Mural:  Lake Solitude

Christine Andrews is a mixed media artist based in Deering, NH, whose work is deeply rooted in time spent hiking and observing the forests of New England. With a background in ecology, she is drawn to the energy, resilience, and dynamic relationships in the natural world and creates vibrant, place-based landscapes. When not in the studio or on the trail, Christine teaches life science college courses and plays bass guitar in a local band focused on original music.  

www.candrewsart.com

It’s a sunny, blue skies day in late spring, and you are looking for something to do. It’s been a long winter! Why not hike to Lake Solitude. Yes, you need to hike up past the summit of Mt. Sunapee to a small tarn: (Old Norse word for “pool,” meaning a small mountain lake) to a 6 acre cold water lake.  Lake Solitude is located  in Newbury, NH and there are 3 trails which lead to the lake, Newbury Trail, Andrew Brook Trail, and Province Road Trail. You can also use the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway to reach Lake Solitude.  Average round trip hikes are between 3 ½ to over 4 miles long, and it is suggested you plan on at least a 5 hour trip.  

Lake Solitude is believed to be the crater of an ancient volcano.  The lake averages a depth of 6 feet, with the deepest spot being about 22 ft.  The lake is 2,510 feet above sea level.  When you reach the White Ledges, you can get a great view across NH and you will need to travel down to the lake. At the lake you might discover the campfire ring and the old rowboat, which must have been brought up by some hardy hikers. Don’t try to set sail in the rowboat; it has been patched many times and is still not safe.  Take some time to view the natural life of the area. Some describe the dragonflies that flutter around, and the chirping of frogs near the lake. Fish also inhabit the lake; most common being rock bass, brook trout and smallmouth bass. Be sure to check local fishing rules before casting your line.  Also, swimming is prohibited, including for your dogs.  And if you feel really ambitious and have plenty of time you can follow the flow of water from Lake Solitude, to Andrew Brook, to Lake Todd, to the Warner River, then the Contoocook River, into the Merrimack River and on to the Atlantic Ocean. Good luck with that!  Source 1,  Source 2, Source 3

Mural:  Loon Island Lighthouse on Lake Sunapee

Loon Island Lighthouse is one of Lake Sunapee’s most prominent and well known lighthouses on the lake and since I was born and raised in Sunapee, NH, especially being an artist, it has always been important to me to capture our beautiful surrounding area landmarks as a means of maintaining it’s history for future generations.

The Library Arts Center (and the exceptional, collective staff and volunteers: Kate, Fran and all the other wonderful staff and volunteers!) has been a steadfast support of the local and surrounding communities and the those involved in the Arts and I feel it’s important to support them and was honored to be a part of this project.

Deborah Ann Bacon is a professional New England Artist from the Lake Sunapee Region of NH. After studying art in college, then leaving the area for a number of years and building a commercial art career, Deborah returned to Sunapee with her family to further her career in the Fine Arts. Deborah paints both in studio and Plein Air on location to create on canvas the breathtaking beauty of our local landscape, as well as accepting a variety of commissions throughout the year. Her work may be viewed at  and at a few exclusive yearly Fine Arts Exhibitions and Plein Air paint-outs.

www.deborahbaconart.com

Of the 5 lighthouses in NH, three are located on Lake Sunapee. The other two are in Portsmouth Harbor and on the Isles of Shoals. The three on Lake Sunapee are Herrick Cove Lighthouse, built in 1893; Burkehaven Lighthouse, the current lighthouse here was built in 1983; and the lighthouse in this mural, Loon Island Lighthouse. The Loon Island Light was built when one of the steamships, the Edmund Burke, that used to transport summer guests from the railroad to the large hotels on the lake, hit an underwater ledge at Loon Island. The owners of the steamship company, Woodsum built the lighthouse on the small island in 1893 at a cost of $400. Twice the lighthouse had damaging fires; once when the local fire department was doing repairs. The firemen were able to put out the fire with just one bucket using the lake water and continued on the repairs. Then in 1960, lightning struck the lighthouse destroying it completely, but it was quickly rebuilt with private fundraisers.  In 1980 solar panels were added to the lighthouse. Today the lighthouse is owned by the state of New Hampshire and is maintained by the Lake Sunapee Protective Association. The steamships no longer travel the lake; they left during the Great Depression when the visitors, the railroad, and the grand hotels were no longer part of the Lake Sunapee landscape.  But you can still view and photograph the three Lake Sunapee lighthouses on either private boats or one of the tour boats. And also look out for the many loons which make Lake Sunapee their home.  Source

Mural:  Newport Opera House

I’m a local Kearsarge-born gal and settled down in the local area in Hillsborough/Washington. Newport has always been a town I’ve been connected to in one way or another. The last year I’ve gotten more connected with the Library Arts Center, which is my primary reason to come to Newport. 

I love the restoration and rejuvenation of old mill towns. I’m also a longtime friend of Heidi Lorenz and she’s been encouraging me to get back into mural painting (it’s been years!). 

