Let's Hang Out(side)
Update - 10 June 2025 - Painting at Hamden Public Works
If you are a reader of my newsletter you already know that painting has begun, but for everyone else, here's the latest news! (And some pix.) The benches are situated in a side area of one of the big vehicle bays. In fact the vehicle in that bay has tires that miss being as tall as me by about an inch! It's a terrific studio space, in fact because with the bay door open fresh air and sunshine get in. Of course yesterday it was raining but they had closed that bay door so everything was nice and dry.
The first week was preparing the surfaces and it did take the entire session. Painting has, of course, taken off and it's coming along even better than I hoped for. We are well on the way with the first bench and have started the second one. I am not working alone and when I say, "we" I mean my assistant artist and niece, Emily Giskin. An artist in her own right she specializes in face-painting and special effects/model make-up.
Below are several photos of the first bench from our most recent painting (or studio) session as well as a few of the concept sketches for comparison.
Description
Imagine a comfortable, relaxing living room transported outdoors. A pair of park benches stand in for sofas along with two or three small "end tables," all attractively painted with abstract art. Fruit trees take the place of floor lamps. And because there's no need for carpeting, paver tiles or brickwork on the ground pull everything together as an outdoor living room. Even better, it's on the Farmington Canal Trail! Let's Hang Out(side) will enhance everyone's enjoyment of the trail in southern Hamden.
Background
Let's Hang Out(side) addresses real problems. The one that inspired my design is that there are no places where people can stop to sit down and rest along the Farmington Canal Trail from Cheshire southward! You might think that any old park bench would do, but any old park bench would not boost the arts and culture in our Hamden community.
Having seen successful outdoor art installations elsewhere, I was inspired to create Let's Hang Out(side) for the often under-served area of Southern Hamden. Being me, I want something with a bit of humor, that is attractive as well as functional. This work will serve the entire town as it draws interest from both the general art loving public, as well as those who walk, bike, and skate along the heritage trail. Let's Hang Out(side) will positively impact the economy and atmosphere of this area by inviting people further south along the trail. Everyone from the elderly to young parents with toddlers will finally have a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy art and the environment..
How to donate (tax deductible)
I have a fiscal sponsor who has a 501(c)3 designation and will accept donations on behalf of this project. This sponsor is "The Arts Council of Greater New Haven." You can use Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Zelle and Credit Cards. The link below will take you to the Arts Council's donation page. There you can make your donation adding that the funds are for "Patricia C Vener-Saavedra project Let's Hang Out(side)."
Or if you prefer you can make out your check to "The Arts Council of Greater New Haven" with the notation, Let's Hang Out(side) plus my name, "Patricia Vener-Saavedra," in the note area on the bottom left of the check.
Thank you for your generosity!
Click to support Let's Hang Out(side) the first Farmington Canal Trail Art Installation