PNH400 & Artist Sijia Chen Seek Community Suggestions of Maritime Images and Themes for Papercut Component of Sculpture Garden Legacy Project
Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Portsmouth NH 400 (PNH400) recently announced the selection of Sijia Chen as the artist whose concept, “Endeavor” was selected unanimously by the PNH400 Sculpture Review Team as the first work intended for the Bohenko Gateway Park PNH400 legacy sculpture garden.
While visiting Portsmouth and leading several in-person and online community engagement programs, artist Sijia Chen collected suggestions for Portsmouth-centered maritime themes and images to help her create her signature papercut designs that will be incorporated in “Endeavor.”
Residents, students, businesses and groups have until May 1, 2023 to submit maritime-themed suggestions on the “Endeavor” project website. Go directly to https://www.endeavorforportsmouth.com/connect to upload ideas and images.
“One of the most exciting parts of Sijia’s visit to Portsmouth and the creative sessions she held with members of our community was the audience’s participation in brainstorming the words and images that came to mind under the heading ‘maritime Portsmouth,’” said PNH400 Managing Director Valerie Rochon. “The artist is drawing on the imaginations and imagery of our community to ensure that her final concept is unique to Portsmouth and speaks to the legacy of our past, present and future.”
For more about the artist, the project and future opportunities to participate, go to: https://www.endeavorforportsmouth.com
PNH400 has raised over $100,000 to cover the design, fabrication, transportation, documentation and installation expenses including installation insurance. Additional sponsors are needed to complete this component and future additions to the PNH400 Legacy Project sculpture garden, which can accommodate six to eight pieces of public art.To learn more about this project, including how to donate, email sculpture@portsmouthnh400.org or visit the Portsmouth NH 400 website.
About Portsmouth NH 400th, Inc. (PortsmouthNH400.org)
The Portsmouth NH 400th anniversary celebrations are made possible in part thanks to the support of Bank of America, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Service Credit Union, Local IQ, members of the 400 Shoalers Club and 1623 Revolutionaries Club and additional sponsors and donors. The goal of Portsmouth NH 400th, Inc. is to give the community an inclusive opportunity to tell the stories that are important to them, through programs, events, exhibits and legacy projects. Portsmouth NH 400th celebrates the diverse and animated social, political, intellectual, cultural, economic and spiritual history of Portsmouth, from before English settlement in 1623 to the present. Portsmouth NH 400th, Inc. invites individuals and organizations considering programs and events for the Portsmouth NH 400th Anniversary celebration to join the collaborative effort. A key intention is for the Portsmouth NH 400th, Inc. team to engage the next generation(s) in exploring what the City’s 2023 legacy might be and deciding how they might steward Portsmouth and its history beyond 2023.
