As a local stonemason, I have had the privilege of working on multiple projects for the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland. The first was leading Phase I of the historic restoration of the Olson House in Cushing, made famous by Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. More recently, my company rebuilt the museum's front entrance, carefully salvaging and reusing the original Deer Isle granite.

Having the front entrance under construction as the busy summer season approached was obviously a significant concern for the Farnsworth. Unfortunately, during the project I suffered a pulmonary embolism. For a small contractor, an unexpected health crisis doesn't just affect you personally; it affects your employees, your customers, and the projects you've committed to completing.

Executive Director Chris Brownawell, Director of Operations Janice Gates, and the entire Farnsworth team responded with compassion, patience, and understanding. I will always be grateful for the kindness they showed me and my team during such a difficult time.

The good news is that we successfully completed the front entrance project and then went on to restore the entrance to the Wyeth Center. Both projects are now complete, and both entrances are open to welcome visitors.

I hope everyone will take the opportunity to visit the Farnsworth this summer. It is one of Maine's greatest cultural treasures, preserving our state's artistic heritage while welcoming visitors from around the world. Whether you come to experience the galleries, visit the Olson House, or simply enjoy everything the museum has to offer, you will be supporting an institution that values not only art and history, but people.

If you are able, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. Organizations like the Farnsworth rely on public support to preserve Maine's history and inspire future generations.

Thank you again to everyone at the Farnsworth for your kindness, professionalism, and commitment to preserving Maine's cultural heritage.

Patrick McCafferty, owner of Keystone Masonry, lives in Camden