BRUNSWICK, ME  (May 26, 2022) — The BDA Design Committee created the Have A Seat Adirondack chair project to bring a unifying spark of joy to Downtown Brunswick. Brunswick community businesses, local artists, and community organizations have come together to create an environment downtown that invites tourists, local shoppers, families, and others to stop, sit and smile.  

Where the project came from:

The Have A Seat project is the result of the right people at the right time coming together around an idea. The BDA Design Committee has been searching for a project to brighten the hearts and faces of those who come to downtown Brunswick this summer and the timing was perfect. Rob Biggs, the recent Saco Main Street Executive Director and new board member of the Brunswick Downtown Association, suggested a painted Adirondack chair project as he had successfully completed a similar project in Saco. A subcommittee was formed, and the project was just a matter of taking a good and proven idea and making minor adjustments to work in Downtown Brunswick. The project was announced at the Annual Meeting in March and the committee was up and running.  

The unfinished Maine made Adirondack chairs were purchased from two sources.

The Maine State Prison Showroom in Thomaston supplied 23 chairs from solid Ash that fold and have wheels. The chairs were expertly crafted by inmates at the prison.  

Twelve additional chairs constructed of Eastern White Cedar were delivered by Maine Adirondack Chairs in Vassalboro.

Once painted, sealed and reconstructed, the chairs will be placed downtown from June to September 25. They will be secured and placed in pairs. A large tag will be affixed to each chair with the sponsor logo, artist information and chair auction link.  

The birch tree chair is the most recent Maine Street art contribution by Brunswick artist and resident Karl Saila. “I was raised in the world of saunas with cold dips into a lake or snow drift and the love of birch tree groves. The birch tree is symbolic of my [Finish] family heritage.” 

Local artist Robert Sansonetti painted the chair sponsored by Mare Brook Farm and owners Ryan and Courtney Ravenscroft. Bob found inspiration from their brilliant summer blooms. “The image I painted is a beautiful bouquet from the wonderful Mare Brook Farm, an amazing source of the most beautiful Maine-grown flowers, herbs, and other lovely plants!”

 Tracy Johnson, who is a goldsmith, took a ‘spring break’ to paint a chair for Keith Field Goldsmith. She focused on a single image that was bold, beautiful and spoke to their trade. “I hope this chair will inspire people and spread joy in downtown Brunswick.” 

Visit the BDA Have A Seat Chair Auction website for more details, photos of completed chairs, artist bios, chair sponsors, and a Have A Seat Adirondack Chair location map.