The Opera House/Town Hall that now sits on Main Street was not the original Town Hall on that location.  The old Town Hall burned along with the two buildings to the north in 1885. The present Opera House/Town Hall was rebuilt with fireproof vaults and was only two floors tall. The Revere Bell that sits outside the building was brought from across the street in the Universalist Church, placed in the Town Hall steeple and then later moved outside to a glass case, when a new fire alarm was installed in the Opera House/Town Hall building.  Thanks to the Newport Opera House Association, the Opera House is most definitely a hub of cultural activities throughout the year. Some of the most popular are the annual spring musicals, Winter Carnival Queen Pageant, Dancing with the Newport Stars, the Red Star Twirlers Annual Christmas Benefit for the Willey/Perra Toy Drive, and many local school, community performances, banquets and dances.    

Historically the Opera House has hosted local and community theatrical performances, banquets, dances, boxing matches, weddings, political rallies, school graduations, International Shoe Company Ladies’ Minstrel shows, magic shows, dance recitals, the Firemen’s Annual Ball, Saturday night movies, big bands, town and school meetings, and even basketball games.   Source

Mural:  Biking on the Sugar River Trail

I am an outdoor enthusiast, mom, art teacher with three young boys that moved to the Newport area in 2019. Finding trails like the Sugar River Rail Trail has been one of the most enjoyable parts of living here.  It’s a trail out family can be active on while taking in the beautiful scenery and fresh air.  The terrain is flat enough for their little legs to pedal on. We often see wildlife, fly fishermen, along with the occasional ATV that is very thrilling for the boys.   I decided to get involved with this project after hesitating due to a hectic schedule. But what a wonderful opportunity it is to be included in the Korn Alley display that will be in place for years to come. I am thankful that my stylized depiction of the Sugar River Trail fit well enough with the Library Arts Center team’s vision to have been included. 

Kris Cairelli is an artist/art educator out of Croydon, NH. She is passionate about nature, spending time outdoors and making art inspired by the natural world. She loves encouraging others to get creative, use their imaginations and slow down through art.    

cairellicrafts.com

The people of NH are very proud of the natural beauty found in our state and in 1997 when the railroad bed that followed the route of the Sugar River Railroad, and other such former railroad paths were no longer being utilized,  the NH Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources began the process of switching these scenic roadbed to paths that could be used by hikers, bikers and other small vehicles.  The Sugar River Rail Trail is a nine mile route that begins at the former Newport Recreation Center on Belknap Avenue and ends on Washington Street in Claremont.  It follows the Concord and Claremont Railroad that was built in the 1870s. This train later became the Boston and Maine Railroad.  One special feature of the Sugar River trail is that, in addition to several gorgeous railroad bridges, it includes two railroad covered bridges, the Pier Bridge and the Wright Bridge. It is important to note that there are only 5 railroad covered bridges in NH! If you decide this might be for you, remember that you do not need to walk or ride the whole trail. Also there are parking locations in Newport, Kelleyville, along Chandler’s Mills Road and on Washington Street in Claremont.  What a great way to spend the day!  Source 1, Source 2

Mural:  A view of Mount Sunapee from Lake Sunapee

My mural captures both Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee painted from Clark’s Lookout. I always feel so peaceful and connected to nature when I am on the lake or the mountain, so this view is special.   I missed being involved with the first mural project so I was so excited to be a part of this one.  Our area is a special place and our art community is amazing so this is a great way to show that off.      

Debbie is a landscape oil painter preferring to paint en plein air.  Finding inspiration in the constantly changing light and skies and embracing the time pressure to capture the moment on canvas. Influenced by the great Impressionists, her goal is to explore our emotional connection to the landscape and invite the viewer to see and feel the beauty, tranquility and wonder that exists in nature, hoping to build a better understanding of the importance of protecting this landscape. Debbie attended Massachusetts College of Art and has continued to grow and learn from some wonderful mentors. Debbie resides in Antrim, NH. 

www.debbiecampbellart.com  |  @debbiecampbellartist 

While sitting on its banks or cruising around its calm waters at sunset, one might not think about the history that Lake Sunapee has seen, but if the waters could talk what stories they could tell. Sunapee, whose name means “goose lake” in Algonquin, the Native Americans who roamed in the area, is 8.1 miles long and between ½ – 2.5 miles wide.  Other sources say the Native Algonquins called the lake “Soo-Nipi” meaning “rocky lake.”  Its shape on a map gives one the clue that this is a glacial lake, and indeed it is. Most likely the lake was formed 11,000 years ago when a glacier retreated, leaving behind large boulders in the area.  Sanville was the original name for the settlement of Sunapee, which began around 1768.  The big boom for the area came in 1871 when the Concord to Claremont Railroad was completed. The railroad brought tourists, some staying for most of the summer, to the lakeside. Grand hotels like the Ben Mere and Grandliden, were built to house these wealthy guests. Steamboats cruised the lake taking passengers from Steamboat Landings in Sunapee Harbor, Georges Mill, and Lakeside Landing to the hotels and cottages along the lakeshore.  In 1902 the 50 ft. steamer Weetamoo sunk and remains still sit on the lake bottom near Newbury.  Today Lake Sunapee is still bustling in the summer and its winter waters see bob houses sitting lonely on its frozen ice.  If you decide to drive the perimeter of the lake, it is a lovely drive of about 25 miles..

Mural:  Richards Free Library

The Library Arts Center chose my scene of a mother reading with her two children in the window seat in the picture book room to represent the Richards Free Library. I’m the Children’s Librarian, so this special scene is my view every day, as I get to be a part of children’s journeys through early literacy and learning to read.

