A Rendering of the Bramhall Square Redesign of Which Chris Miller’s Art Project Will be a Part.

Chris Miller, a South Portland resident, was selected yesterday to create a new public art piece for the redesigned Bramhall Square Park it was announced by the city this morning.  The Bramhall Redesign Project is an ongoig process to “reimagine” Bramshall Square located at the corner of Congress Street and Deering Avenue in the Parkside neighborhood.  The Portland Public Art Committee (PPAC) who announced the selection has budgeted $25,000. for the art project.

Miller was given the recommendation by a five-member selection committee.  His proposal, “Keeper of the Picnic,” is composed of a large reclining bear containing five individual concrete pieces – head, two front paws and two back paws – and is set within the proposed landscaped areas of the redesigned park.

The public can view Miller’ work that is currently on display in Bramhall Square.  It’s an electical box mural commissioned in 2020 by Northern Light Mercy Hospital and several other non-profits.

The city’s request for qualifications (RFQ) called for Bramhall Square proposals that could be integrated into the small parks design both visually and physically, be attractive to children/families and have a playful or whimsical character and have the ability to serve as an emblematic gateway for the Parkside neighborhood.

The RFQ received 19 total submssions.  Miller’s submission was selected from a pool of four fnalists – several from out-of-state.  Ardtists were evaluated by an ad hoc selection committee, including members of the Public Art Committee. The timeline for the completion of this project is yet to be determined.

Miller is the founder of New Paradign Design Workshop.  From  Minnesota, he holds an Associate’s degree from Central Lakes Community College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master of Arts in Architecture from MIT.  He lives in South Portland with his family.