Milford sculptor proposes public art walk using town granite

Keith Trexler, a Milford resident and sculptor, told the Milford Heritage Commission on June 11 that he is proposing a public “art walk” that would place sculptures — including pieces carved from waste granite from local quarries — at sites through downtown and along the river.

Trexler said the concept would combine permanent and rotating works and be organized by a volunteer committee and a separate jury to select pieces. “It creates a shared sense of identity and belonging,” he told the commission, listing aesthetic, community-building and economic benefits.

Why it matters: Trexler argued public art draws visitors and supports local restaurants and shops, and said the town already owns multiple small parcels that could host sculpture sites. He suggested routes from the post office through Bicentennial Park and a riverwalk loop from the post office to the Keys Field bridge, and flagged the library area and the park near Harriet Wilson as potential cluster sites.

Details and timeline: Trexler described two common models used by other New Hampshire towns. One model is a symposium where artists create works on site and typically receive stipends; the other, which he favors for Milford, issues an art call and installs works for about a year with roughly 50% turnover. He said Meredith’s Sculptures Walk and other regional examples show the approach can be run with local volunteers, modest donor support and occasional grant funding. He proposed aiming to launch in 2026 and build the organization during 2025.

Funding and operations: Trexler recommended minimizing direct town expense by seeking corporate sponsors and private donors, using a web page and social media for promotion, printing maps and plaques, and recruiting volunteers for installation. He suggested that, at least initially, Milford not take a sales commission on works sold through the exhibition to encourage artist participation. He also raised standard operational questions such as indemnification and installation logistics, and said he planned to consult with organizers in Meredith to learn best practices.

Commission response and next steps: Commission members expressed support and asked about parking, site safety near school areas, and integrating historical interpretation (for example, labeling pieces carved from Lovejoy quarry granite with historical photos). The commission noted selectmen had previously asked Trexler to develop the idea and asked him to return in the fall with a more detailed plan and potential volunteers.

Ending: Trexler said he will meet with organizers in Meredith for guidance and follow up with the commission. The Heritage Commission indicated it would discuss ways to support the project and share potential volunteers and sponsors.