News and Events – Page 3

Building Community: TEMPOart’s Mission

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” and “Resonance,” 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.

SUPPORT PUBLIC ART IN YOUR COMMUNITY

The Symbolism of the Great Egrets

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.

Meet The Myth Makers: Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein

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/

Portland Youth Dancers activate the cosmos

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

Request for Qualifications: TEMPOart 2025 Project Commission Due June 16

APPLY NOW ON CALL FOR ENTRY

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:

A resume or CV, including a link to the artist’s website, if applicable – Photos or videos of up to 5 different pieces of previously completed, with a maximum of 3 detail shots per piece, including any outdoor public artworks. Please upload no more than 10 photos and/or videos in total.

An Artist Statement of no more than 300 words (excluding spaces) to share why the artist is interested in the opportunity.

Artists who may not have previously completed an outdoor public art project of this magnitude should use the Artist Statement to describe how they would meet this opportunity. Please include the outdoor artwork qualifications of any partners you are planning to work with.

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 manager@tempoartmaine.org with “RFQ TEMPOart 2025” in the subject line.

APPLY NOW ON CALL FOR ENTRY

TEMPOart installations featured in Visit Portland’s “25 Free Things to Do in Maine”

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.

Portland Media Center captures Catalyst

At Catalyst, TEMPOart’s annual fundraiser, The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, unveiled their latest masterpiece, Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People). This stunning twenty-foot bamboo sculpture, featuring two great egrets performing their mating dance, will be installed at Back Cove Trail and Park in June 2024. The installation, which symbolizes community interaction and celebrates Maine’s historic 2012 same-sex marriage vote, will transform this beloved trail, visited by over 250,000 people annually, into an even more vibrant hub of artistic expression.

The Myth Makers shared their inspiration and the extensive programming planned around Dancing for Joy. TEMPOart has developed interactive workshops, guided tours, and family-friendly events to engage the community and deepen their connection to the artwork. These initiatives aim to foster creativity and a greater appreciation for the natural world, making the installation a true community centerpiece.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Portland Media Center for capturing this special evening and preserving the magic of Catalyst. Their support helps us share the story of Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People) and TEMPOart’s mission with a wider audience. As we look forward to the installation’s unveiling, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the transformative power of public art in Portland.

Discovering Creativity of Building with Bamboo

Saturday June 15, 10AM-12PM: Discovering Creativity of Building with Bamboo

Free and open to the public, all are welcome. In this hands-on workshop, participants will experience the strength and versatility of bamboo first hand, and practice the tools and techniques (even secrets!) used by TEMPOart Artists in Residence The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson& Andy Moerlein to make monumental sculptures.

Using ancient skills taught to the Myth Makers by an octogenarian Taiwanese bamboo master, participants will take bamboo poles and split them into flexible strips. Using this split bamboo, and the unique tools and materials provided, participants will experience the thrill of bamboo art construction. No experience required and all ages 12 and above can accomplish the skills needed to have a delightful experience. Younger children are welcome to work with their parent. This workshop is an opportunity to build with bamboo and create something both useful and lovely. Suggested: garden gloves and sunglasses handy but not required. Outdoors! Check weather and dress appropriately: sunscreen, raingear?

Registration required; please email manager [at] tempoartmaine.org to register.

The Myth Makers interviewed by Portland Press Herald

The Portland Press Herald recently interviewed Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein of The Myth Makers, the artist team behind TEMPOart’s 2024 commission Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People). We love this excerpt here from the interview sharing how a site visit inspired the piece that will be landing June 13, 2024.

Read the whole article “Meet the artists (and the egrets) coming to the Back Cove this summer” on Portland Press Herald or below.

“How did you conceptualize this piece?

Moerlein:
We always start every piece that we do with site visits. It’s really important for us to be connected to the site and make sure that whatever we decide to build is connected to the site. So we drove up on a beautiful day and hiked around the trail. It was in the fall, and it was really exciting to see the great egrets were in such abundance. It was kind of odd. We hadn’t seen that in a while, that many of them. We must have counted 10 or 15 of them. Of course, it was in the fall, and it must have been all the babies were out. But it was just delightful. We saw them and were just very intrigued. And we looked at the site, and it’s well located. The beauty of doing the great egrets is they’re white. They’ll be very visible against all sorts of surfaces, but they’ll also have that ephemeral, translucent quality that our sculptures have.

And we always try to attach an avatar, a person that somehow represents the extravagance of the bird or the unique qualities. … With the great egrets, it came to mind the couple that was the first couple to be married under the same sex law. What was really interesting about that was that law was enacted by the will of the people. The people refused to let it get smothered in the Legislature. … So they put it on a citizens petition, and it was put on the ballot.

The idea basically is a blending of the joyful dance of the great egret and the joyful dance of the great egret and the joyful response that society has when people are allowed to marry who they love.

Dodson: It’s a Portland, Maine, story. Public art, it often has a purpose. It’s not just decorative. The work we do allows us to often draw upon local stories and tell them or retell them or bring them to light in new ways, and that’s really important.”

pressherald.com-Meet-the-artists-and-the-egrets-coming-to-the-Back-Cove-this-summer Download

Preparing for the birds

David Wade took these amazing photos of our special evening preparing for “Dancing for Joy” to land on Back Cove Trail in June 2024. Thank you for being catalysts for public art! We look forward to seeing you at the Community Opening Thursday June 13 from 5-6PM.

Announcing Dancing for Joy
Presentation by The Myth Makers

Performances by
Holly Taylor, Liz Mulkey, Kristen Stake, & Hannah Wasielewski
Choreography by Holly Taylor in collaboration with dancers

Media Partners
Portland Media Center, Portland Press Herald, Munjoy Hill News, David Wade

Design
Better Yet Design, Loquat, Anna Siegel