The document summarizes a Percent for Art project for the New Hampshire State Archives & Division of Vital Records expansion and renovation. Three artworks were commissioned based on proposals received. Judy Dibble of Contoocook created a large-scale painting of William Plumer and his famous quote about preserving history. Gail Smuda of Concord photographed and recreated archival materials in an abstract triptych, allowing the public to view materials previously inaccessible. Deborah Skinner-Perez and Jennifer Swett collaborated on a work celebrating life at all stages, depicting a newborn cradled in a parent's hands surrounded by quilt blocks of New Hampshire residents' faces.

1. Spotlights
Percent for Art Project
For the New Hampshire State Archives & Division of Vital Records, Total project amount: $10,000
The commissioning of Percent for Art projects is a process that brings together the creative voices
and thoughtful deliberation of architects, engineers, designers, artists, and occupants of a building.
The State Archives/Division of Vital Records expansion and renovation project in Concord presented
unique challenges and many proposals were received. From these, the Site Advisory and Art
Selection committees chose three. The works, completed and installed by 2008, reflect the purpose
of the building and the importance of cherishing community and family history.
Commissioned artists and artworks:
 Judy Dibble of Contoocook created a large-scale painting of William Plumer (1789-1854).
Plumer served both as a Senator and as a Governor for the state of New Hampshire and
was instrumental in the creation of the original State Archives. Accompanying the painting is
calligraphy boldly declaring of one of Plumer’s most famous quotes. “I have rescued so
many papers from inevitable ruin, to preserve facts the knowledge of which were daily
passing from us.” Dibble’s painting and calligraphy is located in the main research room.
 Gail Smuda of Concord worked with State Archivist Frank Mevers and Vital Records Director
Bill Boynton to identify some of New Hampshire’s most important records stored in the vaults.
Smuda carefully photographed the originals, then reproduced and collaged the materials into an
abstract triptych. Through this creative artwork, visitors to the building can view archival
materials not previously open to the public.
 Deborah Skinner-Perez of Wilmot collaborated with Jennifer Swett of Sutton to create
an artwork using a variety of mediums that celebrates life at all stages. The artwork depicts a
newborn wrapped in a quilt and cradled in the hands of a parent. The quilt blocks feature
faces of New Hampshire residents of many ages, ethnicities, and time periods.
Skinner-PerezandSwett’s collaborationislocatedinthe Divisionof VitalRecords’waitingarea.
The arts are makinga difference incommunitiesthroughoutNew Hampshire.
Learn more aboutState Arts Council grantsand programservices.
http://www.nh.gov/nharts/newsandcalendar/spotlights/2010/Volume1/statearchives.htm