I’ve had artwork in Library Arts Center exhibits before, so when Kate encouraged me to apply I was excited to be a part of a more permanent installation. I wanted to make sure the Library got represented in the murals! 

Moriah, best known locally as “Miss Mo” the children’s librarian, has worked in the children’s room at the Richards Free Library since 2014 and now lives just across the river in Vermont, surrounded by her books and flower gardens. With a life-long love of illustration and writing, Mo counts herself extraordinarily lucky to spend so much time in such a magical place as the Richards Free Library.  For Mo, the window seat in the Harwick Picture Book Room was the obvious scene to choose for a mural. Look carefully to see Dexter the library cat, one curious squirrel, two stuffed animals, and three friendly mice!

Most Newporters would agree that the Richards Free Library has to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the state.  The building was the mansion of Seth Richards, who with his father owned the Dexter Richards & Sons Mill.  Dexter was also responsible for building the first Richards Free Library, where the Sugar River Bank is located. He also built the Richards Block, corner of Main and Depot Street, and Richards High School. The Richards’ mansion was built in 1897  on the site of the home of the distinguished editor, lawyer and politician Edmund Burke on Main Street.  The home cost $65,000.00 and was built in the Colonial Revival architectural style. It was donated to the Richards Library Trustees in 1963 by Louise Richards Rollins, daughter of Seth.  Seth, his wife Lizzie Farnsworth and their 3 daughters lived in the home. Mrs. Rollins lived in the upper floors of the mansion from 1963-1968.  The house featured 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and several fireplaces and a beautiful carved wood stairway.  The room in the mural was the living room of the mansion and there was a writing table located under the bay window.  On the third floor is a renovated ballroom. The chimney in the center of the room is surrounded by benches that originally held costumes for the many costume parties the Richards’ hosted.  Source.

Mural:  Newport’s Parades and the Leapin’ Lena

I remember going to parades with my family as a child.  Beyond the parade – what they do for the community is show us who we are and that everyone has quirky hobbies – but ultimately we are one community.  I grew up in Manchester and have always enjoyed “roadside attraction” type spectacles.  This car is certainly an attraction and painting it has been a fun excursion.  I cannot remember a time when artmaking was not part of my life.  I love making all the stuff! I love sharing my art, and I continue to seek out these opportunities.  My art is a celebration of place and often time.

Jyl Dittbenner is a Manchester, NH-based artist.  Jyl is currently Technical Trainer for Cirtronics (a contract manufacturer in Milford NH) and has several murals at work, all over Manchester, Warner, and Newport, and even has a few projects in Honduras.  Jyl has designed and has in print two Manchester coloring books, as well as two sculptures in Franconia this year and two on the Meredith Sculpture Walk.

What’s a Leapin Lena; some kind of a local kangaroo or a giant hopping frog?  Locals immediately would tell you it’s a “happy go lucky; jumping jalopy!” Yes, Leapin Lena is a 1921 Model A Ford that was purchased by the Newport American Legion from a guy in Claremont shortly after World War II. This is the second Leapin Lena as the first one washed away in a flood in 1938 and was never found.  Paul Benner, from a local Newport garage made Lena leap by moving the back wheels up towards the center of the chassis. This allows the vehicle to tilt backward when the car is quickly accelerated. With passengers in the back seat, the vehicle tips back, touching the ground. A rope rigged near the driver allows him to pull up the front fenders as if the vehicle could fly.  A wolf whistle adds to the excitement.  Bill Hoyt was the longtime driver and caretaker of Leapin Lena. So, where can you see this funny car? Leapin Lena makes her appearance at many of the local parades, like Newport Homecoming and the Winter Carnival Parade. But don’t expect to see her at any military parade like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Bill believed that Lena was a “fun thing” and should not be used during any solemn event.     Source: Richards’ Free Library Digital Archives

Mural:  Campfires and the Great Outdoors

I wanted to be a part of this project because it brings art to the community and is an opportunity to work and connect with other artists.  For me campfires are a symbol of hope, a reminder of simpler times and joys, here is a poem I wrote about that:

Fire Dance 

Sun by day. We drift through the forest. Filling our eyes, hearts, and soul. Finding a peace we had not known we lost. 

Fire by night always warm. The flames dance under the moonlight kissing the black of night.  

We watch, we dream, we ponder the things of life. How simple it could be.

Jessica Fligg is an artist working in oils in her studio and extensively en plein air.  She has a wide range of subject matter that she enjoys painting but one of her favorites is painting nocturnes.  She especially loves capturing the glow of a campfire.  Jessica’s love for art started at a very young age, drawing with her Great Grandmother.  She went on to study painting at the New Hampshire Institute of Art and she continues to strive to capture life as it happens.

www.jessicafliggartist.com  |   @jessicafliggartist 

Camping and evenings in the backyard around a campfire are simple joys of this region.  Historically, if you truly think about it, it seems to make sense that the idea of camping; bringing just what you need to temporarily set up a shelter in the woods and enjoy simple pleasures of the outdoor,  would coincide with the increase in populations of large cities,  industrial time schedules and countless rules to follow based on the wishes of the factory owner or merchant boss. In addition, an increase in those going “camping” also led to the development of state and national parks in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  In the Newport area, camping is first mentioned in local newspapers in an August 8, 1879, NH Argus and Spectator personal from Sunapee reading “Camping around Lake Sunapee seems to be very popular this year. There are large numbers camping at the present time at various points around the lake.”  And a year later, in the same newspaper dated August 3, 1877, this personal “ We learn that scores of people are now camping on the islands of Sunapee Lake and about the shores. The Newport Fishing Club have been holding their annual encampment on Big Island, and a large party of ladies and gentlemen last week spent a day and night at Blodgett’s Landing.”  Today some popular camping areas are Crow’s Nest Campground, Northstar Campground and Wissman Family Campground. Many Newporters also travel to the White Mountains or the ocean coast to go camping.  

