posted on: 7/21/2020

The Dover Arts Commission is pleased to announce the selection of Marielle Carpentier and the Dover Art Center as the recipients of its summer 2020 City Arts Grants. City Arts Grants are awarded to individual artists and arts organizations to create visual art, music, dance, theatre, film, and literary projects that benefit the residents of Dover and enrich the cultural life of the city.

The Cocheco Mills Historic Project in Fabric by Marielle Carpentier

Marielle Carpentier will create a permanent sculpture based on the history of Dover and the Cocheco Manufacturing Company. The goal of the project is to provide the Public Library with permanent artwork that is a representation of the city’s history, as well as an engaging learning tool for the children of Dover. In addition, a workshop will be held to provide a meaningful activity that is part history lesson, art lesson, and home economics lesson.

Carpentier’s sculpture will be a simplified representation of the main factory building in a T shape. Replica fabrics that reflect the popular textiles of the time will be used to make the sculpture. Carpentier describes the sculpture as “extremely child friendly, as it is essentially a giant pillow,” and plans to have it donated and permanently displayed in the Dover Public Library.

Dover Arts Commission awards two City Arts Grants

posted on: 7/21/2020

The Dover Arts Commission is pleased to announce the selection of Marielle Carpentier and the Dover Art Center as the recipients of its summer 2020 City Arts Grants. City Arts Grants are awarded to individual artists and arts organizations to create visual art, music, dance, theatre, film, and literary projects that benefit the residents of Dover and enrich the cultural life of the city.

The Cocheco Mills Historic Project in Fabric by Marielle Carpentier

Marielle Carpentier will create a permanent sculpture based on the history of Dover and the Cocheco Manufacturing Company. The goal of the project is to provide the Public Library with permanent artwork that is a representation of the city’s history, as well as an engaging learning tool for the children of Dover. In addition, a workshop will be held to provide a meaningful activity that is part history lesson, art lesson, and home economics lesson.

Carpentier’s sculpture will be a simplified representation of the main factory building in a T shape. Replica fabrics that reflect the popular textiles of the time will be used to make the sculpture. Carpentier describes the sculpture as “extremely child friendly, as it is essentially a giant pillow,” and plans to have it donated and permanently displayed in the Dover Public Library.

Carpentier will also hold a workshop to teach children about textile history while educating them on patternmaking and sewing as they create their own custom pillow. The workshop is a two-part lesson. The first part will explain how to make a pattern or design, followed by time for children to design their own patterns. The second part of the workshop involves creating the final pillow. This layered physical and intellectual approach serves to connect the future with the past.


The Printmaking Project by the Dover Art Center

The Dover Art Center plans to organize an environmentally friendly printmaking shop which would be accessible to resident artists and members, and, most importantly, to aspiring young artists in Dover. The Art Center’s newly acquired Takach Press was purchased through generous donations. Volunteers assisted both physically and financially to organize the new workshop area and move the press into place.

The Center would like to teach the art of printmaking (e.g., etching and monoprint, collagraph and solar print) to the many young people in Dover. Workshops for students will be held in collaboration with artist teachers and printmakers who are actively involved in The Art Center already. This will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the Seacoast area.

Sally Dion is the residency director at The Dover Art Center and has 36 years of printmaking experience. Dion is now in her final term at Massachusetts College of Art and Design completing her master’s degree in fine art. She specializes in printmaking utilizing unusual materials and compelling narratives. She has taught printmaking and design workshops in Southern New Hampshire and has exhibited her work throughout New England.

Rebecca Proctor, founder of The Art Center, is the creative mind and organizer of the project. Proctor has worked collaboratively in Dover’s art community for over 14 years. She will see this project through from its inception to its completion and will be actively involved during the process.


About the Dover Arts Commission

The Dover Arts Commission is an advisory board to the Dover City Council tasked with developing and promoting programs, forums, and exhibits that highlight the artistic talent within the city. The Arts Commission works to enhance awareness of and appreciation for the arts through increased dialogue and citizen participation.

For more information about City Arts Grants or the Dover Arts Commission, email Jane Hamor at j.hamor@dover.nh.gov.