As one of Boothbay Harbor’s most beloved icons, the Burnt Island Lighthouse is the “people’s light.” As a navigational aid, it guides mariners safely into the harbor. As a symbol of hope, it welcomes weary fishermen and recreational boaters home to their peaceful port-of-call. As a beacon of light, it captivates and inspires students and teachers who wish to learn, and as an easy and accessible destination point, it lures boaters, kayakers, and cultural tourists ashore. Burnt Island has given to the public in so many ways, but now old and worn it needs to be restored in time for its Bicentennial in 2021 - and many locals are stepping up to the plate to help.

One such action will be an Art Auction on July 12, 2017 at the Spruce Point Inn, where owners of the venue are working hard to plan the perfect evening social with fine food and drink. Ocean Point artist Don Demers has taken the lead in organizing this event. He wants to give back to Burnt Island because he and his students have enjoyed painting there over the past 15 years. Therefore, he has recruited a combination of 20-plus local and national artists who have a wide range of experience and artistic styles.

On the rainy weekend of May 5-7, eight artists braved the elements to capture the moods of Burnt Island on canvas, while on May 19-21 another 13 artists will add to the artwork destined for the auction block. A preview of these paintings, and an opportunity to chat with the artists while they work, is available on Saturday, May 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at $30 per person. For a reservation, please contact Elaine Jones at 207-592-1839.

Tickets to the auction will be available in advance at $60 per person at Grover’s Hardware and at the Boothbay Region Chamber of Commerce (using cash or check) and by Pay Pal at: www.keepersofburntislandlight.com. They can also be purchased at the door for $75. If a painting is purchased, the buyer’s admission fee will be credited towards that purchase. A fantastic door prize will be available in the form of an 8x10 oil painting by Don Demers. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and background music will set the stage for an enjoyable fundraising event that will preserve the lighthouse’s beauty and legacy for future generations.

Beyond the artworks offered at the auction, there will additional pieces by the selected artists offered as part of the “Burnt Island Lighthouse Art Trail” in the following galleries: Down East Gallery, Ocean Point Studio/Visions of Maine, Boothbay Region Art Foundation, Head of the Harbor Gallery, Studio 53 and Gleason Gallery.

There are other fundraising events being planned for this summer and more information about them will be published at a later date. Currently on the agenda for you to save-the-date are:

1. Evening Social at the Topside Inn on June 22- sponsored by Topside Inn, Watershed Tavern, and Mine Oyster.
2. Evening Social at the Hendrick’s Head Lighthouse on August 18– sponsored by Ben and Luanne Russell and the Keepers of Burnt Island Light.

If the Burnt Island Lighthouse holds a special place in your heart, you too can spearhead a fundraiser for its preservation by contacting Jean McKay at: keepersofburntislandlight@gmail.com.