Photo credit: Roger MarchandSculptor Lin Lisberger works high atop scaffolding to install her wood sculpture which was donated to Baxter Memorial Library.
Newly mounted on a wall near the circulation desk at Baxter Library is a gorgeous piece of art by local sculptor, Lin Lisberger, called “Chicken Little Was Right!” The piece, made from Maine grown cherry, apple, and other hardwoods, shows arms holding cascading sticks, all of which were collected here in Gorham, where she and her husband lived for 30 years.
Lisberger is a sculptor and storyteller whose use of objects, shape, texture and space convey strong narrative themes. She explained that the sculpture, finished in 2002, was meant to express grief and acknowledgement of those who were lost
on and after 9/11. It also represents an equal measure of hope and faith in the human desire to reach out and hold those in need. She added, “these themes still seem to be frightfully relevant even now, as the “sky” continues to fall, as Chicken Little feared. So many people are still in need and thankfully so many others still try to help catch them.”
The sculpture is especially poignant, as Gorham lost a native son, Stephen Ward, who was among the 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees killed in the World Trade Center. He and other victims of senseless tragedy are remembered each September with a 5 K run, honoring first responders and with proceeds supporting The Stephen G. Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Photo credit: Roger MarchandArtist Lin Lisberger installs her sculpture at Baxter Memorial Library. The sculpture was donated by former Gorham residents Cathy Falwell and Peter Mirkin.
Photo credit: Chris CrawfordLooking up at the new sculpture is Percy the dinosaur who was designed, built, and donated by Cathy Falwell’s granddaughter Mae. The Frog Pond mural in the Children’s Room was painted by Cathy Falwell.
The sculpture was generously donated to Baxter Library by its owners and former Gorham residents, Cathy Falwell and Peter Mirkin. Falwell is a well-known children’s author/illustrator/artist whose books reside at Baxter as well as two large murals and several small critters she painted for the Children’s Room. A large dragon sculpture, named Percy for Percival Baxter was made by their granddaughter, Mae. This popular resident of the library greets visitors to the Children’s Room and has two lockers full of clothing for the changing seasons.
After the Falwell/Mirkins moved into a smaller house to be near grandkids in Connecticut, they agreed that the art piece needed to be seen in a public place in Gorham. “We love this piece so much. It is soaring and inspirational and it needed a large space where it can be viewed from different perspectives,” said Falwell. She was also quick to note that she and Peter are still Mainers, “We reside at a lakeside property part of the year. Our cars are registered here, and we vote here, too.” she added.
Lisberger has a strong connection with libraries as well. She is thrilled that her piece will be a permanent part of Baxter Library, especially since it was made here in her Gorham studio. “The desire to hold and help seems significant to a place where knowledge is stored and shared, so I am very happy to see it at Baxter Library,” she said. Library Director, James Rathbun, said, “The library is very grateful to Lin and to Cathy and Peter for their donation of this lovely piece. We hope its permanent public placement brings enjoyment for generations to come.” Its new home, high on a wall beside the circulation desk will remind people as they leave the building, of the kindness and caring so prevalent in the Gorham community.
Photo credit: Chris CrawfordThe Frog Pond mural in the Children’s Room was painted by Cathy Falwell.
Lisberger was born in Connecticut and grew up in Ithaca, NY. She earned a BA degree in Literature from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1973. She moved to Maine in 1976 and worked as a potter before earning her MFA in sculpture in 1980 from the University of Pennsylvania.
Lisberger taught sculpture, drawing and design at USM for 36 years, until her retirement from teaching in 2017.
Her sculptures have been exhibited in Maine as well as around the country in private and corporate collections and museums. Lisberger was a 2000 Fulbright scholar finalist, and a 2020 Joan Mitchell Foundation grant finalist and has done a number of residencies. She has several “percent for art” pieces in the area, the closest are at Saccarappa School in Westbrook.
In the fall of 2025 Lisberger will be exhibiting her newest series of work, called “20 Walks,” at the USM art gallery.
Lisberger now lives and works at her studio in Portland. To learn more, visit www.linlisberger.com.