Perkins Cove Ode

Perkins Cove Ode

Once a sleepy little fishing inlet

Colorful lobster-men mending a net!

Dories with oars! Their fishing boats

Piled with lobster traps barely afloat!

Artists with easels painting near-by

A primitive footbridge under a blue sky!

An Artist Colony established in 1898

A scenic wharf with barrels of bait!

Came the dredgers digging down deep

Enlarging the Cove with one big sweep!

Lobster boats with motors soon followed suit

Then a motorized footbridge too-boot!

Today Perkins Cove thriving with action

Multitudes of welcoming tourist attractions!

Walk the Marginal Way a leisurely rove

Ending up at our famous “Perkins Cove!

By:

Richard “W” Perkins

( The “W” is for “Wow!” )

Ogunquit artist, Joseph Davol

Ogunquit has long been known as an art colony discovered by Charles Woodbury in the late 1800's. The rugged coastline with the bright light shimmering against the cool Atlantic waters has been a constant subject for countless artists for over 120 years.

One lesser known Ogunquit artist, is  Joseph B. Davol (Aug 25, 1864 - June 15, 1923). Mr Davol was a painter, architect and teacher. He was also a student of Charles Woodbury's Ogunquit Art School in Perkins Cove.

Mr Davol was born in Chicago, studied in Paris at the Academie Julian. He then moved to Ogunquit with his mother, and studied with Woodbury. In Ogunquit he remained a "bachelor", according to an article in  the Lewiston Evening Journal ( Dec 1, 1911).

Davol lived year round in Ogunquit and many of his works depict the four distinct seasons.
His winter paintings capture the nuances of light as it touches the snowy seascape and land.

His paintings display a certain uniqueness that depicts the Maine flora and fauna. Trees have a Dr Suess likeness. Shadows casts winter colors glowing on the snow.

(October Idyl, October 1910, Ogunquit River Estuary, Collection of Ogunquit Beach Inn)

 

(Ogunquit Beach 1915)

Winter sea 1911

Joseph Davol's paintings are part of the Ogunquit Museum of Art's Colletion, Ogunquit Library, Farnsworth Museum and private collectors.

Capriccio 2011

Ca-pric-ci-o, Noun

A lively piece of music. Short and free in form. A painting or other work of art representing a fantasy or a mixture of real and imaginary features.

The weeks following Labor Day are known as Capriccio. Capriccio is a town-wide festival of art, music, poetry, ballet, live theater, concerts, gallery tours and architectural tours. It's a time to pause from the manic summer and enjoy the arts.

Ogunquit has long been known as an artists' haven since Charles Woodbury established the art colony over 100 years ago. Woodbury's legacy endures, with two museums, bustling galleries and other arts that were attracted to the tiny hamlet of Ogunquit.

Artists are often attracted to Ogunquit because of the wild beauty of the crashing waves, brilliant sun against the soft sand, and the rocky coastline. Both  Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keefe, painted on The Marginal Way and Perkins Cove.

This year's Capriccio there is an added bonus with spectacular weather, and minimal crowds........!

Alan Ilagan's spring visit to Ogunquit 2011

  It sends its scent forward first, and before it even comes into view the ocean has heralded its presence. It sends its sounds next – the vaguely thunderous pattern of waves, the cries of seagulls, the rolling wind. Only after this introductory preamble does it come into view, revealing itself with its sparkling crests glinting in the sun, the white-capped waves lapping at the beach, the vast immensity of the Atlantic occupying all that lies ahead. It is the deep blue horizon, and when you face it – really face it, head on, and take it all in – everything behind you suddenly ceases to matter.

                                                                                                  -Alan Ilagan

                           (photo couretsy of Alan Ilagan)

Artists, writers, photographer  have been attracted to Ogunquit, since Charles Woodbury established an art school the end of the 19th  century. Artists are attracted to the brilliant summer light  that reflects upon the sea as they paint, draw and photograph the nautical wonderment of Ogunquit.

            (photo couretsy of Alan Ilagan)

One such modern day artist/writer  is Alan Ilagan. Alan is a keen observer of Ogunquit's beauty. Alan's favorite medium is photography. His photos captures  Ogunquit's casual natural beauty. The early morning light over the Marginal way; a busy restaurant at night, and wild flowers are some of his subject matter. Alan is truly renaissance man. Alan Ilagan's Blog is popular on the blogesphere. His projects range from pop culture to the provocative. Ben Cohen, Madonna, the Art Scene and Ogunquit Maine are some of his many favorite blog topics.

                           (photo couretsy of Alan Ilagan)

Alan and his partner Andy have been guests at Ogunquit beach inn for over 11 years, and it is always a pleasure to see them.  Andy, is not an artist, but a true admirer if the arts and Alan's projects.

                (photo couretsy of Alan Ilagan)

Here are some of Alan's blog entries about his visit to Ogunquit:
Alan Ilagan's Favorite Things in Ogunquit
Alan Ilagan's Favorite Things: Dining in Ogunquit

Alan on his visit to Ogunquit Beach Inn, Spring 2011.
AlanIlagan.com

Ogunquit Memorial Library

                                The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history

                                                                                                                  -Carl T Rowan
 

Many people have warm memories of their public or school library when they were growing up. For me it was the stacks of books, comfortable chairs and the sense that time stood still. At the Ogunquit Memorial Library, time has stood still. The Library is closed from Noon to 2:00 pm for lunch ( It is rumoured that it is closed for two hours because that's how long it took one of the first librarians to walk home have lunch and walk back many years ago). You also sign books out the old fashioned way: by signing your name on the card on the back of the book.

The fieldstone structure was built in 1897 by Charles Burns in the HH Richardson Romanesque Tradition. The Library is unique in that it receives no funds from the town, and financially supported by donations and endowments.

The library's charming interior, with its huge stone fireplace that was once the only source of heat, has changed very little through the years. The structure resembles a mini castle with a turret tower. Ogunquit has a long-established art colony and the library has a collection of several paintings from local artists. The art collection is worth a visit on its own. While browsing along the stacks of books, I came across a book that was donated and signed by famed Ogunquit artist Henry Strater. You really never know what treasures are behind these stone walls!

The Details:
Ogunquit Memorial Library
166 Shore Road
Ogunquit, ME 03907
Phone: 207 646 9024

Hours: Winter, Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 to noon; 2:00 to 5:00
Librarians are helpful and resourceful. There are no public restrooms or computers. The library has an interesting Ogunquit art collection. There are over 18,000 books in the collection, daily newspapers, and best sellers. The annual  book sale is a must if you are visiting Ogunquit in the early autumn.