Source: Richards’ Free Library Digital Archives

Mural:  Corbin Covered Bridge

We live in the woods of Grantham, New Hampshire and have spent many summer afternoons at the river by the Corbin Covered Bridge with our children. Our mural of the bridge is both a tribute and a love letter to Newport, to New Hampshire, to collaboration, and to the stories that live in our landscapes. 

Todd Matte, a visual artist and educator, grew up in the Upper Valley before earning his undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University, where he studied Uli drawing under renowned Nigerian artist Obiora Udechukwu. He went on to receive his MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. Todd’s work has been exhibited internationally, with shows in Hanoi, Vietnam; London, England; as well as across the United States in New York, Philadelphia, and California. He teaches art at Lebanon High School, fostering creativity in the next generation of artists. He is happily caught in an endless cycle of: Learn, Make, Teach, Repeat.  

@fryematte

Kirsha Frye-Matte is an art teacher and artist living in Grantham, NH. Kirsha believes that we all need a creative outlet- something that brings us joy or peace on days or periods that are heavy or just busy or chaotic. She believes that when we pour our energy into something creative, it helps to pull us out of our heads and reorients the scope of our days. She loves spending time in the pages of her journal- playing, musing, and experimenting. Together, Kirsha and Todd created three crazy humans and live happily in chaos and art-filled spaces.

@journaltocreate

No visit to Newport would be complete without a drive through the Corbin Bridge in North Newport. It is believed that there has been a bridge at this location since around 1835, although the first covered bridge here was built in 1843 based on town documents which show payments for work on the bridge to various builders. Newport was once home to 19 covered bridges, 13 of which were on the route of the local railroad. Today only the Corbin Covered Bridge, and two railroad bridges still exist.  The Corbin Bridge is named after the Corbin family who have owned the property where the bridge sits since around 1790 when Dr. James Corbin bought the land.  The Corbin Mansion sits on the right of the road just after you go through the bridge.  It was built by the doctor’s son, Austin, and then upgraded to a mansion you see today,  by his grandson, Austin II. On May 25, 1993 the Corbin Bridge was burnt, most likely by arsonists.  Two other covered bridges in NH were also destroyed by fire around the same time.  The investigation into the cause of the fire is still open.  After the fire, a controversy arose as to what type of bridge should be built in its place.  Local residents, who were allowed to vote on the choice, decided they wanted a covered bridge back in North Newport.  The town hired Master Bridgewright, Arnold Graton to rebuild the bridge and on Columbus Day, 1994, a 19th century style festival was held as the bridge was pulled into place over the river by a team of oxen.  In October 2019, the Corbin Covered Bridge Festival was held to mark the 25th anniversary of the new bridge.   Source: Covered Bridges of NH by Kim Varney Chandler

Mural:  Skating on the Newport Town Common

As a Newport native, skating on the Newport Common is nostalgic for me and on this Winter Carnival day in February of 2020 I brought my daughters to enjoy the activity and events. I chose this subject because I could paint from actual subjects (photos of my daughters and others who were skating), I could feature many buildings and landmarks of the town (Park St homes, Post Office, United Methodist Church, Opera House, Bandstand, and South Congregational Church), and I could make a difference in highlighting one of the very special joys of living in this town. 

I decided to get involved in this project because I wanted to help leave a lasting impression on out-of-town visitors and a reminder for residents of how special this town is. Being involved in the first two murals in the 1990s and having the honor of permanently displaying my art at the Opera House, I felt it was only right for me to try and continue this effort with the Korn Alley Mural Project. I am truly grateful to participate. 

Also, I did paint from photos and videos I took on February 15th 2020, anyone skating on the common that day might find themselves in this painting!  Also, I’ve seen the work it takes to make this rink possible. The many hours particular people have spent going out late at night, negative temperatures, to spray this rink with water should be commended. If it weren’t for their dedication there wouldn’t be this fun activity in the center of town. 

Mary received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art, from the University of New Hampshire in 2003. Through a college international study abroad program she studied studio art, art history, and art restoration at the School of Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. Originally from Newport, New Hampshire, she now resides in Boxborough, Massachusetts, with her husband George, and three daughters.

Her most active art years were prior to starting a family, from 2003-2009, when she was a member of the Wellesley, MA Society of Artists, the Needham, MA Art Association and the Saco Bay, ME Artists Society. During this time, she showed her art at art fairs, galleries, and businesses in the Boston area, New Hampshire, and Maine. Since 2009 she has completed a variety of commissioned artworks. Mary’s painting, “Midnight Moon” is on permanent display at the Newport Opera House in her hometown of Newport, NH.

