Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration is a community celebration of shoe manufacturing & design’s important role in Haverhill’s history, highlighted by the public display of painted shoe sculptures throughout downtown.
In response to the great success of the 2009 Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration and continuing community interest, Team Haverhill has launched Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration 2014 – A Story with Style, which promises to bring new excitement, more activities, and even greater attention to Haverhill’s continuing renaissance.
The highlight of the multi-month celebration will be a high-profile public art display of painted shoe sculptures throughout the downtown area.
Sculpture Design for 2014
The Red Shoe inspires “A Story with Style” (click to enlarge)
The shoe sculpture form for 2014 was inspired by a shoe in the Buttonwoods Museum collection. The “inspirational” shoe was made by the Hazen B. Goodrich Company for the World’s Columbian Exposition (Chicago World’s Fair) in 1893.
The upper part of the shoe is red silk and the sole is made of leather. The Louis–style heel is made of wood and wrapped in red silk. The shoe is embellished with a gold-tone metal buckle and gold-colored see beads stitched to the bow detail.
Initial Draft Design for 2014 Shoe Sculpture/Bench Design (click to enlarge)
The “bench” concept was chosen to allow for greater community interaction with the artwork, and to provide a practical solution to those wanting to rest and take in the downtown sites.
Team Haverhill has begun the initial planning for Soles of Haverhill 2014, and encourages community members to join our volunteer members in this effort. We will be actively seeking participation from artists, sponsors, community organizations, school groups, arts and cultural entities, service organizations and businesses. Please complete the Volunteer Form for additional information.
Though specific initiatives and events are still in the planning stage, Team Haverhill organizers hope to create a downtown “Fashion Trail.” incorporating the shoe sculptures and special events hosted by local and downtown businesses.
Please also visit our Facebook page and “Like us” at facebook.com/solesofhaverhillshoelabration.
Call to Artists – June 2013
In June, Team Haverhill will issue a call to artists. If you wish to be on the list, please contact Leota Sarrette, soles@teamhaverhill.org.
Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration 2009
The inauguration of Soles in 2009 featured 14 wonderfully painted and designed shoe sculptures by local artists. After presentation to the community at the 2009 July 4th fireworks display, the shoes were relocated around the community. Organizers produced and distributed posters and a sculpture trail map to promote community understanding of the themes, artists, and historical links. The sculptures were sold at auction in October 2009, raising more than $40,000 for local non-profits nominated by the shoe sculpture sponsors. Many of the shoes remain in the community to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Learn more about Soles 2009 by visiting the website solesofhaverhill.com.
