Let's Hang Out(side)
Update - 18 December 2025 - Installed!
They're up! Yes, it is Winter and perhaps this timing isn't the best, but it is done and I am thrilled. The benches were by themselves installed in latte October, early November. Then it was time for the plantings. How exciting! I went to the local nursery we hoped to use and picked out two red bud trees (the "lamps") and two smaller shrubs (two "side tables"). Unfortuantely, there were some glitches with this nursery and Mike Montgomery (Hamden's "tree person") ended up using a wholesale supplier with whom Hamden has an establised account.
Not only did we get two lovely young red bud trees, but also many shrubs (mostly mountain laurel) and all are natives!
Below are two photos. First is one of the plants being planted. Then one of me lounging in the cold on one of the benches. Thanks to Public Works employees for braving the cold wind!
I did not work entirely alone on this project. Rather, I enlisted the assistance of my niece, Emily Giskin. An artist in her own right she specializes in face-painting and special effects/model make-up.
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)."
Click to support Let's Hang Out(side) the first Farmington Canal Trail Art Installation
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!