SUBMISSIONS
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A Non-Juried Exhibition of Artwork Celebrating the FJ Wood Bridge and Brunswick Falls
Context:
This iconic bridge has been a beloved symbol of Brunswick and Topsham since its erection across Brunswick Falls on the Androscoggin River in 1932, and the decision to take it down sparked a lot of emotion in our community. As a way of honoring its legacy, the falls, the surrounding area, and those who care about them, Brunswick Public Art will host an art exhibition at Curtis Memorial Library, featuring work based on this theme.
This non-juried exhibition is an opportunity for all creative voices to be heard and will create a forum for the community to express its feelings through art. Artists, community members and students are invited to create and submit artwork in any media. Depictions of the bridge and surrounding area are encouraged, as are conceptual works, abstract interpretations, works that address the site’s history (or future), and works which express your emotions and experiences with the site.
The hope is to exhibit all of the artwork that is submitted (up to two works per artist). Works will be displayed in the Morrell Meeting Room. If more space is required, art will be installed throughout the library.
The exhibition is expected to take place soon after the FJ Wood Bridge is removed. Artists are encouraged to visit the site for inspiration while the old structure is still standing (and the new bridge is being built). Pictured: the soon-to-be-replaced bridge looking from Brunswick toward Topsham:
Calendar:
• December 12, 2025: Online submission deadline
• January 2 (3-5pm) or January 3 (9am-10am), 2026: Work delivered to Curtis Memorial Library (ready to hang)
• January 9, 2026 (5-7pm): Opening Reception
• January 30, 2026 (3-5pm) or January 31 (9am-noon): Pick up artwork
Guidelines:
• Wall-hanging artwork must be either framed or otherwise ready-to-install in a professional manner. Works that do not have a wire or other appropriate mounting hardware on the back will not be included in the show.
• Oversized artworks may be rejected due to space limitations. Please inquire before submitting large works.
• Limited space is available for 3-dimensional artworks. Priority will be given to the earliest submissions. Please inquire before submitting.
• BPA and CML reserve the right to reject works that are either deemed too large, not installation-ready, or inappropriate for exhibition in a family space.
• Click the button below to access the submission form.
For More Information:
• This Maine Department of Transportation Document gives a wonderful history of the site, from the importance of the falls to its precolonial Wabanaki residents, to the rise of industry, and the construction of the eight different bridges that have spanned this area since 1796.
Bridging the Falls: A Brief History
• Questions? Contact: [email protected]
• December 12, 2025: Online submission deadline
• January 2 (3-5pm) or January 3 (9am-10am), 2026: Work delivered to Curtis Memorial Library (ready to hang)
• January 9, 2026 (5-7pm): Opening Reception
• January 30, 2026 (3-5pm) or January 31 (9am-noon): Pick up artwork
Guidelines:
• Wall-hanging artwork must be either framed or otherwise ready-to-install in a professional manner. Works that do not have a wire or other appropriate mounting hardware on the back will not be included in the show.
• Oversized artworks may be rejected due to space limitations. Please inquire before submitting large works.
• Limited space is available for 3-dimensional artworks. Priority will be given to the earliest submissions. Please inquire before submitting.
• BPA and CML reserve the right to reject works that are either deemed too large, not installation-ready, or inappropriate for exhibition in a family space.
• Click the button below to access the submission form.
For More Information:
• This Maine Department of Transportation Document gives a wonderful history of the site, from the importance of the falls to its precolonial Wabanaki residents, to the rise of industry, and the construction of the eight different bridges that have spanned this area since 1796.
Bridging the Falls: A Brief History
• Questions? Contact: [email protected]
Sculpture Using Repurposed Steel from the Old Frank J. Wood Bridge
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Basics:
Location(s): Near the entrance to the new bridge between Brunswick and Topsham
Description: One or more sculptures made from steel from the soon-to-be-dismantled old bridge
Artist(s), funding sources, and target installation date(s): TBD
More Details:
The FJW Bridge will be dismantled in early 2026 after a new bridge is completed immediately upstream. The general contractor for the bridge replacement has committed to provide steel from the FJW bridge for use in this project.
Call for Art:
BPA is seeking initial conceptual visions for sculptures to be permanently installed in one or more locations near the entrance to the new bridge. From this pool of submissions, BPA will select a limited number of concepts for further development through paid stipends. A final project for installation will be selected at the conclusion of this process. Click the button below to access the form.
Additional Resources:
Project Overview
Shad Island
FJW Bridge History
Questions:
[email protected]
Basics:
Location(s): Near the entrance to the new bridge between Brunswick and Topsham
Description: One or more sculptures made from steel from the soon-to-be-dismantled old bridge
Artist(s), funding sources, and target installation date(s): TBD
More Details:
The FJW Bridge will be dismantled in early 2026 after a new bridge is completed immediately upstream. The general contractor for the bridge replacement has committed to provide steel from the FJW bridge for use in this project.
Call for Art:
BPA is seeking initial conceptual visions for sculptures to be permanently installed in one or more locations near the entrance to the new bridge. From this pool of submissions, BPA will select a limited number of concepts for further development through paid stipends. A final project for installation will be selected at the conclusion of this process. Click the button below to access the form.
Additional Resources:
Project Overview
Shad Island
FJW Bridge History
Questions:
[email protected]
A rendering of the new bridge (currently under construction)
The old bridge (currently being removed)
