When a town has the motto “River Town, Art Town, Home Town,” it is to be expected that there would be public art on display, and the downtown area does not disappoint. With a few murals as well as hand painted models of the “Augusta,” a luxury yacht built in Milford, it is easy to see why “art” is included in the town motto.
The “We Are Milford” mural on the side of Arena’s facing Denny Row depicts the diversity of the town. It was a collaborative effort directed by Noa Kornbluh who was an Americorps Vista volunteer working with Downtown Milford Inc. at the time. The mural was unveiled in 2016.
Three local artists, Lori Conner, Gilberto Rodriguez and DeMarcus Shelborne, designed the mural with input from a committee. The mural, which is 24 by 12 feet, was painted by the three artists along with Milford High School students.
The mural was selected by Parade Magazine as the best mural In Delaware in 2019.
A large mural on the side of the Salvation Army building on Southeast Front Street was a collaborative project with the Mispillion Art League, spearheaded by Sara Gallagher. The project brought together a large group of artists and community members to create al mural with panels depicting the history of Milford.
Panels depict the railroad station during the heyday of train travel, a farmer’s pea crop awaiting their turn at market, the launch of the George May, the Old Red Mill and LD Caulk, Nixon Palace Theater and the Old Calvery Church.
The project began in 2008 after then Milford Museum President Dave Kenton approached Gallagher with the idea. The artists were all volunteers with some high school students assisting with the mural.
In 2013, Downtown Milford Inc. began the Augusta Project an initiative that featured replica yacht structures along the Milford Riverwalk. The sculptures were a nod to the Vineyard Shipyard, who began building luxury yachts when wooden sailing vessels began to fade from use. The Augusta still traverses waterways in the area as it was completely refurbished by Joan and Sudler Lofland.
Various artists created unique designs on the fiberglass sculptures, and they were placed throughout downtown. Local artists mentored high school students to create sculptures that were completely different from each other.
If you are looking for a place to see the talents of Milford artists while enjoying the outdoors, take a walk along the Riverwalk or downtown.
