These pieces are part and parcel of another series I am beginning to create about Stinson’s Sardine Factory.  The first mixed media piece is almost finished but the second picture you see is the beginning of Sardine School-which will be a grouping of 7 sardines on metal rods placed like a school of fish in the yard.  As many people say about our Maine art-Yaard Aart!!!  I’m enjoying the idea of creating this school and am thinking about other pieces I would like to have in the series.  I’m looking for some pictures of Lyle Fords’ sea plane and pictures of weirs with working double ended dories to use as inspiration for oil paintings.  I’m sure the ideas are endless and will always love to hear your ideas as well.

On Monday, May 27, 2013 is Memorial Day, a day to remember our loved ones, a day to honor our men and women who served our country.  The Peninsula Women’s Club, this group of dedicated women organize and give us all a chance to gather as a community, and honor memories near and dear and some forgotten.  The service will be held at the Town Office with a reception to follow at the Masonic Hall on Monday morning.  I remember attending this event over the years, sometimes there is a band to march, sometimes scouts and folks who serve in the Military, always there are a few words spoken to remember and honor.  Thank you to the folks who make this happen each year.

I have been planning to create a mixed media story about the Winter Harbor Fire Station.  This building will be put to a new use soon and I’d like to honor the memory by making a piece of art to add to the “Hometown Memories” collection.  The station could not exist without it’s equipment and it’s volunteers.

A wonderful opportunity opened up to me last week.  I was working with a group from the Peninsula Woman’s Club and Billy Bickford drove by in this old fire truck that he owns and maintains beautifully.  I am so grateful that he allowed me to photograph the vehicle.  I realize that I need to follow up with questions like “Was this vehicle used in WH?  What year is it and what were the years of service?  Does anyone have any stories to tell about being a volunteer fireman in Winter Harbor?  What year was this firehouse built?  Was there a firehouse before this one, if so where, any photos? ”

I think volunteer fireman are not always recognized for the important work that they do, the training that they need to complete and the risks they are willing to take to protect our town, our properties and our lives.  This job becomes more complicated every year and I think that a small town fireman probably has to take on the knowledge and training that firemen do in much larger cities.  How does our small town accomplish this work?  Thank you!!!!!!