Submitted by Sylvia Mallory on behalf of the Bedford Cultural District Partnership
The Bedford Cultural District Partnership has sponsored the construction and installation of two miniature art galleries within the Bedford Cultural District. The galleries will continuously feature eye-catching exhibits of original art and crafts in front of the Town Center building at 12 Mudge Way and at the entrance to Bedford High School.
At the Town Center’s “Free Little Art Gallery,” the idea is for visitors to “Take one, leave one”— that is, drop off a small, original piece of artwork or craftwork for public viewing and “adopt” a piece that’s currently on display.
The mini-gallery here was constructed by Wes Cole, an Eagle Scout in Troop 114, as a community service project. Providing colorful curb appeal, this gallery has already showcased (and given a new home to) several unique items, including pieces made at Kids’ Club.
A recent visit to the Free Little Art Gallery delighted the eye with its display of unique paintings and collages, holiday brooches, greeting cards, and even a tiny handbound book. Anyone may contribute original art and craft items to the ever-changing exhibits at this location. The Cultural District Partnership invites everyone to keep the Town Center gallery well stocked with vibrant original work.
The second mini–art gallery, in front of Bedford High School, was built by the
Bedford Public Schools Art Director Sean Hagan. This gallery features rotating exhibits by BHS students. Named the “BHS Tiny Art Gallery,” it can house larger pieces, especially three-dimensional works, that can’t be accommodated in the narrower display spaces inside the high school.
Nighttime viewing is also possible for passersby, as the gallery is outfitted with interior solar lights and a skylight to illuminate the exhibited student pieces.
Hagan says that constructing the gallery was “very much like building a small house” as he had to take many structural details into account, including a locking door and a roof pitch for drainage and lighting, not to mention an oak floor.
Hagan adds, “I wanted this gallery to resemble the look and feel of an actual gallery space as much as possible.”
Plan to stop by soon, when the gallery is filled, to check out the students’ creativity and varied works of art.
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