BIDDEFORD — An upcoming mural project will add a splash of new art to the downtown that captures the new energy that’s surging through the city’s historic landscape.

Biddeford is the youngest city in the state of Maine, with a median age of 35, and at 29, the downtown’s median age is even younger. The city was once a bustling mill town, but the textile industries that once employed thousands of people have left. In their place is a new wave of small businesses, restaurants and art studios, and the city is experiencing what Mayor Alan Cassavant often refers to as “the Biddesance.”

Bangor Savings Bank moved its branch in downtown Biddeford to a new location last year, and the bank awarded a grant for a project to replace an aging mural on a neighboring building and engage artists and community in its creation and selection.

A request for proposals for a new mural at 230 Main St., where New Morning Natural Foods is located, was coordinated by  the Biddeford Public Art Committee, a committee of community arts organization Engine.

“The arts, specifically murals, improve the image and identity of a community. Murals humanize the built environment. Murals allow artists to become engaged with the community,” said Engine Executive Director Tammy Ackerman.

Through an online competition community members could choose one of four proposed murals, and with more than 50 percent of the vote, a proposal by Walpole artist Susan Bartlett Rice was the overwhelming winner.

Rice’s proposal is a an urban landscape depicting local mill buildings in bright bold reds, oranges and yellows, a lively depiction of historic buildings that are now part of a vibrant business and arts scene.

Rice said in a telephone interview she wanted to capture the iconic architecture of the mill buildings that she associates with Biddeford. She said she’s always been attracted to the mill buildings, their structure and the colors of the bricks.

“I really think they’re architecturally interesting. They really lend themselves to a mural,” she said.

Rice said she thought the mill buildings were a nice metaphor for the community, as innovative new uses are being found for the old buildings.

Public art brightens up and rejuvenates space and updates a community’s identity, said Rice. It also brings art out of the galleries and makes it accessible to all.

“It’s right on Main Street. People can see it and enjoy it every day,” Rice said.

Ackerman said she likes the energy that Rice’s design exhibits.

“History is very important to people in Biddeford and this mural celebrates the architectural history nicely,” she said.

The mural will be about 18- to 20-feet high and 104-feet wide. Rice said she plans to start work on the project next week, and will use a high quality, durable exterior latex paint, “like you buy at the hardware store but in vibrant colors.” She expects the project will take a few weeks or so, depending on the weather.

Rice’s mural will replace one painted by Alex Kaminsky and Pete Vitello about a decade ago. The current mural depicts various scenery including the ocean, a lighthouse, a horse pasture and a church.

Sheila Ouellette, owner of New Morning Natural Foods and its building at 230 Main St. said the current painting is showing signs of age.

She said she thought the mural project was a great idea and was thrilled to have a neighboring business willing to invest money in it.

Ouellette, who has owned her business in downtown for more than 40 years, said she was happy to hear that Bartlett was the winner.

“There’s a new energy in the downtown. I think her design represents Biddeford the best, and the renaissance in town,” she said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.