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Resident pitches year-long Milford sculpture walk; selectmen urge committee and business plan by October
Summary
Milford resident Keith Trexler proposed creating a public sculpture walk—modeled on Meredith’s program—with juried, year-long exhibits and local granite art. Selectmen asked Trexler to form a volunteer steering committee, develop a business plan and return with a proposal by October.
Keith Trexler told the Board of Selectmen on April 14 that he is proposing a juried sculpture walk in Milford using mostly town-owned sites and public property, including a potential river walk and spaces behind the post office.
Trexler described two common models: the costlier Andrés Institute model (artists paid stipends and produce site-specific work) and the lower-cost Meredith model where artists install work on loan for one year with the artist covering creation costs. He advocated the Meredith approach so the town’s cash outlay would be limited to support services—maps, signage and occasional installation help.
Trexler said funding could come from business sponsorships, donations and arts grants (National Endowment for the Arts, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts) and estimated initial town costs “in the low thousands” for printing, minimal DPW assistance and occasional concrete base work. He suggested a small stipend for artists could be funded by sponsors, as Meredith does.
Board members asked practical questions about liability, insurance, installation logistics and who would provide labor and equipment for heavier pieces. Trexler said artists would generally be responsible for installation, and Meredith relies on volunteers for heavier lifts; he offered to recruit jurors and artists through the New England Sculptors Association.
Selectwoman Tina Philberg raised concerns about vandalism and the town being responsible if works are damaged. Trexler said artists would be required to insure their pieces and that the steering committee would draft exhibit rules and insurance requirements. Several selectmen emphasized that DPW should not be expected to perform heavy lifting and urged volunteer or sponsor-provided equipment for installations.
Selectmen asked Trexler to convene a steering committee (three to five volunteers), develop a business plan that outlines sites, budgets and operating details, and report back in October so the board can consider any FY2026 budget implications. Several members suggested initially locating sculptures along the river and near the post office rather than in the Oval to balance visibility and preservation of memorial spaces.
Why it matters: A sculpture walk could draw visitors to Milford’s downtown, provide local artists with exposure and use local granite as a cultural and economic draw. The proposal could require modest town support (signage, installation assistance) and sponsorship fund-raising.
What's next: Trexler agreed to recruit committee members and gather budget examples from Meredith, Nashua and Laconia for the board by October, and selectmen said they expect a business plan before any town funds are committed.
