Finally, Westporters have a reason to head toward — rather than flee from — the downtown pedestrian tunnel.
For decades, the walkway between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza has been as scary as the underpass in A Clockwork Orange.
Today — thanks to Miggs Burroughs’ creative eye, and the magic of lenticular photography — the passage is positively art gallery-like.
16 photos — each 32 inches square — depict Westporters “connecting” with each other. (Like a tunnel connects 2 sides — clever, huh?)
But these are no ordinary images. Gazing at a certain angle, you see one thing; take a step in either direction, and it’s a different photo entirely.
Miggs has picked his models — and photographed their images — with great care. For example, here are the 2 images of Holocaust survivor Anita Schorr, and a friend’s 8-year-old granddaughter:
These shots are of Cathy Onyemelukwe, and her husband Clem:
And here’s Oscar’s owner Lee Papageorge, and his wife. (Miggs calls this one “Super Nova.”)
The project took a year to complete. It’s sponsored by the Westport Downtown Merchants Association and the tunnel’s landlord (who knew?), Win Properties.
Information about all 16 photos is available at TunnelVisionArt.com — and via a QR code at the Main Street end of the tunnel.
You’ll learn that one of the photos is of the artist himself, and his girlfriend Liz Beeby. Here he is:
The tunnel was unveiled a few minutes ago. It’s all part of the WDMA’s “Art About Town” festival, in full swing now through 8:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday).
Main Street is closed to traffic for the event. So park in Parker Harding, and walk through the tunnel. The destination will be as fun as the journey.
Miggs has done so much for Westport.
Another Miggs miracle!
My motto when I see Miggs is, “Miggs is Everywhere”! Westport has been most fortunate. Thank you for yet another outstanding contribution, Miggs!
Dan,
While we’re on the subject, can you explain the origin or significance of the name “Parker Harding” Plaza? (Apart from its unfortunate paraphrase, “Harder Parking” plaza!) — Scott.
Named for 2 people who were instrumental in creating that landfill parking lot in 1955 (before that, the river lapped up against the backs of Main Street stores). They were Emerson Parker (selectman) and Evan Harding (of Daybreak Nurseries).
Good question, Scott. I would like to hear the answer as well.
The Japaneese honor unique artists and craftsmen who contribute greatly to their culture. They are known as Living Legends
Westport has, among others, Miggs B. We could profit from Japan’s example.
Thanks, Miggs. You just never stop giving.
Such a great instillation and at night it will light the walkway as well…I loved the vote one!!! eat local shop local vote local is my motto LWV…westport
Thank you again MIggs for your talent and kindness to our lovely town
Miggs:
Yet again we say THANK YOU. This art display on Main Street will bring so much joy to so many.
I unfortunately missed this opening, but I am moved by the images shown here in this post! Hands, hands, hands – so much expression oozing here … via human extremities! Can’t find the words – but, brilliant! Thanks for sharing, Dan. Thanks for creating, Miggs! Lenticular – clever, and no easy feat to work with! I bet these are even more stunning in person.
Dan, can we see a full montage of all the tunnel images posted here? I’m sure many peeps who can’t get back to Westport to see these in person would love it.
All the photos (with info) are here on the Tunnel Vision website: http://www.tunnelvisionart.com/#!faces/c1o2d
So Beautiful
Yes Dan, can we see the full montage of all the tunnel images posted here?
I too, cannot get back to Westport to see these.
Check out the Tunnel Vision website for the images: http://www.tunnelvisionart.com/#!faces/c1o2d
Miggs is the best! It was a very fun evening, topped off by a showing of “Hey Bartender” by the Westport Cinema Initiative, created by and about more talented Westporters, Doug Tirrola, film maker, and Steve Carpentieri of Dunvilles.
What a privilege to live in a town where there is so much talent and artists who are so generous with their talents.