PHOTO: A prototype of artist Desiree Dubois’ Sunflower Selfie Stations, which will be located around the city. (Submitted photo)
WATERVILLE — Sunflower Project has launched, a collaborative community-wide initiative designed to engage everyone from novice gardeners to experienced horticulturists in creating moments of sunshine in the urban landscape, feeding local birds and wildlife and providing pollinating stations for bees.
The Sunflower Project, sponsored by Waterville Creates, kicks off with free seedlings, an inaugural flower-planting and a reading of “The Sunflower House,” by Eve Bunting at the first Art in the Park from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 17, held in conjunction with the Waterville Farmers’ Market.
Inspired by the National Garden Bureau’s declaration of 2021 as the Year of the Sunflower, the project aims to help beautify the community and engage residents in the joy and healthful benefits of gardening. One aspect of the project is “Sunflower Houses” that will be sowed into the ground to create outdoor floral “rooms” for community members and visitors to enjoy. Sunflower Houses are planned at the River Walk, Railroad Square Cinema, Alfond Youth & Community Center, and the Children’s Discovery Museum.
There will also be three Sunflower Selfie Stations created by local artist Desiree Dubois and with collaboration between Waterville Creates, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, city of Waterville, local artists, and area businesses. They will be at Waterville Public Library, Head of Falls and Castonguay Square, and will appear at different times throughout the summer. Visitors are encouraged to use the hashtag #watervillelife to post and share their selfies on social media accounts.
A volunteer core led by garden enthusiasts Margy Burns Knight and Steve Knight, and other community partners from Waterville Public Library, city of Waterville, Alfond Youth Community Center, Children’s Discovery Museum, Waterville Farmers’ Market and Kennebec Messalonskee Trail, worked on the project. Ware-Butler donated time and materials to support the project.
“This undertaking is where art and nature intersect and we’re so thrilled to collaborate with so many community partners,” says Margy Burns Knight, lead volunteer.
For more information, visit the project’s website.
