What happens when history and giant footwear combine? A Shoe-la-bration!

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March 26, 2009

By Cara Spilsbury

It has been said that shoes can be the perfect accessory, the perfect accent to punch up an outfit.

But can shoes help bring attention, tourism and whimsy to downtown Haverhill?

Yes, say the organizers behind The Soles of Haverhill's Shoe-la-bration, a public art project and subcommittee of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.

Paying homage to the booming shoe industry that made Haverhill a manufacturing mecca in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 5-foot-high, 61âÑ2-foot-long vintage women's boots will bring a new twist to the Queen Slipper City. They will be embellished by local artists and put on display throughout the city this summer, much like Boston's cow parade or Portland's lighthouse project in past years.

"I feel very strongly about the spirit of Haverhill," said Lynn Murphy, The Soles of Haverhill committee co-chairwoman. "It's important to remember the shoe industry and the people that built this city."

At a mixer Monday night for people interested in the upcoming Shoe-la-bration, prospective sponsors were invited to mingle with organizers and artists in the hope that those looking to sponsor a shoe would find a design they wanted to get behind.

Some big-name sponsors have already signed on to the project, including Nordstrom. But local organizations also want to take part in this vivid, innovative exhibit. There are 20 sponsorships available, beginning at $1,900.

Grace Marcoux of the Winnekenni Foundation said the castle hopes to sponsor a shoe and have it on display downtown.

"It's very exciting," she said after looking through the dozens of possible shoe designs. "It's a wonderful thing and will bring attention to Haverhill."

The Rev. Jane Bearden was there on behalf of Trinity Episcopal Church, another possible sponsor. The church has been a part of the city since 1856 and has seen the ups and downs of Haverhill since the booming shoe industry ruled the city's economy.

The local artists who have submitted proposals are thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic event, a project that they hope will help put Haverhill's art scene on the map.

"There are so many wonderful designs here," said Haverhill artist Jeff Grassie, whose proposed colorful shoe project is meant to mimic the vibrancy of the city.

Elaine Insero, another local artist, remembers seeing similar public art in other cities and hopes her elegant shoe design will be a part of The Soles of Haverhill. With all the revamping in the downtown, Insero believes these unique art pieces will add to it.

"There's a positive, gradual change going on," she said. "It's getting better and better all the time. This will just be one more good thing."

The official kick-off (pun intended) will be at Haverhill Stadium on July 3, when all the shoes will be on display for Fourth of July revelers to enjoy. The Soles of Haverhill will also take part in the Italian Festival in September and Kidsfest in May.

The boots will be placed around the city until October. Organizers hope the quirky public art will leave a lasting impression on visitors to downtown Haverhill, or entice people to visit the city.

"We want this to get out to the region," said Eric Karlstad, a member of The Soles of Haverhill Committee. "When you add up everything, there's quite a lot to do for a day or for a weekend in Haverhill."

Any organizations, businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring a shoe can contact The Soles of Haverhill at solesofhaverhill@yahoo.com.