Spotlights

Percent for Art Project
For the New Hampshire State Archives & Division of Vital Records, Total project amount:  $10,000

The commissioning of Percent for Art projects is a process that brings together the creative voices and thoughtful deliberation of architects, engineers, designers, artists, and occupants of a building. The State Archives/Division of Vital Records expansion and renovation project in Concord presented unique challenges and many proposals were received. From these, the Site Advisory and Art Selection committees chose three. The works, completed and installed by 2008, reflect the purpose of the building and the importance of cherishing community and family history.

Commissioned artists and artworks:

• Judy Dibble of Contoocook created a large-scale painting of William Plumer (1789-1854). Plumer served both as a Senator and as a Governor for the state of New Hampshire and was instrumental in the creation of the original State Archives. Accompanying the painting is calligraphy boldly declaring of one of Plumer’s most famous quotes. “I have rescued so many papers from inevitable ruin, to preserve facts the knowledge of which were daily passing from us.”

Dibble’s painting and calligraphy is located in the main research room.

• Gail Smuda of Concord worked with State Archivist Frank Mevers and Vital Records Director Bill Boynton to identify some of New Hampshire’s most important records stored in the vaults. Smuda carefully photographed the originals, then reproduced and collaged the materials into an abstract triptych. Through this creative artwork, visitors to the building can view archival materials not previously open to the public.

Smuda’s artwork is located in the secondary lobby hallway on the north side of the building.

• Deborah Skinner-Perez of Wilmot collaborated with Jennifer Swett of Sutton to create an artwork using a variety of mediums that celebrates life at all stages. The artwork depicts a newborn wrapped in a quilt and cradled in the hands of a parent. The quilt blocks feature faces of New Hampshire residents of many ages, ethnicities, and time periods.

Skinner-Perez and Swett’s collaboration is located in the Division of Vital Records’ waiting area.

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The arts are making a difference in communities throughout New Hampshire.

For more information on things to do and enjoy in New Hampshire, visit our calendars section.

Learn more about State Arts Council grants and program services.

Last updated: September 7, 2010