By Christine Simmonds | Aug 06, 2020
THOMASTON — Thomaston artist Nancy Baker wants to spread art. “My mission is public art,” Baker said.
Baker is painting a mural on the back side of Thomaston Grocery. She said the piece does not have a title yet, but is “a village scene.”
The mural features painted brick that blends into the actual brick of the business block, painted windows, as well as people dressed in historic garb. A woman with her child and dog walk by and a man sits reading a newspaper.
Baker said she wanted to portray Thomaston’s history and also wanted the mural to be integrated with the rest of the building facade.
The mural is so realistic that people passing by have commented that it almost looks 3D. Others have said they thought the painted windows were real when driving by. Baker's painted bricks certainly fool any casual passers-by.
Baker said she supports public art because of all the benefits it can offer. “Public art helps bring people in the town. It attracts people.”
Baker has lived in Thomaston since 2008. “I love the houses, the neighbors, the river,” she said.
Baker began advocating for the mural after joining the organization Main Street Matters. She said she originally did not think Thomaston would support the idea, as the town is protective of its historic buildings. She was also concerned about following ordinances.
Baker drew a mock-up of the mural in pastels and gained the support of Pollution Control Superintendent John Fancy.
Baker said the idea never would have come to fruition without Fancy’s support. She said he has been vital to the project.
Baker also had support from the building owner John Vigue. “He was so enthusiastic,” she said. Vigue told her he had wanted a mural on that wall for a while.
Baker is donating her time and talent to complete the mural behind Thomaston Grocery in the hopes that it inspires other murals in town. She told Fancy she would paint the mural if the town paid to prepare and clean the wall.
The costs for cleaning the wall were covered by the leftover money from the grant Fancy used to revamp the space behind the business block.
Baker can currently be seen most days working on the mural. She said she has received great feedback from people passing by. Fancy said he has also received a lot of positive feedback.
Baker said members of the public in the business block have been her cheerleaders, and said she often needed to hear the enthusiasm after a long day painting in the sun.
Talk of the Town
" I thought it was REAL. There were folks standing near it and I thought THEY were a new part of the mural."
" Love it, love it...saw a dog that did too! "
" Love the mural, do more, make Thomaston unique."
" Landmark! Beautiful! Thank you, it's brilliant."
" Our family is sending you a big thank you for the mural....it is such a beautiful gift to our town."
" Do another, it looks great...adds to the "old world" flavor of our town."
" Dang, I walked up thinking it was real brick. You got me! "
https://knox.villagesoup.com/p/mural-portrays-thomaston-history/1866556