The Abbe Museum is marking its 80th anniversary with the return of Paddle Art!, a creative fundraiser featuring canoe paddles which have been painted, sculpted, beaded, collaged, and otherwise embellished and transformed by 31 Native and non-native artists. Previously at the Abbe in 2004 and 2005, Paddle Art! has proven to be an entertaining and engaging event for artists, members, trustees, staff and fun-loving community supporters of the Abbe. The whimsical paddles will be auctioned off on Wednesday, August 13 during the 80th anniversary celebration party beginning at 5 PM in the Community Gallery of the Abbe Downtown. The event will open with a reception and silent action featuring small paddles, selected Wabanaki art and themed canvas tote bags. The party continues in the Abbe?s backyard under a large tent for the live auction of large paddles. Enjoy gourmet Native American food while listening to the spirited music of the Rez Dog Singers and the beautiful flute music of David Sanipass, Micmac. Invitations and reservations are available by calling 207-288-3519. Proceeds will benefit the Abbe?s educational programming.

To preview of the paddles, visit the Abbe Downtown at 26 Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, open daily 10am - 6 pm, now through August 12, 2008. Don't miss seeing these unique artworks by Maine artists that depict both traditional and stylized landscapes, fishing scenes, wildlife, and other designs inspired by nature. A complete list of paddle artists can be found on the Abbe's web site (www.abbemuseum.org) along with photos of the paddle artworks.

Participating artists include:

Ann Ahearn of Beddington

Jason Brown (Penobscot) of Bangor

Larry Moffet of Deer Isle

Jean Seronde Perkins of Mount Desert

Max "Sanipass" Romero (Mi?kmaq/Laguna and Taos Pueblo) of Presque Isle

Ssipsis (Penobscot) of Old Town

Melita Westerlund of Bar Harbor

Marsha Donahue of Millinocket

David Moses Bridges (Passamaquoddy) of Newry

James Eric Francis (Penobscot) of Bangor

Ernie McMullen of Bar Harbor

Joe "Hugga" Dana (Penobscot) of Old Town

Stan Neptune, (Penobscot) of Passadumkeag

Josh Worden from Mt. Desert High School

Philip Barter of Sullivan

Holly Duane of Mount Desert

Barry Dana (Penobscot) of Solon

Sebastian Clayton Francis (Penobscot) of Old Town

Robert Pollien of Bar Harbor

Gail Cleveland of Trenton

Ian Marshall of Southwest Harbor

Jill Hoy of Stonington

Eric E. Hopkins of Rockland

Cookie Horner of Bar Harbor

Arlyss Becker of Lamoine

Patti Laws of Portland

Sidney Salvatore of Southwest Harbor

Amy Workman of Southwest Harbor

Brenda Merritt of Bar Harbor

Jean Forbes of Mount Desert

Jennifer Judd McGee of Portland)

Visit the Abbe?s web site (www.abbemuseum.org) for more information and background of each artist and to see photo details about each paddle.

Labels: Paddle Art