Colorful Perches – Connected People

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.

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 2026 through September 2027 when we will complete installation. Project will be installed through the summer of 2027:

1. Birdhouse Painting at I Love Art Space studio
   Participants gather at the I Love Art Space studio to creatively paint their birdhouses.
   • All of October will be Paint a Birdhouse drop-in creative sessions for children 6-12. Please stop by our workshop room and decorate your own small birdhouse. All supplies will be available and this will be self-paced, so come along with ideas on what you would like to do.
   • October 10 – Paint a Birdhouse, all ages. Facilitated by Jane May Jones.
   • November 21 – Paint a Birdhouse. Facilitated by Jane May Jones.
   • December 12 – Paint a Birdhouse, all ages. Facilitated by Jane May Jones.
   • January – Paint a Birdhouse, all ages. Self-paced.
2. Story Walk & Bird Education
   Outdoor story walk where participants learn about local bird species through books. A joint effort with the Dover Free Library.
   • Dates TBA
3. Installation & Unveil
   Painted birdhouses are installed along the Dover Valley Trail and hung in the trees near the gallery for public enjoyment.
   • Dates TBA
4. Indoor Art Exhibit Opening
   The gallery hosts a special viewing of bird-themed artwork created during the project, celebrating community creativity.
   • September 5, 2027 – Community Show and Reception.
5. Community Trail Strolls
   Friends and families walk the trail, identifying birdhouses and discovering the artists behind each one.
   • Dates TBA
6. Community Art Auction
   • September 6 – September 20, 2027 Online Auction