The Art of Robert Brochu
Video: Red Stallion Media | Cover Photo: Heidi Carter
LANDMARK at UMFK
Fort Kent, Maine, 2025
Certificate of Authenticity
LANDMARK at UMFK is a twelve-foot public art sculpture permanently installed on the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus through Maine’s Percent for Art Program and the Maine Arts Commission and created by artist, Robert Brochu. The work is constructed out of quarter-inch aluminum and perforated aluminum, with text cut directly into its three sides using a water jet cutter. Painted in aluminum silver with a clear coat finish, the sculpture is illuminated from within by LED lighting at night. Fabrication was done by NEOKRAFT in Lewiston, Maine.
The sculpture is three-sided, with a sloped top—reaching its highest point toward the northwest—and is engineered to withstand Fort Kent’s long winters while maintaining a striking presence year-round. Installed on the campus green between the Enrollment and Admissions Center and the Sports Center, the sculpture creates a natural gathering place. It is visible not only to students, faculty, and visitors walking the campus but also to community members passing through Fort Kent.
KNOW THIS LAND
Honors the Wabanaki homeland on which LANDMARK stands, inviting reflection on awareness, history, and place.
FIND YOUR PATH
Speaks to direction, learning, and commitment—qualities at the heart of the university experience.
MAKE YOUR MARK
Affirms agency, action, and the impact we each have on the world around us.
Artist Robert Brochu’s process began with deep research into Acadian and Wabanaki history, as well as his own genealogical roots, the aspirations of students and faculty, and the people in the surrounding community. Additionally, because UMFK draws students from around the world, Robert wanted the sculpture to speak to both local and global perspectives.
As in much of Brochu’s work, words here are not only about meaning but also about form—their abstract shapes and patterns operate visually as much as linguistically. The messages are not always immediately apparent; they invite discovery. And when uncovered, they resonate more powerfully.
Ultimately, LANDMARK is intended to inspire reflection and empowerment. It is both a marker of place and a prompt for action: a structure that acknowledges heritage, celebrates resilience, and encourages all who encounter it to find their path and make their mark.
Landmark at UMFK Lighting Ceremony
On Friday, September 19, the University of Maine at Fort Kent kicked off Homecoming by celebrating the official lighting of Landmark by artist Robert Brochu.
Remarks were made by UMFK President Deb Hedeen, and University of Maine Chancellor and former Connecticut governor, Daniel Malloy. Additional speakers were Maine Arts Commission’s Danielle Moriarty, UMFK Professor of History and Education, Paul Buck, UMFK Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Michael Elliot, UMFK student Rebekah Sanchez, and the artist.
Commemorative T-shirts featuring Landmark’s three guiding principles were available, and Brochu also created a hand-screened, limited edition of 50 prints, presented as gifts to all who attended.
Visit LANDMARK at UMFK
The LANDMARK is located on a green space at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. The university sits at the northernmost border of Maine, directly adjacent to Canada. Because of this proximity, both the town and the university have a strong French-Canadian influence. In fact, the University of Maine at Fort Kent houses the Franco-American and Canadian archives in the United States.
The region experiences long, cold winters with heavy snowfall. For this reason, the statue is elevated so it remains visible above the snow. Fort Kent has hosted two World Cup biathlon events and is home to the Can-Am International Sled Dog races. It is also notable for being the starting point of U.S. Route 1, known as “America’s First Mile,” which runs for 2,369 miles from Fort Kent all the way to Key West, Florida.
Press
The County
Maine Artist Creates Outdoor Art Installation for UMFK
July 7, 2025
WAGM TV, Channel 8
Landmark: new sculpture in Fort Kent to inspire reflection and direction
July 17, 2025
About The University of Maine at Fort Kent
The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) is a public university located in Fort Kent, a small town in northern Maine near the Canadian border. Part of the University of Maine System, UMFK is known for its close-knit community, affordable education, and strong emphasis on environmental studies, nursing, business, and rural public safety programs. The university’s bilingual heritage and proximity to French-speaking Canada give it a unique cultural blend, offering students opportunities to engage in cross-cultural learning and community involvement.
About Maine Arts Commission
The Maine Arts Commission is a state agency dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts across Maine. It provides funding, resources, and advocacy for artists, arts organizations, and communities, helping to foster creativity and cultural engagement throughout the state. The Commission supports a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and traditional crafts, while also encouraging public participation in the arts. By offering grants, educational programs, and community initiatives, the Maine Arts Commission plays a vital role in enriching the state’s cultural landscape and making the arts accessible to all residents.