CAMPAIGN & PROJECT OVERVIEW
Sergei Isupov, resident artist at Project Art in Cummington, MA, is creating his fourth public sculpture on Main Street. Working with a recently cut maple tree– that otherwise would have been removed from the land and destroyed– this piece is the second work of this scale inspired by and repurposing natural material. His most recent work, Everything is Upside Down (2024), was constructed from a damaged and relocated tree which can be seen in front of Project Art (54 Main Street, Cummington, MA).
To ensure this new project is completed efficiently and safely, Sergei is launching a campaign to raise funds to cover production costs, advanced equipment and scaffolding to support construction around the tree’s towering height. Sergei’s sculptures have been supported in-part with honorary grants from the Cummington Cultural District. To further these efforts, Hilltown Vision has created a dedicated fund to support Art in Cummington, beginning with this project, to allow additional donations directly from the community.
As the sculpture develops and funding grows, Isupov invites passersby to experience the making of the sculpture, from tree to painted figure. Isupov will be joined by assistant Rowan McAllister, a local to the Hilltowns and past collaborator on Everything is Upside Down.
2024 | EVERYTHING IS UPSIDE DOWN
Sergei Isupov
2024
repurposed maple tree, paint, wooden base
In Spring 2024, Sergei Isupov completed a carved wooden sculpture now on view at 54 Main Street. He was invited to use the trunk of a sugar maple tree left behind after the top half was removed due to storm damage in the winter of 2024. With an approved design presented to the Cummington Cultural District, Isupov was awarded an honorarium through the 2024 Arts Activation Project which partially funded the proposal. Work took place over three weeks engaging many members of the community as they watched the progress. When completed, volunteers from the community and additional support from CCD provided funds and equipment to remove the tree from its roots. It was re-installed on a newly fabricated base pedestal at Project Art. Now facing the street, it can be enjoyed by passers by along with other public art along Main Street.
WORK IN PROGRESS | FROM SKETCHES TO FINAL FORM
To learn more about the Cummington Cultural District and other public art sculptures along Main Street:
