Bangor's New Mural Celebrates Community And Belonging

In 2022, a non-profit called Bangor Beautiful was started by a group of local artists and residents who wanted to find ways, through landscaping, gardens and art installations, to add a little beauty to the community around them.

"We were founded by artists and community members who have volunteered for projects around the city over the last decade, from planting hundreds of flowers and trees to creating the popular 'Greetings from Bangor, Maine,' 'Paul B., Bangor Wants You,' and Kenduskeag Stream Trail murals."

If you've driven through downtown this week, you've probably seen their latest project, their "Community Mural."

Working with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Portland-based artist Rachel Gloria Adams has developed a piece that's enveloping the the side of the Hammond Street building in a painted patchwork quilt of sorts, incorporating artwork by Bangor artists, Juliana Cantreli, Nina Earley, Annette Dodd, Karen Nichols, Carile Deshane.

According to the folks at Bangor Beautiful, "She has developed a vibrant, graphic pattern-based visual language filled with references to the natural world and motherhood that possess an heirloom quality. "

They say the theme of Community was chosen in the hopes that it "gives people a sense of belonging and reminds us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves."

Besty Lundy, Executive Director of the Downtown Bangor Partnership says she's enjoyed seeing the mural take form.

"Downtown Bangor is excited to welcome another mural to our public art landscape. New public art continues to underscore Bangor's presence as an arts and culture destination for visitors from near and far."

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You can check out this mural, and more cool art features across Downtown Bangor. The Downtown Bangor website has an interactive map that shows the locations of different pieced. You can click here to see for yourself.

The project is being funded in part by sponsorships and donations. To contribute, you can click here.

9 Murals You Can Find In Bangor

Within the city limits of Bangor, you can find these 9 murals. Some are large art installations that span the sidewalk or the length of an entire building. Some are a little smaller and harder to find. Have you seen them all?

Gallery Credit: Cori Skall