Painting the town, another mural on the way

FORT KENT - Through the efforts of Reno Lagasse, Bob Lozier, and Jim Bourgoin, farmers and ex-farmers in the Fort Kent area will soon be receiving some recognition for the part they play and have played in shaping the town.

HARVEST IN THE ST JOHN VALLEY- Shown is one of Darren Connors' conception sketches for the proposed farmers mural to be installed in Fort Kent by the end of this year. Details of the mural still have to be worked out. - Daigle image

Several years ago, Lagasse conceived the idea for the 'Fort Kent Mural' currently on the side of the Wellness center building in downtown Fort Kent. He served as chairman of the committee that facilitated its construction and installation, a group that included Peter Sirois, John Bannen, and Paul Gephardt. At that time, the idea was to celebrate the events that have put Fort Kent "on the map," such as the international biathlon races and the Can-Am Crown sled dog races.

Lagasse is at it again. This time, he's dreamed up a vision for a 'Farmers Mural,' dedicated to the farmers of Fort Kent. Although Lagasse now lives in Clair, Fort Kent is his hometown.

"I love Fort Kent," he said. "That's why I'm doing this."

Lagasse decided he needed to find the right artist for the job. He approached Fort Kent Town Manager Don Guimond with a question about local artists who might be interested in the project. Guimond suggested Lagasse consider Darren Connors, a local painter who currently has a painting that depicts Fort Kent from the top of the ski tow on display in the town office.

POTATO PICKING IN FALL - Another potential view of the proposed farming scene is shown in this image. This painting is shown as it will look on the side of the railroad building chosen to host the mural. - Daigle image

After sending some sketches to Connors and receiving the artist's conception of the finished product back, Lagasse said, "The guy is a genius."

The goal is to paint the 35 foot-wide by 29 foot-high mural on the side of one of the old railroad buildings alongside the tracks on Market Street, with a plaque nearby that lists all the farmers of Fort Kent.  The painting itself is going to show a harvest scene, with people picking potatoes by hand. Lagasse said he wants to have a painting that also depicts machinery sold by local businesses that helped the farmers, such as a John Deere tractor, a Ford truck, Chevrolet truck, an old Farmall tractor, and so forth. "This is going to be there forever," said Lagasse. "It's never been done before. Farmers were a big part of Fort Kent."

With a vision, a location, and an artist in hand, the next step for the committee is to find some sponsors.  The Fort Kent Lions Club has stepped up and agreed to be the major sponsor for the project, said Lagasse. The committee is looking for additional sponsorship.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the project should contact Lagasse at 506-992-3585., or one of the other committee members.

Lagasse said they anticipate having the mural completed by late fall of this year.