NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Sean R. Reardon and the Public Art Committee (PAC) would like to invite the public to attend the unveiling and ceremonial ribbon cutting for “SailTrace,” a new public art installation by Portland, Maine, artist Aaron T Stephan.
The event will be held at Market Landing Park on Thursday, June 5, at 11 a.m.
In early 2024, the PAC broadly advertised a Call for Artists for a maritime-related sculpture at Market Landing Park. After a formal review process, Stephan was unanimously selected out of a pool of 21 applicants.
Stephan is an American artist based in Portland, Maine. His work includes sculpture, mixed media, performance, and installation art, including over 30 successful permanent large-scale artworks across the United States. His work has been featured at several exhibitions and collections.
Stephan has been a strong partner with the PAC and the City throughout the process, engaging the community and providing photographic updates. These updates were posted on the City’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and show the process by which Stephan fabricated the life-sized masts and sails out of perforated aluminum and stainless-steel cables, simulating the billowing sails of a clipper ship. The final piece will include lighting to illuminate the work at night.
“This will be a truly stunning addition to our new Market Landing Park,” said Special Projects Manager to the Mayor and Public Art Committee member, Kim Turner. “We welcome all to join us in unveiling this beautiful piece of artwork that reflects Newburyport’s shipbuilding heritage.”
