THE ART: REACHING ACROSS
Inception date: June 9th, 2024; Installation date: July 16, 2025
Introduction
Starting in early 2024, the Dover Arts Commission, with the support of the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens, began exploring a piece of art for the garden. After searching local and regional sculpture artists, a member of the Commission spotted a story on WMUR Channel 9 NH Chronicle about an artist working in metal. The Commission chose Durham, NH artist, Markus Weinfurter. After discussions about budgets and materials the proposed project, “Reaching Across”, an outdoor sculpture made entirely from recycled metal was chosen. By using recycled materials, the artwork embodies the values of environmental consciousness and artistic innovation and contributes to the cultural and aesthetic landscape of downtown Dover.
Concept and Vision
2.1. Concept: Reaching Across is a dynamic, abstract sculpture representing the interconnectedness of nature, humanity and technology. The design features fluid, organic shapes that rise, twist, blossom and arch across the entrance to Joe Parks Garden. The use of recycled metal not only demonstrates the potential of repurposed materials but also creates a conversation around environmental awareness.
2.2. Vision: The sculpture is a landmark piece that corresponds with its surroundings. The sculpture marks the entrance to Joe Parks Garden, functioning as a transition from urban to natural environment. The sculpture creates a visual experience throughout the days and seasons.
Material and Methodology
3.1. Materials:
- Recycled Metal: The primary materials are locally sourced recycled metal, including steel and copper. The variety of metals add texture, transforming industrial refuse into a sculpture with a natural aesthetic.
- Concrete Base: The concrete base entry to the garden was fitted with bolts on both sides of the art piece, anchoring the sculpture securely. A portion of the existing bridge railing was removed to make space for the sculpture, and decorative railing added after installation.
3.2. Sourcing Materials:
- The artist collaborated with local scrap yards, particular Harding Metals and other metal fabricators to establish source materials. This collaboration and metals donation reduced costs and involved local businesses in the realization of the project.
3.3. Fabrication Process:
- Design and Planning: The design was made using Photoshop, allowing for the planning of dimensions and aesthetic considerations.
- Cutting and Shaping: The metal was cut, shaped, and welded inspired by the design. Special attention was given to creating smooth, flowing lines that evoke the natural forms intended in the concept. The Welding classes at Dover High School’s Career Technical Center assisted with the fabrication of the 36 copper flowers that adorn the sculpture.
- Assembly: The sculpture was assembled in two sections at Green Foundry in Berwick, ME, and then transported to the site for final assembly and installed by staff from Dover Community Services. The modular approach ensured ease of transportation and installation.
- Finishing: A protective coating and paint were applied to the metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring the sculpture will withstand the outdoor elements.
Installation and Site Integration
4.1. Installation Process:
- Site Preparation: A portion of the guard rail was removed, and the existing anchoring points were repurposed for the sculpture. The sculpture is self-supporting and not attached to the fencing or the building next door.
- Assembly and Erection: The sculpture was erected by Community Services using a crane. Professional engineers oversaw the process to ensure safety.
- Finishing Touches: Once installed, final inspections and adjustments were made. In the future, low voltage solar-powered lighting may also be installed to illuminate the sculpture at night.
4.2. Site Integration:
- The gaps between the sculpture and the other guard rails were filled, to guarantee safety for pedestrians.
- Interpretive signage is installed to provide context about the sculpture and its materials, the artist and the Dover Arts Commission.
Budget and Timeline
5.1. Budget:
- Materials: $4,000 was estimated for additional materials and protective coatings.
- Labor: $16,000 were estimated for fabrication, shop expenses, transportation and installation.
- Contingency: An additional $5,000 was estimated for installation and maintenance.
5.2. Funding and Fabrication:
- Public Funding: Funding levels were established, and community partners joined the fundraising effort.
- Sponsorship: By March 2025, 93% of the fundraising goals had been met.
- Phase 1, summer/autumn 2024: Design finalization, material sourcing, and fundraising.
- Phase 2, March-April 2025: Fabrication of the sculpture, preparation of the site.
- Phase 3 July 2025: Installation of the sculpture and securing of the area.
- Phase 4 August 2025, Final inspection, unveiling event.
Community Engagement and Publicity
6.1. Publicity and Marketing: The project was promoted through social media, local news outlets, and community bulletins.
6.2. Unveiling Event: A public unveiling event was organized parallel to other local events, featuring speeches from city officials, the artist, and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
Reaching Across will enrich the city's cultural landscape, inspire environmental consciousness, and create a lasting landmark for Joe Parks Garden. This vision has come to life thanks to the vibrant spirit of Dover.
THE ARTIST - MARKUS WEINFURTER
Having completed his studies of Politics, Sociology, and Psychoanalysis, Markus Weinfurter was drawn to a more adventurous life. Soon after he joined a German theater collective and performed at street theater festivals in Europe, Laos and Armenia as a dancer and stilt walker. He has done trans theatrical workshops in the steppe of southern Spain, sailed the Aegean and Adriatic Sea on a Canadian Theater Ship, driven up the west coast of Indian on a historical motorbike, and crossed the USA from east coast to west coast. He has participated in numerous workshops in Dance, Theater, Yoga, Massage, Energetic Healing, and Ayurveda. His skills stretch from wood and metal work to rigging and clay building. He is of the opinion that almost everybody could do almost everything, if you only lose the fear of taking the first steps and claim ownership of a path that you are the master on.
As a metal artist, Markus is passionate about creating unique pieces using reclaimed materials. His background in theater design inspires him to think outside the box and create art that is not only beautiful but also functional. Each creation is one-of-a-kind and tells its own story. You’ll find other examples of his work at the Durham Library and in locations in Newmarket.
See more of Markus Weinfurter’s work at: https://www.metalartsculpture.net/.
Markus Weinfurter, 587 Bay Rd, Durham NH, 03824, 603 397 7762
mweinfurter.wixsite.com/arts/ -or- Instagram: @markusweinfurtersculptures
THE DOVER ARTS COMMISSION
The commission (DAC) is made up of eleven volunteers who are committed to making Dover a showplace for art of all kinds. Winner of the 2022 NH State Council on the Arts Governor’s Community Arts Award, their slogan is “Where Creativity Knows No Limits”
Their mission: “To enhance an appreciation and awareness of arts and culture in the community through increased dialog and participation of citizens”
The DAC is integrated into the City of Dover’s Master Plan through the City Planning Department. Arts commission members work with the Planning Department to approve art in public locations and at development projects that fall within the City’s zoning requirements.
Recent projects include the Joe Parks Garden sculpture, community art walls on the Community Trail, at the Dover Skate Park and at Park Street Park. Restoring the iconic ‘Blue Crab’ in front of the Children’s Museum of NH, sculptures ‘Snake Eyes’ cubes from artist Jill Nooney on Fisher Street and the Fiber Frenzy Fiesta with fabric designs on the trees of Waldron Court.
The Commission assisted the Dover 400th Celebration Committee to acquire a commemorative sculpture entitled: “River Roots” to be erected in the new waterfront Nebi Park in 2025. More rotating art and sculpture pieces will be installed in the park in 2025.
The DAC has worked with virtually every other city department to bring art to Dover including the Dover Library, Dover Community Services, Dover Police Department, Dover School Department, Graffiti Committee and Community Trail Committee.
Working with Dover High School Art Honor Society students, the DAC is continuing its series of student-designed creative art designs for the city’s highly visible traffic control boxes.
Citizens are urged to participate with the members of the Commission and its projects. The Commission meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in the first-floor meeting room in Dover City Hall.