It is hard to argue that the most photographed location in Newport must be the Town Common during Winter Carnival when skaters dot the ice rink, with a backdrop of the First Baptist Church. It’s the  quintessential New England scene. In 1870, the First Baptist Church was turned from facing west toward Main Street, to its present location; forming a beautiful background for the many activities held on the Town common.  It is difficult to determine when the Common was first flooded for the Newport Winter Carnival.  Newspaper articles talk about flooding a rink on Billy B. Van’s field; just below about where Hilton Motel is located on John Stark Highway.  However it appears by 1922 skating on the Town Common had become popular for Newporters of all ages.  By the 1940s – 1960s ice skating shows became very popular featuring young amateurs from local ice skating schools to professionals drawing large crowds. Today, a popular event is Skating at MIdnight, after the Queen Pageant. A sign of winter weather is always the appearance of the Warming Hut on the north end of the Common.  Skates are available for use in the hut.  It always warms the heart to see a young child skating on the Common for the first time, clinging to 2 stacked milk crates, being followed by proud parents who remember their first skate on the Town Common.   Source:  Richards Free Library Digital Archives

Mural:  The MV Mt. Sunapee II in Sunapee Harbor

My mural, the M.V. MT. Sunapee II Touring Boat was the subject of one of my first painted Christmas ornaments for the Gallery of Gifts, The Library Arts Center’s holiday market.  Four generations of our family have voyaged on the touring boat and at every stage of my life, we have spent a great deal of time taking in all that Lake Sunapee offers.  I love the rich history of the area, the natural beauty of the lake, mountains and forest.  We are blessed to have such a gem nearby and I hope it will bring treasured memories for others who view the mural.

I was asked by Kate & Fran if I would be interested in applying to be part of this mural project as an artist.  I will admit I was hesitant as I wasn’t sure I had the skills necessary, but I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and hope I have left something that my family and community can be proud of. 

Kathy Hanson is a retired Newport teacher who taught Technology, Graphics, Business and Art and is currently a Library Arts Center volunteer, art teacher and board member. She resides in Goshen with her husband of 39 years and is a proud mother of two and grandmother of five.  

Looking for a beautiful way to entertain summer guests, or celebrate a birthday or anniversary on a hot summer day. Take a trip around Lake Sunapee on the MV Mount Sunapee.  Today the MV Mount Sunapee II offers 90 minute narrated tours of the lake, but its predecessor MV Mount Sunapee has a story to tell too. This boat was built in the Damariscotta Bay, in Maine in 1926. It was originally named the Suzy Q and was a rum runner that carried liquor. Its first layload was 200 cases of Old Overholt Whiskey. It then became part of the US Coast Guard and during World War II with guns aboard patrolled the waters of Long Island Sound looking for German submarines. Before coming to NH the craft  was used as a cruiser out of Massachusetts, making cruises along the New England coast.  The MV Mt. Sunapee came to the lake in 1950 where it cruised the water for about 16 years before being replaced by the MV Mt. Sunapee II in 1966.  The new boat had a steel hull that was easier to maintain.  Visitors to Mt. Sunapee, and locals  can also take a dinner tour on the new MV Lake Queen that replaced the MV Kearsarge dinner boat. 

sunapeecruises.com

Mural:  Parlin Field Airport

As I grew up in Newport, my family was always very proud that our town had its own airport and we attended many public events held there. This connection continued into married life when my husband, David, was a member of the airport commission for several years, and I am very pleased to be able to highlight Parlin Field in the Korn Alley Murals Project.

 As a native of Newport, I am very excited to be part of this project that will celebrate the great things our community has to offer while in turn contributing a new, expressive attraction to our downtown area!

Visitors to town might notice on a bright sunny summer day, a rather large amount of air traffic of small planes for such a small town as Newport. The reason is that the town has one of the 25 public-use airports left in New Hampshire. Only 10, including Newport’s airport, are not federally funded. The airport is officially named the Albert Norton Parlin Airfield and Newport Airport.  The first plane to land in the area where the airfield is now located was in 1920 when pilot US Air Service Instructor, Robert Fogg came to Newport to take passengers on a short flight to view the Newport area from the air.  In 1928 a group of locals met to decide where the best location for an airstrip would be. Corbin Meadows, owned by Austin Corbin, was chosen.  Albert Parlin was a good friend of Austin Corbin.  He was a true lover of transportation and first to drive an automobile from Boston to his farm in Croydon.   When Parlin died, his widow, Suzanne, offered a donation of $10,000 to the airport corporation in his name. Throughout its history, Parlin Field has offered flying lessons to young aviators, chartered planes for local businessmen, provided emergency services for residents, and even air-lifted food to the animals at the Blue Mountain Forest/Corbin Park.  The airfield features both a turf and an asphalt runway.  Two other activities that have gained popularity at the airport are the one-week ACE camp (Aviation Career Education) for students in Grades 6-12, and “Wings and Wheels” where cars, trucks and motorcycles meet on the runways of Parlin Field. Fly-ins are often held periodically throughout the year too.  So, the next time you see those flying machines soaring the skies over Newport, why not pop down to Parlin Field and check it out.  Source:  Newport Historical Society presentation by Dean Stetson.

Korn Alley Mural Project Lead Artist
Mural:  Newport Farmers’ Market

I picked this mural theme as I have facilitated a free make-and take-art project (run by the Library Arts Center) at the market every other week throughout the season for the past several years and I value the farmers’ market and what it stands for. It’s a great resource for our community and an opportunity for locals to sell produce and to meet our community. It concerns me that it has become underattended in terms of supporting our local tradesmen and farmers. This to me means the farmers are not being supported by us locally…they can’t show up and not be supported. It takes a lot of work to set up a tent, bring produce and other goods to the market and we need to support their efforts if we expect the market to survive. 

