Community Art Project Showcased at Brunswick Hannaford

Community Art Project Showcased at Brunswick Hannaford 

Through a partnership with Brunswick Public Art, Artists Rapid Response Team, and Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention, the supermarket installed the art created by local artists

 

 

Brunswick, ME – On Friday, Hannaford Supermarket in Brunswick unveiled three public art installations created in partnership with Brunswick Public Art, Artists Rapid Response Team (ARRT), and Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. The exhibit features the work of Brunswick High School students, ARRT artists, and local artist Michael Branca. 

 

“This installation is a wonderful way to partner with community organizations that we believe in, while giving some terrifically talented local artists an opportunity to showcase their work,” said Nick Lachapelle, Store Manager. “We have a fresh new look in the store after our recent renovations, and the artwork reflects the efforts we’ve made to expand our fresh food offerings.”

 

The theme of the artwork focuses on fresh food, highlighting fruits and vegetables, local agriculture, and community activities relating to food including the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, a close community partner of Hannaford.

 

“This project is a celebration of the land’s abundance and of the spirit of giving and sharing we find in strong and healthy communities,” said Michael Branca, mural artist. “It is especially a celebration of the bounty of Maine, and a tribute to its farmers. From potatoes and blueberries to Brussels sprouts and garlic scapes, all of the produce pictured here is grown in Maine.”

 

The installation features four areas of artwork within the store:

 

Branca added, “Unfortunately, despite all this abundance, many of our neighbors are food-insecure. The paintings make symbolic references to the efforts of Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, which works to fill everyone’s plate, including providing backpacks full of food to children in need. Like caterpillars on their way to becoming butterflies, all kids blossom when they have the support of their community—and plenty of healthy, locally grown food!”

 

The exhibit marks the store’s second partnership with Brunswick Public Art, and is installed following a month-long customer appreciation and reopening celebration at the store.

 

“Hannaford has been an outstanding model of a corporate/public partnership.  They were Brunswick Public Art’s first public art project in 2011 with five banners created by a Bowdoin College art student.  And they are now our 14th public art project in collaboration with professional artists and Brunswick High School art students,” said Susan Weems of Brunswick Public Art.  “They are a fine example of a partnership that allows for external artistic expression while enhancing their store presentation.”

 

After renovations, the store’s recently expanded Produce Department now has the abundant feel of a green grocery store within the supermarket, with fresh food highlighted in the new design. The revamped deli kitchen now includes hand-battered fried chicken, hot bar with entrée options, and in-store prepared sushi, sandwiches and salads, as well as a breakfast bar during morning hours. The seafood department has a wider offering of freshly cut grab and go seafood. New cafe seating can accomodate 10.  Across the store, there is increased variety in natural and organic products.

 

Additionally, the store now features an updated pharmacy including a patient consultation room so that customers can speak privately with their pharmacist or receive an immunization. Hannaford to Go allows customers to order their groceries online and pick up in store.

 

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About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, operates 181 stores in the Northeast. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hannaford employs nearly 27,000 associates. Additional information can be found at www.hannaford.com