ROCKLAND:
For the past fifteen years Rockland has quietly become the "it" town of the mid-coast area. Once considered the ugly-step-sister to Camden, this harbor town with a thriving working waterfront, county seat, bustling Main Street, artist and gallery mecca and the crown jewel, THE FARNSWORTH MUSEUM is the "must visit" town of the season. Make that any season. Presently, The Farnsworth, http://www.farnsworthmuseum.com/ is running three extraordinary exhibits:
JAMIE WYETH: SEVEN DEADLY SINS (Through August 30)
The interpretation of GREED, PRIDE, ENVY, ANGER, SLOTH, GLUTTONY and LUST through the study of scavenging seagulls and their "nasty" habits brings new vision to this age-old tale first penned by St. Thomas Aquinas. Intense, violent, filled with life's realities... the studies are brilliantly disarming.
ROBERT INDIANA AND THE STAR OF HOPE (Through October 25)
EAT, the electric sign that was last displayed during the 1964 World's Fair, takes center stage atop the museum's Main Street building. Also about town and on the Farnsworth grounds are other highly 
recognizable Indiana sculptures.Within the galleries hang an exhaustive exhibit of his paintings...all adding up to, "The most beautiful show I've ever had is taking place in Rockland." Robert Indiana.
recognizable Indiana sculptures.Within the galleries hang an exhaustive exhibit of his paintings...all adding up to, "The most beautiful show I've ever had is taking place in Rockland." Robert Indiana.A TRIBUTE TO ANDREW WYETH (Through October 18)
Following the intensity and boldness of the first two exhibits, I found the viewing of this tribute visually and emotionally soothing. Drama can exist in a quiet voice. Andrew Wyeth leaves us an extraordinary body of work.
You'll be hungry after the art. If it's lunch and something beyond a lobster roll is desired, try MARKET ON MAIN or for a really small venue, THE THORNDIKE CREAMY can't be beat for food at recession prices. Save room for ice cream! They scoop fresh made from ROUND TOP ICE CREAM. On Route 1 in Rockport, PRISIM serves a creative lunch and dinner menu in a refined environment adjacent to it's glass gallery. (Reservations are a must!) Two other dinner suggestions in Rockland are CAFE MERANDA and PRIMO. Again....plan ahead and have a reservation.
Still have energy to browse?
ERIC HOPKINS GALLERY. 21 Winter Street, 207.594.1996, gallery@erichopkins.com
Eric is one of Maine's leading contemporary artists with works in a variety of mediums. His gallery is open daily from 10 to 5. Robin Seymour, the gallery director, will make your visit memorable. Call ahead to inquire about Eric's "gallery talks" and other special events.
THE BLACK PARROT. 323 Main Street, 207.594-9161 (no web site.)
Boutique clothing, high design home decor, funky accessories and the best, minimal card selection anywhere. It's all "piled high" so you have to search. Not for the person who requires focused presentation. I do best in this store early, rather then later when my mind is cluttered! Camilla, most recently at the former G.F MacGregor next door, has joined the staff and brings a welcome air of graciousness.
Now that the Pacific North West climate of early summer has gone back to where it belongs, take a day to experience the many treasures of Rockland and Rockport, Maine. You'll want to return for more.
HAPPY TRAILS!
and.....YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE.
