News Feature
Originally published in
Castine Patriot, June 23, 2016
and Island Ad-Vantages, June 23, 2016
and The Weekly Packet, June 23, 2016
Lobster buoys ready for auction, available for viewing
Arranging buoys for viewing before the auction on Tuesday, August 6, 2013.
Penobscot East Resource Center is hosting its 7th Annual Lobster Buoy Auction Monday, August 1, at a new venue, the handicapped accessible Stonington Opera House. Artists both local and national, known and unknown, decorate authentic Maine wooden lobster buoys using the medium of their choice. Last year over 50 buoys were auctioned off and the same number is expected this year, according to a news release from Penobscot East.
“It will be an exciting evening of bidding with auctioneer Dennis Damon, refreshments, networking with artists, community members and Penobscot East Resource Center staff,” the release stated.
In July, buoys will be on display in local business and galleries and can be previewed for several weeks before the auction. This year, Island Nursing Home and Care Center residents also donated seven painted buoys that will be part of a silent auction before the August 1 event. Harry Rodriguez, Activity Director at the Island Nursing Home, noted that residents wanted to support the great work Penobscot East does for fishing and fishing communities by donating these painted buoys. Many of the resident artists have local fishing ties.
This fundraiser is the brain child of Bobbi Billings, Penobscot East’s Administrative Director, who said: “We are so appreciative of all the artists who have donated their time and talents. These pot buoys are extraordinary, and all very different from each other. Even though this is our seventh auction, it still amazes me at how unique the buoys continue to be, and adding in the Island Nursing Home residents’ pieces this year will make the event that much more spectacular.”
This event is Penobscot East’s largest fundraiser of the year and supports the organization’s work to secure a sustainable future for fisheries and fishing communities in Eastern Maine and beyond. All pot buoys can be previewed at penobscoteast.org throughout July. For more information or to place a silent bid before July 29, call Bobbi Billings at 367-2708.
