The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Bridgton Art Auction Hooks Creativity

July 21, 2009 - BRIDGTON -- Fishermen are famous for their tall tales, but even the most mentally agile angler would have a hard time imagining the "Bassassin."

That's bass and assassin combined. The 20-inch-long fish is made of wood, painted abyss black, protected with ornate armor and armed with imposing metal teeth and body spikes.

So who would imagine such a creature? Artist Molly Mains of Bridgton, that's who. Her "Bassassin" will be among 40 works of art on the block Friday evening at the Bridgton Art Guild's first-ever Fish Auction.

Organizers of the fundraising event gave out 40 wooden fish – each 20 inches long, 5 inches tall and 3 inches thick – to Bridgton-area artists last November and asked them to come up with something creative for the auction.

One creation, called "Pearlie Bassey," is festooned with pearls and named after singer Shirley Bassey. Another is a striking combination of zebra and bass called "Ze Bass."

The idea of giving a group of artists the same object and letting them put their creative stamp on it is not new. There have been pigs in Cincinnati and cows in Chicago, and, here in Maine, there have been lighthouses in Portland and bears in Belfast.

But for the Bridgton Art Guild members, surrounded by fish-filled lakes at every turn, the choice jumped out at them.

Unlike some of those other community art projects, the fish in Bridgton won't necessarily be displayed around town. Winning bidders can take the fish home that night.

The money raised from the auction will help fund Gallery 302, a cooperative art gallery in Bridgton's downtown that is staffed by the guild's artists, who display their work there. The auction will be held at the gallery.

"With the economy the way it is, we needed something to spark the gallery, so last November I handed out these fish and told people to do what they wanted with them," said Beth Cossey, a founder of the art guild and an artist who works in watercolors.

While the auction is taking place, the gallery's current show of art from youngsters at area summer camps will be on display.

Then on Saturday the Bridgton Art Guild will host its annual Art in the Park show and sale at Shorey Park on Main Street, just a short walk from the gallery. More than 60 artists will have work on view and for sale. There will also be food booths and music.

"Both events (the auction and Art in the Park) help showcase the artists we have here in this part of Maine," said Cossey.

By RAY ROUTHIER, Staff Writer, Portland Press Herald, July 16, 2009


Lakes:
Regions: Sebago


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News