What is Paddle Art?
Paddle Art! consists of paddles that have been transformed into works of art by artists from all over Maine, plus a few from outside the state. The paddles are on display in the Abbe Museum between July 10 and August 12. The paddles will be sold at auction to benefit the museum on August 13.
How did the museum acquire the paddles?
Selected artists with a focus on Native Americans from around the state were invited to participate. Large poplar paddles were purchased from Canada, small ash paddles were purchased here in Maine and supplied to each artist. Each artist donated his or her work for the benefit of the Abbe Museum.
When and how will the paddles be available for sale?
The paddles will be sold during a silent and live auction at the museum’s Summer Gala on Wednesday, August 13, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Reservations are $100 per person, which includes a $50 tax-deductible contribution to the Abbe. Because the paddle artists donated their work, all proceeds from the sale of the paddles benefit the Abbe. Will other items be auctioned? The auction will also include high quality arts and crafts by Native Americans. These include baskets made with ash, sweetgrass, cedar, and antler, along with a root club and other woodcarvings.
If I cannot attend the auction, can I place a bid?
The admissions desk staff will give you a form on which you can provide your contact information, credit card number, the paddle you would like and the amount of your bid. If yours is the highest bid, we will contact you and arrange for shipping. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Can I bid by telephone?
Yes! Please download and complete the absentee bid form and complete and be sure to fill in the number where you can be reached on Wednesday, August 13 between 7:30 and 9:00 PM if it is different from your home phone number. All paddles may be viewed on the Abbe web site.
For additional information or to receive an invitation to the August 13 event, please contact Pepper Cwik, Development Director, pepper@abbemuseum.org or (207) 288-3519.