"The following is a photo journal of the changes that have been made to the studio and gallery since my arrival in July of 2000. They are more or less self explanatory however I have made brief statements under each so that you will have a better understanding of what I arrived to, where we are now and where I am trying to go. It is also to thank all of those who have worked on this project and added their particular talents to my vision". Linda
JULY 2000
This is what we started with: An old barn on rotted sills with a wooden
floor. Definite slants to the floor and walls and no interior walls or
insulation.....obviously no heat! So from there with the help of Don Heald Jr.,
on the excavator and his assistant Dean we began.
April - May 2001
Oh, how many times in my life I have wished for the key to such a machine! To be able to make mole hills out of mountains, what a luxury....but to get on with the story. It was many times hand work with the good old Maine clay and lots of thaw and water. Yes, I know the floor looks pretty solid but that was because it was sitting on.............
This rock! At least things are getting closer to level....one wall at a time...but what's to complain about the lawn may be hopeless but the Tulips are up and I found great window boxes and spring has sprung...well almost. The electricians were busily hanging the track lights and asking all sorts of questions about future outlets and switches, something I hadn't considered in depth unfortunately. But we did open on time! The newspaper was on the phone, the excavator was leaving the driveway and the paintings were going on the walls with a new foundation, a radiant heat floor, thanks to Norm and his talent and advice (no furnace) and the whole summer ahead....enthusiasm was my middle name.
Summer 2001 - September 2, 2001
Throughout the summer Merritt worked on removing doors, making windows into doors and adding exterior walls while I fantasized about what I could do with all the wonderful old boards we discovered on the outside of the building, many over 20" wide (I have found a use...I'll tell you later). While Merritt worked on the carpentry Alan was busy painting the rest of the house..."Coastal Fog"...what could be more appropriate?
Meanwhile I held shows and participated in the first annual Artists & Artisans Tour just eight days before the tragedy of September 11th. It stunned and upset all of us, residents and visitors alike and drew us closer to discuss our feelings and examine our goals. It also made us remember who we are and how we got this far...we are made of tougher stuff....we have before and can again carry a big stick....they have but a twig.
5/30/02
Finally! The "Spring Launch". After months of painting in sometimes dreary weather and depressing newscasts we are opening. Yes! There are wonderful floral arrangements by Lily, Lupine & Fern to brighten the evenings festivities. Although one is against a backdrop of canvas, (yet another wall to build) the other is apple blossoms from our own tree and so cheerful a chickadee arrives to perch and sing along with the CD. I now spend many hours working in the gallery as visitors arrive to look and chat. I am pushing to finish my Flag series before the Fourth of July and my personal response to September's tragedy.
Fall 2002
We have gone on, the "Flags" were a great success and a reminder to all that we have not forgotten our roots and display our national colors with great pride around Penobscot Bay. Many other artists expressed themselves with beautiful works celebrating our national pride and freedom and I was happy to be one of them. Merritt was a lifesaver and managed to build the wall to replace the canvas before the Fourth! With lots of rain and sticky weather I still got the wall taped, mudded and painted just before the show. After the beauty of our flag one might have wondered what could follow but both the "Night" show and the "New/Old" exhibit were well attended and a celebration of the Coast of Maine. Although the interior is still a work in progress and more carpentry is necessary I have taken the time to renew my interest in Faux Finishing which I am experimenting with on the walls and considering for the floor...but today it is a drenching fall rain and yes, I was right, the poor old roof is leaking and will not last another season.....so the work goes on and the building continues to let me know it's needs.....Do I mind? When I can travel throughout this beautiful area and see someone's house is at the end of a double rainbow.....NO! I love it and....next year the rainbow may choose mine!
Hope, Maine
Phase II - The Apartment
January 2005
Although there have been more delays than
Gilbert and I would have desired I have been working on the plans for this
phase for many years. With the assistance of Architect Peter Gross and
input from family the plans are now a reality.
All the contingencies have been taken into consideration and the bids went out
and the construction has been put in the able hands of Lewis Sukeforth
of Sukeforth Builders, Searsmont, Maine. So the saga continues ninety five years
after Horace purchased the property ...
Before
Day One 5 PM
Before
Day One 5
PM Before
Day One
5
PM
Before the view and the upstairs interior
Day Five
Waiting for the crew and enjoying the sunrise
For more photos and information go to Apartment listed
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