Memory bench proposed for Boothbay Harbor artist
"Jim Taliana," a self portrait in pasta and crackers. Below: Whale Park off Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor is the site of a proposed park bench to celebrate the life of Jim Taliana, who was known throughout town for his love for art and community service. A bicycle rack marks the spot where the stone bench is to be placed. Courtesy Barbara Eldred
Whale Park off Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor is the site of a proposed park bench to celebrate the life of Jim Taliana, who was known throughout town for his love for art and community service. A bicycle rack marks the spot where the stone bench is to be placed. Courtesy Barbara Eldred
"Jim Taliana," a self portrait in pasta and crackers. Below: Whale Park off Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor is the site of a proposed park bench to celebrate the life of Jim Taliana, who was known throughout town for his love for art and community service. A bicycle rack marks the spot where the stone bench is to be placed. Courtesy Barbara Eldred
Whale Park off Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor is the site of a proposed park bench to celebrate the life of Jim Taliana, who was known throughout town for his love for art and community service. A bicycle rack marks the spot where the stone bench is to be placed. Courtesy Barbara Eldred
A self portrait made from macaroni was the last piece of art Jim Taliana left to the world.
A loving husband, father and local artist, Taliana was remembered for as many things colorful and diverse as the assorted pasta, beans and popcorn kernels that make up his portrait.
“It reminds us all what a great guy Jim was; what a sense humor he had, and what a huge talent he had,” said Barbara Eldred, a fellow artist and friend of Taliana's. “He really is missed. He did so much for the town.”
Whether organizing art shows in the Whale Park, illustrating children's books or coaching the girls soccer team, Taliana was known for his unconditional generosity and dedication to his community.
Taliana died November 25, 2012, at the age of 71, leaving many who knew him at a loss for words.
Eldred, who is on the board of the Boothbay Region Art Foundation, said they decided they wanted to find some way to celebrate Taliana's involvement with the community.
Eldred said BRAF seeks to honor their late friend by erecting a stone bench in the Whale Park, a place where Taliana often painted. She also said BRAF wants the community to be involved in commemorating the artist.
BRAF has teamed up with the Boothbay Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library to make the “Memory Bench” possible. Eldred said donations from the community are welcome for anyone who wants to be a part of the project.
The memory bench was approved by the town of Boothbay Harbor and the plan is to have the bench built from stone, engraved and opened in the park by Labor Day 2013. The proposed placement of the bench is near the water, on the southeastern end, where the boardwalk meets the grass. Currently a bicycle rack occupies the space.
The Boothbay Register will follow the progress as the bench is designed and built, all the way up to the unveiling ceremony.
Donations can be made to Boothbay Region Art Foundation, P.O. Box 124, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
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