ROCKLAND — Join Archipelago in celebrating Maine’s working waterfronts with the new gallery show, “20 Miles,” now on display through September 27, 2020. “20 Miles” features the work of Susan Tobey White and her series “Lobstering Women of Maine,” a collection of paintings and stories highlighting women working on Maine’s waterfronts.

Other artists include Abe Goodale, Andre Benoit, Val Aponik and Laurel Averill.

“Maine artists are having important conversations and bringing forth important ideas right now, and this gallery show is a wonderful example of that,” said Lisa Mossel Vietze, director of Archipelago, in a news release. “We are proud to feature all of these amazing pieces and share the stories of our working waterfronts and this important piece of Maine culture and livelihood for our islands and coast.”

For centuries Maine’s working waterfronts have served as the critical connection between communities and the sea, according to Archipelago. They have helped craft this state’s sense of identity and reflect the bold and determined character of the men and women who work on the water each day.

“From shipbuilding to shipping and aquaculture to lobstering, these iconic places scattered along our coast ignite a feeling that connects us to something deeper; connects us to a way of life where one person, a boat, and a place to land it can craft a deep and sustaining connection for their community,” said the gallery.

It is estimated that fewer than 20 miles of working waterfront remain along Maine’s more than 5,000-mile coastline, and only 17% of these working waterfronts are protected by the state’s Waterfront Access Protection Program. As of 2019, the value of Maine seafood, including aquaculture and wild harvest, was just under $674 million with the total impact on the state’s broader economy extending into the billions of dollars. All of which relies on the Maine’s working waterfronts.

The pieces in “20 Miles” depict the variety of work happening along Maine’s waterfronts through different mediums, including watercolor and pencil, reclaimed wood, acrylic, and silk paintings.

Located at 386 Main Street in Rockland, the Archipelago Fine Arts Gallery features artists who work with natural, coastal, and working waterfront themes inspired by living and creating art in Maine. Both the store and gallery are currently open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To learn more about the artists and work featured in “20 Miles,” visit the gallery page of the website or the Archipelago page on Facebook. For general questions regarding Archipelago or the gallery show, contact Archipelago Director Lisa Mossel Vietze at (207) 596-0701. 

ABOUT ARCHIPELAGO 

Located on Main Street in downtown Rockland, Maine, Archipelago supports and showcases Maine artists and makers whose work reflects and promotes the beauty and endurance of Maine’s islands and coast. Since opening in 2000, it has helped advance the careers of more than 1500 Maine artists and returned more than $2.5 million in commission sales. Archipelago organizes the annual Artists and Makers Conference and provides mentoring to coastal artists. For more information, visit http://www.thearchipelago.net.  

ABOUT THE ISLAND INSTITUTE 

The Island Institute is a 37-year-old nonprofit organization based in Rockland, Maine that works to sustain Maine’s island and coastal communities by strengthening community economies, enhancing education and leadership, and sharing solutions. For more information, visit http://www.islandinstitute.org.