The Colby Echo

Issue date: 9/9/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: mainefolkarttrail.org

Art has been used for centuries in many different forms that can now provide unparralleled insight into a variety of cultures, people and stories. The works themselves can be misinterpreted or criticized as well as admired and appreciated, but whatever the reaction, most art generates a great amount of interest.

A little known fact is that some of America's best folk art was produced here in Maine. Now, this art is on displayed on what is called the Maine Folk Art trail, a series of eleven museums running through Maine. One of these museums is our very own Colby Art Museum in Bixler. The display as a whole will run until November, but individual museums may take down the pieces earlier or later. The College plans to have its particular exhibit up until about mid-October. Visitors can begin the trail in York, Maine, where much of the display offers an introduction to what makes a work folk art. Moving up through Maine, the trail eventually ends in Searsport. Over the trip, which can be done in about three days, one can experience the vast collection of Maine art, which covers all genres: landscape, decorated furniture, weathervanes, portraits, school girl art and pottery, just to cover a few.

The museum has over fifty of these pieces on display, taking up an entire gallery. According to the museum's website, "The exhibition presents works in a variety of media that touch on the full range of folk subjects, including landscape, seascape, ship paintings and still life." The trail has increased and should continue to increase the appreciation for Maine art and artists as it continues to draw visitors through the fall. These works from a large group of untrained artists are made of up thing such as fiddles carved from wood shingles, sea chests and decorated family heirlooms. Not necessarily made to stand on display, these works make up the unique history of Maine and tell stories of the personal lives of the artists. It is rare to have such a vast amount of work displayed across an entire state.

Altogether more than 500 pieces are being displayed, most never before seen by the public. This rare collection should not be missed, even if you can only make it to the part displayed here at the College.

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