Ogunquit Museum of American Art - Henry Strater's Museum

Henry Strater

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is housed in modest building set on a beautifully landscaped property which contains lovely gardens and some wonderful sculptures.  Henry Strater studied at Hamilton Easter Field's Summer School in Ogunquit before becoming a member of the Lost Generation in Paris. He moved back to Ogunquit in 1925.  Ultimately he purchased a piece of ocean front property and engaged Charles S. Worley, Jr. to design a museum that was opened in 1953.   The museum is devoted to American art and artists - many of who are associated with Ogunquit's famous art colony of the early 20th century.

Ogunquit Musem of American Art

Arriving at the museum, we decided to take the measure of the place by walking past the sculptures to arrive at a rock outcrop where we enjoyed a picnic lunch before venturing into the museum.

Andrew Wyeth:  The Linda L. Bean Collection

Linda L. Bean of the famous Maine family shared her collection of Andrew Wyeth works with visitors of the Oqunquit Museum.  The works of Andrew Wyeth are familiar to anyone interested in art and yet to see a sample of his work "up close and personal" was really exciting.  A few of "Helga" sketches were on display and one cannot help but marvel at the details found in these drawings.  Each of the 30 pictures on display provides a reason why Wyeth is one of America's most popular artists.  His technique and themes engage and inspire the viewer.

Andrew Wyeth, Carol on the Beach

Andrew Wyeth, Wishbone

Alexandra de Steiguer:  Small Island, Big Picture

Our stop at the Ogunquit Museum was a break as we traveled to Monhegan Island to enjoy the sun and sea in late August.    Alexandra de Steiguer waits until early November before she takes up residence on Star Island at the Isles of Shoals.  During the five months of winter, she lives alone on the island taking photographs and keeping voluminous journals.  It hard to imagine such a life style, but the images and words it creates are extraordinary.  The title of the show is also the title of her book of her photographs and about her experience on the island.

 

Looking at the slides and reading the words of Ms. de Steiguer in the article The Place where you Live, Star Island, the Isles of Shoal in Orion Magazine, December 17, 2012 is a fine introduction to her art and philosophy.

Tradition and Excellence: the OMAA Permanent Collection 

Wandering through the main gallery where the treasures of the OMAA are on display reminds the visitor that this collection curates important American paintings, sculpture, drawings and photographs from the late 1800s to the present   Some of my favorite from this fine collection includes works by Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent and Will Barnet.

Marsden Hartley, Mt. Katahdin, winter

Marsden Hartley, Lobster Pots and Buoys

Will Barnet, Emily Dickinson Poem #1011

The Ogunquit Museum is a small museum with a very interesting permanent collection in an iconic Maine location. Taking leave of this place was difficult.