Public art is coming to South Portland’s Greenbelt
South Portland Launches Pilot Public‑Art Project on Greenbelt Walkway
South Portland is turning its scenic Greenbelt Walkway into an open‑air gallery. The city’s public‑art committee has called on artists—local and beyond—to submit proposals for four 4‑by‑8‑foot wooden panels that will be painted along the trail. The application window is open through the end of the month, and anyone with a portfolio and a brief concept can apply.
The first two murals will appear in nearby Mill Creek Park and Bug Light Park, with plans to extend the series along the entire length of the trail. “I really hope that the Greenbelt becomes known as an art walk that hopefully attracts people to come here,” said James LaPlante, chair of the public‑art committee. He added that future phases could include sculptures and other media, and that the city hopes the installations will expand westward.
LaPlante emphasized creative freedom for the chosen artists. “Each selected artist will paint on one side of a wooden surface, with full creative liberty. We’re open to art that helps bring introduction to new cultures or gives a moment of joy or wonder, anything that brings artistic engagement to the Greenbelt,” he told the press.
The project is a pilot, but the city has already earmarked $5,000 for the first two panels. The first mural in Mill Creek Park cost $15,000, a figure that many artists noted was on the lower end of what they might accept. “There’s so much ambitious public art that we’d like to do that’s just totally impossible, given the current financial reality,” said Willys DeVoll, a committee member. “We can have more amateur or youth artists, and there’s an opportunity to showcase work in a really public way, so I think that’s democratizing.”
DeVoll also noted that the committee is seeking matching grants to add more surfaces citywide, using the Greenbelt as an initial anchor. “We want to put public art where we know the people are,” he said.
Applicants are encouraged to include examples of past work and a short proposal outlining how their piece will engage trail users. While the call is open to all artists, South Portland residents are especially encouraged to participate.
The first murals will serve as a testbed for larger ambitions. “If this pilot works, we could add dozens of panels along the trail and possibly other locations around the city,” said LaPlante. “The Greenbelt is a gathering place—if we can make it a place of wonder, we’re going to attract even more visitors.”
South Portland’s public‑art initiative reflects a growing trend in small‑city arts programming, where modest budgets and community engagement allow for a wider range of artists to participate. As the city prepares to paint its walkways, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a vibrant, ever‑changing landscape that celebrates local creativity and cultural diversity.
