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Bauer Center urges Bedford to use local artworks in vacant storefronts for Schulz exhibit traffic
Summary
A Bauer Center board vice president asked the town to partner with local artists to display artwork in vacant downtown storefronts during a major Charles M. Schulz exhibition (May 7–Aug. 7) to attract more visitors downtown; council said the idea fits the downtown strategy and staff will consider it when a banner policy is presented.
A Bauer Center representative appeared before the Bedford Town Council to outline plans for a major summer exhibition focused on the life and art of Charles M. Schulz and to urge town support for a temporary storefront-art program.
The speaker, who identified herself as the Bauer Center vice president of the board, said the center will host a replica of Schulz's studio beginning May 7 and a full exhibition June 17–Aug. 7. She told council that the National D-Day Memorial draws roughly 60,000 visitors annually but far fewer enter related local sites, and she urged the town to "capture a greater percentage of that missing middle" by making downtown more vibrant.
To do that, the Bauer Center proposed partnering with local artists and property owners to install original art or high-quality canvas prints in the windows of vacant storefronts, creating a walkable gallery that encourages visitors to explore downtown restaurants and shops. "It creates energy...and encourages people to slow down, to explore, to take photos, and to step into our shops and restaurants," she said.
Town staff and council members responded that storefront art and banners are part of the council's broader downtown strategy. Town Manager Warner said staff will present a banner policy at a future meeting that will specify sizes and installation standards; council signaled support for the concept but made no immediate commitment or appropriation.
No formal motion or funding was proposed at the meeting. The Bauer Center said it will help identify artists and coordinate participation and requested leadership from the town to work with property owners on access and preparation of spaces.
