John Mead painting of roachback trout, a native species which is now extinctEleven major museums had simultaneous folk art exhibits in 2008 to create the Trail. The only museum remaining with a major exhibit is the Rufus Porter Museum, as folk art is all we have. Maine is the repository of numerous outstanding pieces of traditional American folk art. Many have never before been seen by the public. These objects either have significance to the heritage of the state and/or are among the finest examples of New England folk art in the country.
Rare frontal view portrait attributed to Rufus PorterTraditional American folk art celebrates the work of ordinary people who, with little or no academic training, have produced things of extraordinary beauty and charm. The term folk art embraces useful objects, hand crafted and embellished with aesthetic intention, such as pottery, quilts and weathervanes. It also includes decorative objects, made to adorn or commemorate, such as portraits, models, carvings and needlework.
Participating museums included:
- Bates College Museum of Art Lewiston
- Museums of Old York York Colby College
- Museum of Art Waterville Penobscot Marine
- Museum Searsport Farnsworth
- Art Museum Rockland
- Rufus Porter Museum Bridgton Maine
- Historical Society Portland Saco
- Museum Saco Maine Maritime
- Museum Bath Sabbathday Lake Shaker
- Museum New Gloucester Maine State Museum Augusta
The book created to accompany the Trail (Folk Art in Maine) is still available. It contains over 100 images of some of the best examples of folk art by the ten museums. The 144-page hard cover book serves as an introduction for the novice and treasure for the collector. It features a general introduction by Stacy C. Hollander, senior curator of the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, and commentary from curators of Maine’s folk art collections.
It is available for sale from Down East Books in Camden. Click on the book cover to order. Weathervane by Bridgton native James Lombard
Presentation box decorated by John Mead; Dr. Kimball later moved from Bridgton to Hawaii to be physician to the last Queen
Rufus Porter Museum 2009 Folk Art Exhibit
Bridgton founder Enoch Perley; signed John Brewster 1825photo by K. Lindberga Folk Art in Maine) is still available. It contains over 100 images of some of the best examples of folk art by the ten museums. The 144-page hard cover book serves as an introduction for the novice and treasure for the collector. It features a general introduction by Stacy C. Hollander, senior curator of the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, and commentary from curators of Maine’s folk art collections.
It is available for sale from Down East Books in Camden. Click on the book cover to order.