I took the photo reference that I used for my mural approximately 7 years ago when the market was in a very vibrant season. If we as a community don’t show up to support market vendors this will fade into the past, and to me, that’s a huge disservice for those that believe in growing and supporting locally. I personally would hate to see this market die. Newport’s Common is an asset to our town, and I hope the mural can somehow bring back that feeling of possibility and support a strong and vibrant market buying local to support our health, farmers and community.

I’m an artist living in the quiet of Goshen, New Hampshire, where nature and creativity intertwine. My work is rooted in the belief that art has the power to heal, to ground, and to bring us back to ourselves.

Whether I’m creating or simply observing, I find that art forms a deep connection between mind and body. It soothes the nervous system, restores emotional balance, and offers a calm space in an often chaotic world. Art is more than a beautiful image — it carries intention, story, and spirit. I believe each piece holds a part of each artist’s truth, touched into the canvas with every stroke.

I have had the privilege of being the lead artist in this project, as well as the “Welcome to Newport” mural, and the “Heritage Mural” Reproduction.  These current murals differ from the heritage mural in that I designed them 100%. The Heritage mural was indeed based on our surroundings and I did design it but in accordance to its previous mural I had parameters that I had to stick with and I depicted what was dictated by the original mural. Of course, the similarities were that the community was involved with both the Korn Alley mural project and the heritage mural redesign.

The postcard mural was something I painted alone in my farm studio but it was in huge part an artistic idea inspired by so many other towns within NH. It’s a fun expression of transposing the old-style postcard designs onto a much larger platform of a 8 x 16′ mural!

Heidi Lorenz Fine Art

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Heidi Lorenz Daily Paintworks

The Newport area farmers have been setting up their booths and tents on the Town Common in Newport since the 1990s. Sometimes there are only a handful of vendors, but the number can grow to 30 in the middle of the summer.  The variety of products available is amazing; everything from vegetables and fruits, to baked pies, breads and other goodies. Locally raised meats and goat’s milk soaps are also available. You could also pick up some kettle corn, lemonade, potted plants, ice cream, and freshly picked flowers, maple syrup and homemade jams and jellies. The farms involved in this market are all located within 50 miles of Newport; so all the produce is fresh and you are supporting “local” farms.  And they are required to be licensed with the State of New Hampshire, so the products are all safe for consumption.  

But the Farmers’ Market offers much more. In addition to farm goods, throughout the season, crafters can be found selling their hand-crafted items like jewelry, and knit or crocheted items.  Non-profits set up booths periodically and you can learn about their offerings or buy one of their raffle tickets to support the organizations.  The Richards’ Library provides a story time for young ones, the Library Arts Center has “make and take” art projects and there is entertainment on the beautiful bandstand at the south end of the Common.  Newport Farmers’ Market is held every Friday from 3:00-6:00 from the Friday after Memorial Day to the last Friday in September, rain or shine!  What a great way to start off your weekend.

Mural:  Lake Solitude

I grew up in New Hampshire, the first mountain I was carried up was Monadnock at 5 years old. I was hooked. I signed up for hiking with the Girl Scouts summer camp. In 2007 I developed disc degenerative disease, and suddenly hiking became something I had to be deliberate about retaining my ability to do. I completed the 48 4ks in NH in 2014. At some point in that seven years I had realized I wanted to share the feelings of those hikes in the way I know how.

White Cliffs and Lake Solitude is one of my favorite hiking destinations and I’ve been hiking the Andrew Brook trail for 20 odd years. 

During my last two years as a resident of Maine I had managed to stumble my way into the artist community. When I moved “home” I immediately looked for the local artist community, and have been so lucky to be accepted into ours. I love the opportunity to learn from those in front of me, and hope to be able to pay it forward in time. When opportunities to participate in projects around art happen I jump on them, it was a long twenty years of not being in a position or having the courage to participate! Hopefully there will be folks who see the murals and think “I want to protect this piece of the world” after seeing that our corner of it is worth celebrating with art.   I was excited to contribute to this project as I’ve always wanted my art to be in a public space to inspire people to get outdoors and explore.   

@malloy_art  

Mural:  Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm

 I wanted to paint Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm because it is a local staple with a long history in our community. The farm itself is beautiful to visit and of course the blueberries are delicious. The Bartlett’s are also a kind and supportive family in our community, with events like picking and donating berries to the local food pantry.

 I lived in, and taught elementary art in, Newport for many years. I have been involved with the Library Arts Center for a long time, serving on their board, teaching classes in the studio, and participating in other amazing events. I wanted to get involved in this mural project, as I also helped paint during the other large mural restoration. I think it is amazing to have public art for all to enjoy!

Caitlin Mauser Rowe is a visual artist and local art educator with nearly 20 years of experience teaching K–5 elementary art. While her roots are in painting, her creative journey has led her to explore and fall in love with a variety of materials, methods, and artistic approaches. Her art is greatly influenced by young artists with their emotional honesty and freedom of creativity and expression. Caitlin has exhibited work and participated in community art events throughout the surrounding region for almost two decades. She resides in Sunapee, NH with her husband and two daughters.

