a lifelong art educator and community activist. His inspiration often stems from natural events that leave indelible visual marks, igniting a narrative chord in his artwork.
A Journey of Creativity and Collaboration
Dodson and Moerlein have completed over 50 projects in the past 13 years, working across 18 states and internationally in Switzerland, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Their monumental, ephemeral sculptures, crafted from natural materials, are designed to be site-specific and temporary, creating a unique dialogue with their environment and audience.
Their work has received national recognition and numerous accolades. Notably, The State of New Jersey Senate and General Assembly praised their Phoenix Festival for bringing honor to Camden. In 2017, their project “The Dance” was highlighted when the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum received the National Medal for Museum Service. Artnet and the Huffington Post named their “Avian Avatars” the most beautiful art show in New York City in 2015.
Creating “Dancing for Joy”
The collaboration between Dodson and Moerlein for TEMPOart’s “Dancing for Joy” is a celebration of nature, community, and love. This twenty-foot bamboo sculpture of two great egrets performing their mating dance symbolizes not only the local birdlife of Back Cove but also the dynamic movement of people within this cherished space.
The artists’ creative process began with a deep understanding of the local environment and its inhabitants. Dodson’s inspiration from birds and Moerlein’s narrative-driven approach combined to create a piece that is both visually stunning and rich in meaning.
In interviews, Dodson and Moerlein share their excitement about the project and its impact. “We wanted to create something that not only reflects the beauty of Back Cove but also engages the community in a meaningful way,” says Dodson. Moerlein adds, “The great egrets, with their flamboyant mating dance, perfectly symbolize the joy and freedom we wish to celebrate through this installation.”
“Dancing for Joy” by The Myth Makers is more than just a public art installation; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, the beauty of nature, and the spirit of community. As we prepare to unveil this magnificent sculpture, we invite you to join us in celebrating the artists behind the masterpiece and the vibrant creativity they bring to Portland.
Follow The Myth Makers:
Website https://www.themythmakers.org/
Instagram @themythmakersblog
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Myth-Makers/
In collaboration with local choreographer, dance educator and writer Holly Taylor, Portland Youth Dancers recently activated Chris Miller’s Carousel Cosmos with movement. This performance kicks off our spring and summer partnerships with local education organizations.
Portland Youth Dance brought an additional layer of enchantment to the Carousel Cosmos installation by activating this public art sculpture with their dynamic movement performances. Their choreography, inspired by the themes of the artwork, transforms the space into a living canvas where dance and visual art intersect. Through their expressive movements, these talented young dancers brought to life the cosmic journey depicted in Chris Miller’s creation, engaging the audience in a multisensory experience that celebrates the intersection of art, dance, and the wonder of the universe.
Holly Taylor (she/they) is a dance educator, writer, and choreographer from Providence, RI. Her movement background includes modern, ballet, gaga, postmodern and site-specific composition, and various contemporary forms. She has trained with artists from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Trisha Brown Dance Company, and Urban Bush Women, among others, and has performed in original works by Matthew Rushing and Saar Harari. Her writing has been published in PAJ: A Journal of Performance and Art (MIT Press) and Yale Dance Theater Journal, and exhibited at AS220’s Resident Gallery. Holly received her B.A. in American Studies from Yale University and M.A. in Performance Studies from NYU Tisch. She is currently based out of Portland, Maine. Photo by Duc Nguyen.
Request for Qualifications
Public art opportunity in Portland, Maine
Commissioned by: TEMPOart
Budget: $25,000
Open Date: May 13, 2024
Commissioning Location: United States
Geographic Eligibility: New England Resident
Close Date: June 16, 2024 (11:59 PM)
Brief Description
We seek work that will be a catalyst for our mission to spark dialogue, build community, and inspire our collective imagination.
TEMPOart seeks artists, architects, designers, and landscape architects to design and realize a temporary outdoor public work of art to begin in June, 2025. The maximum budget is $25,000 (inclusive of artist fees and any associated travel). The RFQ deadline is June 16, 2024.
Teams and Collectives are invited to apply but must identify a single person in the application who will represent the work of the group.
TEMPOart’s work is to support temporary public art. TEMPOart’s objective is to support public art of two (2) years duration.
The installation will be located outdoors at the plaza of City Hall on Congress Street in Portland, ME.
Materials Requested
TEMPOart asks those responding to this RFQ to submit the following information:
Next Steps and Timeline
After an initial review of RFQ submissions, up to 4 artists will be selected to respond to a Request for Proposals. Artists participating in the RFP will be provided a $500 stipend. Selected artists should become familiar with Temporary Public Art Guidelines for the City of Portland, Maine.
Below is a timeline for the selection process. Dates are subject to change.
RFQ process closes – June 2024
RFQ decisions communicated to Artists – July 2024
RFP process – July – September 2024
Presentations and final selection – September – October 2024
Installation / activation – June 2025
Programming/events – June – October 2025
Diversity and Inclusion
TEMPO welcomes participation in celebration of differences related to gender expression and identity, culture, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, learning style, religion, occupation, nationality, immigration status, and socio-economic status.
Expectations of the Selected Artist
The selected Artist will be expected to participate in 2-3 events related to programming and/or fundraising during the period of November 2024 and October 2025.
The selected Artist is solely responsible for the design, construction, installation, and removal of the artwork and for transportation and insurance related to the installation and the removal of the artwork.
Budget Details
The $25,000 budget can be used for design installation, de-installation, insurance, artist fees, administrative fees to obtain City approval, transportation, and any maintenance required over the course of the installation.
Please direct questions about this RFQ to TEMPOart Interim Executive Director Jessica Muise at [email protected] with “RFQ TEMPOart 2025” in the subject line.
Public art installations transform the streets of Portland into an ever-changing gallery. Featured in Visit Portland’s “25 Free Things to Do in Maine,” TEMPOart collaborates with educational and cultural institutions to bring temporary art exhibits to the city. These installations, designed to provoke thought and inspire conversation, are displayed for one to two years, adding a dynamic and fresh element to Portland’s cultural scene.
Explore the creativity and community spirit that TEMPOart fosters through its innovative projects. For more details on current and upcoming installations, check out our site. And don’t miss the full list of amazing free activities in Greater Portland, including our feature in Visit Portland’s guide here.
