The Fine Art of NH State Stores

It would be a crime here in New Hampshire to overlook the importance of art in public space, quite literally – thanks to the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which oversees the statewide Percent for Art program.

That is the basis for Tuesday night's Artists Reception at Nashua State Store 69, during which six local artists – five of them from Nashua – were honored for their work, which now adorns the walls, above the cabernet and chardonnay.

By law, it is mandated that .5 percent of the capital budget appropriation for new public buildings or significant renovations be designated to the acquisition or commissioning of artwork.

It's something that wasn't happening at state stores because they're independently operated and the Percent for Art initiative was getting lost in the details of construction.

But between Nashua State Rep. David Campbell, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau and the Nashua Arts Commission, Tuesday night's unveiling felt more like an art event than a liquor store soiree.

NH Liquor Commissioner Michael Milligan said it was exciting to capture the flavor of the community through a project such as this.

He gave much credit to Liz Racioppi, who heads the Nashua Arts Commission, for orchestrating the event, which included wine and spirit sampling with local producers, including Candia Vineyards, Flag Hill Winery, LaBelle Winery, Sweet Baby Vineyard, Jewell Towne Vineyard, Fabrizia and Sea Hagg; and hors d'oeuvre prepared and served by the students of the NH Food Bank's Culinary Training program.

Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce President Chris Williams heralded the moment as a brilliant way to showcase some of Nashua's "hidden talent in a very public space."

"And I like that we have the opportunity to rectify state support for local artists in the Nashua community," Williams said. "I see the Nashua Arts Commission doing many more great things like this, moving forward."

Contributing artists, whose work was selected by Campbell, Milligan and Racioppi:

Joy Steinberg of Boscawen: "New Hampshire Scenes on Canvas."

Margaret L. Woitkowski, Daniel Tomolonis, Frank S. Ulcickas, and Roberta Woitkowski, all of Nashua: "Moments in New Hampshire."

Helene LeVasseur, of Nashua: "Nashua Scene Oil Paintings."