We've had so many amazing things happening at the museum in the last few weeks in anticipation of opening, but one of the most colorful has been the painting of the Health and Wellness Mural in our Lobby. Pat Corrigan, a Maine artist, has been spending hours designing, planning, tracing, and painting an incredible work of art for everyone to enjoy when they walk into the museum. We had a chance to sit down with Pat and ask him a few questions to get to know him better - here is what he had to say.
Q: How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?
A: I draw pictures for people and paint them sometimes. I get to make art!
Q: Did you always love painting/making art?
A: I think so. Like most kids I started with crayons, but then I just kept going.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I either wanted to be an archaeologist, or what I'm doing now: an artist. I had a role model in my grandfather who was an illustrator... I was around him a lot, so I thought "I want to do what he does!"
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
A: I went to the Massachusetts College of Art and graduated with an Illustration degree, then I moved to Portland, Maine. My dad lives in Bucksport, so it was nice to move a little closer to him, and I liked the idea of downsizing the city vibe. When I hit Portland, I just started working at a sandwich shop and trying to cultivate my commercial art on the side. After three or four years, the commercial art out-made the sandwich money and I ditched the sandwich job and went all-in with illustrating!
Q: What made you want to work with the Children’s Discovery Museum?
A: I worked on a project for the Children's Mususeum and Theater of Maine down in Portland, and I really enjoyed that work. I've also worked on a children's book, so I like making art for kids: it's fun! Also I wasn't that familiar with Waterville, and I'm always excited to see a new place and get to know it. Coming up here, almost every time I see something new that makes me go, "Oh, that's cool!"
My favorite place is Crete.
Something I find magical is music, particularly the way it makes me feel.
If I could have any superpower, I would have the power of flight.
We've really enjoyed working with Pat and watching the progress of the mural as he has been working. We can't wait for you to come in and see it when the museum opens this summer!
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