It is a warm summer morning, and as you walk through the wet grass, you look up to see a spectacular view of Mt. Sunapee. You also hear families discussing their weekend adventures or what they plan to do for the rest of the day, visit the lake, take a ride on one of the tour boats, or maybe just return home down 89 to Massachusetts or other points south.  You must be at Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm. In 1985, Heidi and Bill Bartlett purchased the five acre farm with 5,000 blueberry bushes that were carefully planted by former owner Tom Calkin; in rows of 60 plants, planted 8 feet apart, running 300 feet long. Did you know it takes 8 years for blueberry bushes to mature, and Bartlett’s has 6 varieties of blueberries that ripen between mid-July to sometime in late August? In 2023, the second generation of Bartlett’s, Peter and Courtney, took over ownership of the farm.   As you finish picking your berries for your homemade pies or blueberry slump (an old favorite recipe) you might hear this conversation. “Kids, what should we do with these blueberries when we get home?” Their answer, after swallowing the many berries in their full mouths would be – “just eat them.” Well, parents and grandparents would agree, “I guess we will have to add some money to the “Sin Bin.” (Donations go to local charities). Recently, Bascom Road Blueberry Farm opened for business, with another opportunity to support local farmers.  

www.bartlettsblueberryfarm.com

Mural:  Pies for the Apple Pie Crafts Fair

While I was living in Newport I worked as an office assistant for the Library Arts Center. I helped Kate and Fran as they put together and promoted shows, gallery openings, classes, the Gallery of Gifts, Apple Pie Craft fair and so many other activities. The Apple Pie Craft fair was the largest event I had ever worked on and I was so impressed by how it all came together.  It made an incredible impact on me how much work, and community, it took for a small town like Newport to host a fair as big as the Apple Pie Craft Fair. I was also impressed by the coordination of the Library Arts Center and all who contribute to its mission in assembling the fair.

Kate reached out to me and asked if I was interested in applying. I was excited for the opportunity and had not worked on a mural for at least a decade. I wanted to challenge myself and submitted my ideas. As I brainstormed I realized that I also wanted to celebrate the people that make the Library Arts Center what it is both past and present and chose the Apple Pie Crafts Fair as my theme. I knew other murals would celebrate Newport itself, the town, its sights, etc. I wanted to make a mural that celebrated the Arts Center specifically. When I think of Newport I always think first and foremost of the Library Arts Center and the community that they have fostered. The penultimate result of their work really is the Apple Crafts Fair. I wanted to make a metaphorical portrait of the many hands it takes to make the Apple Pie Craft Fair, and so many other Arts Center endeavors, wonderful.

The 4th Saturday in August, the town seems to have an “enhanced  buzz” as artists, crafters, and shoppers swarm the Town Common for the Apple Pie Crafts Fair. The fair began 50 years ago, the brainchild of Marie Bugbee. She thought  local craftspeople needed  a local venue to highlight them and their creations. However, the fair has grown, now a fundraiser for the Library Arts Center, with over 120 artists and crafters, food trucks, non-profit organizations, and entertainment featuring local musicians all day.  The highlight of the day though, is the apple pie sale and contest.  Local bakers stir up their favorite apple pie recipes hoping to be able to proclaim they are the winner of the contest!  It should also be mentioned that other Newport area bakers also provide their best pies to be sold at the fair; a number that often reaches hundreds of homemade pies. Do you like to bake? Please consider this your invitation to bake a pie or two to donate to the fair’s pie sale or contest! In addition to the pies, which usually sell out within a couple hours, cider floats, apple crisp squares a la mode, and slices of the winning pie are also sold.  To add to the festivities, the Richards’ Free Library, across the street, holds their Book Festival, the same day, with multiple tents full of used books at bargain prices. This event draws thousands and is definitely an event you wouldn’t want to miss.   Source:  Richards Free Library Digital Archives

Mural:  Skiing at Mount Sunapee

As a lifelong skier who grew up skiing at various mountains across New Hampshire, I have a deep appreciation for the sport and the joy it brings. Now, as a parent, I love teaching my children to enjoy skiing, especially at Sunapee with its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and beginner slopes. It’s a place that holds great personal significance, and painting this mural allows me to honor those memories while celebrating the mountain that continues to bring people together for fun and adventure.

I decided to get involved with this project because of my love for both skiing and art. I’ve always jumped at the opportunity to paint large-scale works, and this mural is a perfect blend of my passion for skiing and my artistic ambitions. The chance to create something that reflects a piece of New Hampshire’s culture and share it with the greater community excites me. Giving back through art and contributing to something that families and visitors can enjoy is incredibly meaningful to me, and this project felt like the perfect way to do that.

