Flourishing Folk: New England Decorated Works on Paper and Document Boxes from the Deborah N. Isaacson Trust

June 7 – December 14, 2008

Maine is the repository of numerous outstanding pieces of traditional American folk art. Many have never before been seen by the public. These objects either have significance to the heritage of thestate and/or are among the finest examples of New England folk art in the country.

Traditional American folk art celebrates the work of ordinary people who, with little or no academic training, have produced things of extraordinary beauty and charm. The term folk art embraces useful objects, hand crafted and embellished with aesthetic intention, such as pottery, quilts and weathervanes. It also includes decorative objects, made to adorn or commemorate, such as portraits, models, carvings and needlework.

The Maine Folk Art Trail 2008 will have broad appeal. A catalogue, published by Down East Books, containing over 100 images of some of the best examples from ten of the museums will be available by mid-May.

Participating museums include:

• Bates College Museum of Art, Lewiston
• Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville
• Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland
• Saco Museum, Saco
• Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum, New Gloucester
• Maine Maritime Museum, Bath
• Rufus Porter Museum, Bridgton
• Museums of Old York, York
• Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport
• Maine Historical Society, Portland
• Maine State Museum, Augusta

For further information on participating museums and exhibitions please go to: www.MaineFolkArtTrail.org.