Building homes and connections one bird house at a time.
“Colorful Perches, Connected People” is a community art project by I Love Art Space featuring bird-themed art and decorated birdhouses created by local residents, especially seniors and children. Through free workshops, public installations, and an indoor exhibit, the project fosters creativity, connection, and bird conservation, with maps guiding visitors along The Valley Trail.
The project will take place at our I Love Art Space in Dover, VT, at the Dover Free Library, Dover Town Hall, local public schools in Dover, Wilmington, Wardsboro, Readsboro, and Whitingham. All culminating in an outdoor exhibit along the scenic Valley Trail, a pedestrian and bicycle pathway approximately five miles long. As well as an indoor exhibition at the I Love Art Space gallery.
“Colorful Perches, Connected People” is a community art initiative created by I Love Art Space focused on creating and displaying decorated birdhouses and bird-themed artwork made by local residents, with a special emphasis on engaging seniors and children. The project combines public art, free workshops, and environmental education, culminating in both an outdoor installation along The Valley Trail and an indoor gallery exhibition at our studio. A map will be created to guide visitors to each birdhouse location. The goals of “Colorful Perches, Connected People” are to encourage creative participation across generations, provide free, accessible art opportunities, beautify public spaces through community-made art, support bird education and conservation awareness and foster connections between people and nature. Local schools and libraries will have the opportunity to include this project as part of their art and educational programs. The Dover Free Library does a Story Walk on the Valley Trail in the summer and we will partner with them to feature bird themed stories and encourage participants to paint birdhouses that will be displayed on the trail in the summer.
Project Timeline October 2025 through May 2026 when we will complete installation. Project will be installed through the summer of 2026:
- Bird-Themed Workshops
Nine interactive workshops held with local schools and community members exploring bird habitats, local species, and artistic interpretations. - Story Walk & Bird Education
Outdoor story walk where participants learn about local bird species through books. A joint effort with the Dover Free Library. - Birdhouse Painting at I Love Art Space studio
Participants gather at the I Love Art Space studio to creatively paint their birdhouses, inspired by what they’ve learned. - Installation & Unveil
Painted birdhouses are installed along the Dover Valley Trail and hung in the trees near the gallery for public enjoyment. - Indoor Art Exhibit Opening
The gallery hosts a special viewing of bird-themed artwork created during the project, celebrating community creativity. - Community Trail Strolls
Friends and families walk the trail, identifying birdhouses and discovering the artists behind each one.