Elizabeth (Liz) Pieroni Schulte grew up in southern New Hampshire, where her love for art was nurtured by both family and community. She earned her BFA with honors from the Maryland Institute College of Art, exploring a wide range of mediums to deepen her artistic voice. Liz is the founder of Mosaic Art Collective in Manchester, NH, a vibrant hub that supports emerging and mid-career artists through shared studios and monthly exhibitions. Her current work focuses on abstract botanical paintings that explore the interplay between nature and imagination.

www.epsarts.com   |   @epsarts1   |  facebook

Mount Sunapee Resort is a treasured draw to the region, enjoyed by many local families who ski its slopes.  Generations of locals have grown up skiing our local mountain, which also draws masses  to the region in the winter months.  In 1909, summer resident Herbert Walsh convinced local citizens that Mt. Sunapee needed to be saved from lumbering operations.  Over the next 25 years through local support and the Society for the Protection of NH Forest, 1,185 acres of forested land, including the mountain’s summit, Lake Solitude, and the northern face of the main mountain was protected. In 1948, the land was turned over to the state of New Hampshire for a state park.  In the next 35 years, the mountain expanded and improved its lodges and lifts.  In 1982, snow making was added to the state park, covering 6 of the 24 trails.  The mountain owners both under the state, and the Muellers who leased the park in 1998, wanted the mountain to be a place for families. Catering to the whole family, including children, a half-pipe was installed; a teaching area near the Kinder rope- tow was added; a Children’s Learning Center, new storage bins, boot warmers, a more efficient food court and a sound system were all included in the Mount Sunapee experience.  In 2012 an Adventure Park, complete with a Canopy Zip-line Tour, Aerial Challenge Course, Segway Excursions, Miniature Golf, Bike Park, Archery Course, Disc Golf and Clipper Ship chairlift rides were introduced.  Visiting Mount Sunapee, now owned by Vail Resorts, can be a family-friendly year-round destination.  Source

Mural:  Fruit Picking in the Region

Artist Statement:  My scene of a mother reading with her two children in the window seat in the picturebook room to represent the Richards Free Library. I’m the Children’s Librarian, so this special scene is my view every day, as I get to be a part of children’s journeys through early literacy and learning to read.

I’ve had artwork in LAC exhibits before, so when Kate encouraged me to apply I was excited to be a part of a more permanent installation. I wanted to make sure the Library got represented in the murals!

Bio:  Moriah, best known locally as “Ms Mo” the children’s librarian, has worked in the children’s room at the Richards Free Library since 2014 and now lives just across the river in Vermont, surrounded by her books and flower gardens. With a  life-long love of illustration and writing, Mo counts herself extraordinarily lucky to spend so much time in such a magical place as the Newport library.  For Mo, the window seat in the Harwick Picture Book Room was the obvious scene to choose for a mural. Look carefully to see Dexter the library cat, one curious squirrel, two stuffed animals, and three friendly mice!

Mural:  Sugar River Trail

Artist Statement:  My scene of a mother reading with her two children in the window seat in the picturebook room to represent the Richards Free Library. I’m the Children’s Librarian, so this special scene is my view every day, as I get to be a part of children’s journeys through early literacy and learning to read.

I’ve had artwork in LAC exhibits before, so when Kate encouraged me to apply I was excited to be a part of a more permanent installation. I wanted to make sure the Library got represented in the murals!

Bio:  Moriah, best known locally as “Ms Mo” the children’s librarian, has worked in the children’s room at the Richards Free Library since 2014 and now lives just across the river in Vermont, surrounded by her books and flower gardens. With a  life-long love of illustration and writing, Mo counts herself extraordinarily lucky to spend so much time in such a magical place as the Newport library.  For Mo, the window seat in the Harwick Picture Book Room was the obvious scene to choose for a mural. Look carefully to see Dexter the library cat, one curious squirrel, two stuffed animals, and three friendly mice!

Mural:  Pollard’s Mills

Artist Statement:  My scene of a mother reading with her two children in the window seat in the picturebook room to represent the Richards Free Library. I’m the Children’s Librarian, so this special scene is my view every day, as I get to be a part of children’s journeys through early literacy and learning to read.

I’ve had artwork in LAC exhibits before, so when Kate encouraged me to apply I was excited to be a part of a more permanent installation. I wanted to make sure the Library got represented in the murals!

Bio:  Moriah, best known locally as “Ms Mo” the children’s librarian, has worked in the children’s room at the Richards Free Library since 2014 and now lives just across the river in Vermont, surrounded by her books and flower gardens. With a  life-long love of illustration and writing, Mo counts herself extraordinarily lucky to spend so much time in such a magical place as the Newport library.  For Mo, the window seat in the Harwick Picture Book Room was the obvious scene to choose for a mural. Look carefully to see Dexter the library cat, one curious squirrel, two stuffed animals, and three friendly mice!

Mural:  Community Arts on the Newport Bandstand

Artist Statement:  My scene of a mother reading with her two children in the window seat in the picturebook room to represent the Richards Free Library. I’m the Children’s Librarian, so this special scene is my view every day, as I get to be a part of children’s journeys through early literacy and learning to read.

I’ve had artwork in LAC exhibits before, so when Kate encouraged me to apply I was excited to be a part of a more permanent installation. I wanted to make sure the Library got represented in the murals!

Bio:  Moriah, best known locally as “Ms Mo” the children’s librarian, has worked in the children’s room at the Richards Free Library since 2014 and now lives just across the river in Vermont, surrounded by her books and flower gardens. With a  life-long love of illustration and writing, Mo counts herself extraordinarily lucky to spend so much time in such a magical place as the Newport library.  For Mo, the window seat in the Harwick Picture Book Room was the obvious scene to choose for a mural. Look carefully to see Dexter the library cat, one curious squirrel, two stuffed animals, and three friendly mice!

The DING Foundation offered a generous matching grant to the Library Arts Center’s annual membership campaign to directly benefit community murals.