In February 2022, residents were invited to write Love Notes to Bristol describing why they love this great town.
Fifty-seven people submitted a Love Note, and then local poet Lily Hinrichsen created a collaborative Ode to Bristol by excerpting a line or phrase from each submission. These excerpts were printed on signs and displayed on lawns around town during National Poetry Month in April 2022.
In June of 2023 we received a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation (Spark Connecting Community grant) to turn the yard signs into public art on Main Street in Bristol for all to enjoy.
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This Project was spearheaded by Bristol resident Porter Knight in collaboration with local poet Lily Hinrichsen and Lawrence Memorial Library. Ben Allred designed the graphics. Thank you to Neat Repeats, Five Town Friends of the Arts, the Bristol Historical Society and the Vermont Community Foundation (Spark Connecting Community grant) for funding.
Do you love your community? Please copy us!
Love Notes to Bristol is a public arts project celebrating our fabulous town by bringing community together through poetry and art.Our project was modeled after one in St. Paul Minnesota created by poet & performance artist Hawona Sullivan Janzen, who generously encouraged us to follow in her footsteps. We hope you will now follow in ours, and continue to spread the love!