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| Lobster by Donald Oakes. Photo by Rob Weir |
Lobster Art
Wells National Estuarine Research Preserve
342 Laudholm Farms Road
Wells, Maine
Through November 4, 2024
Wait! Did I say, “lobster art?” Yes I did. Each summer hordes of people travel north to hit Maine beaches such as York, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard. Route 1 is the connective tissue, but most view it as something to endure whilst loading up on fast food, impulse retail purchases, and Congdon’s donuts. Too few venture off to find the Wells Estuarine Research Preserve. I’d be the first to say the name doesn’t sound inviting, but the last to say that it’s not worth visiting.
It truly is a research, educational, and training center for all things environmental, but it’s so filled with wonder that you don’t need to be bookish to enjoy it. It’s 2,250 acres that feature a cluster of buttermilk yellow buildings, barns, a water tower, a graceful home perched upon a hill with amazing views, and seven miles of trails that wend through a salt farm, orchards, woodlands, and the rocky beach of Drake’s Island (which is actually a small peninsula. Being that this is coastal Maine, there’s a lot of emphasis on all things oceanic and not much screams “Maine!” like its official crustacean, the lobster.
It might sound daft, but a small gallery on the compound features Lobster Art. Okay, don’t expect a Van Gogh of bib-wearing diners or a Rembrandt of a Dutch burgher pulling up his traps. Chances are good you’ve never heard of the artists featured in the exhibit, but take my whimsical remarks in the spirit in which most of the pieces were intended. Some are more serious and there’s a baby lobster on view (or not, it’s shy) but hey, it’s lobster art, so let’s have fun shall we?
As for you, next time you’re grabbing a box of donuts, Google the above address. You’ll be sad you ate so many sinkers, but you’ll be happy to walk them off at the preserve. If you get up that way before November, you can think of me and chuckle at the art.
Here are a few photos from famed photographer Rob Moi to introduce the preserve.
Below are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit.
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| Catch of the Day, Sue Rioux |
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| Launching, Wade Zaheres |
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| Photo of lobster filled with eggs | |
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| The Creation of Lobster by Peter Shepperd |
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| Altar to lobster creation |
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