Spotlights

Public Art: A civic commitment
Hampton Beach State Park Redevelopment Project

From earliest recorded history, civilizations and civic leaders have understood the value of integrating art into public buildings.  The creativity of artists brings beauty to and instills civic pride in our public spaces.

In New Hampshire, public art is supported through legislation that sets aside a modest ½ of 1 percent of the cost of construction or major renovations to state building projects approved through the capital budget.  The commissioning of Percent for Art projects is a process that brings together the thoughtful deliberation of architects, engineers, designers, artists, community members, elected officials and people who work in the building serving the public.   

The Hampton Beach State Park Redevelopment project is a multi-phased project that is bringing new life and economic activity to the seacoast.  Public art works made possible through the Percent for Art program are incorporated into the bathhouses, the playground area, and the seashell performance complex and conference room.

This recently completed series of four tile murals are located in the breezeways of the north and south bathhouses.  They were commissioned from artist Sheryl Chatterton and have an educational focus, allowing families to explore and learn about the marine biology, plant life, and bird life of the region.

Other artworks on the site include:  People Aquarium for the north and south bathhouses by Nate Deyesso, medallions for the Seashell Complex by Andre Belanger, a mural for the conference room by Gordon Carlisle, and granite fish sculptures by Thomas Berger and Alexander Renard.

Last updated: September 15, 2011