Healing Arts Program

Visiting Artists: Emily Birch, Sculptor

Emile Birch is a professional sculptor whose public art works have been commissioned by many businesses and communities throughout New Hampshire. His most recent sculpture, The Eternal Shield, commissioned by the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Committee is the first sculpture in over 100 years to be sited on the State House grounds in Concord. Emile has had extensive experience as an artist-in-residence in schools and communities throughout New Hampshire.

In August 2006 Emile Birch visited Crotched Mountain and led clients and staff in creating mixed media kinetic sculptures. The introduction of new materials and tools created an excitement of discovery that fueled the creative process. Six, twelve foot high sculptures evolved over a week of work by many client artists. This group process brought opportunities for clients, teachers, staff and the artist to work together making artistic decisions and resolving conflicts in design and materials. The success of this effort was evident on the day of the Kite Festival when the six completed sculptures were installed around the campus.  We look forward to working with Emile in 2007 on the "Spiral Links Project" that will include an interactive, kinetic inclined wire sculpture.