Vallee Square Street Painting
This summer, we kicked off the Vallee Square Concert Series in downtown Westbrook with a community street painting project that not only brightened the space with color but also honored the city’s history and its connection to the Presumpscot River. Led by local artist and board member Michael Shaughnessy, a USM Art Professor, volunteers came together to transform the street and barriers of Vallee Square into a vibrant mural. The paint for this project was generously donated by Westbrook Sherwin-Williams.
The mural design reflects Westbrook’s unique heritage, weaving together themes of the river and music. It features flowing blue lines and colorful circles, interpreting the musical score of the African-American spiritual “Wade in the Water.” This serves as a reminder of the city’s role in the Underground Railroad and its rich artistic traditions.
As the notes turn into bubbles near the river, they symbolize the journey of enslaved people seeking freedom, including those who passed through Westbrook on their way to Canada.
It also represents the freeing of the water, just as the removal of Saccarappa Falls Dam in 2019 has allowed the Presumpscot River to flow freely once again.
The mural reminds us of the power of art to connect us to our past and enrich our present. With events that bring us together each summer and through the efforts of our wonderful community, Vallee Square is becoming a place where art, history, and music converge. See local coverage of the event at News Center Maine.
