There will be an exhibit of “Art of Historic Alna” in Alna’s 19th-century Puddledock Schoolhouse, open on two consecutive three-day weekends, Fridays through Sundays, Sept. 23-25 and Sept. 30-Oct. 2. There will be an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 23, from 4 - 6 p.m.

Several notable painters and printmakers were working in and around Alna during the first half of the20th century, and local lenders have generously made their works available for this rare public exhibition. Artists represented include Carroll Thayer Berry, Allen Erskine Philbrick and Francis Wenderoth “Dick” Saunders. Works on display include oil and watercolor paintings, woodcuts, and etchings of local scenery and landmarks, including some homes, churches, mills, and bridges that no longer exist. A few additional scenes of Sheepscot Village, Newcastle, and the nearby coast are also included.

Exhibit hours will be Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Puddledock School is located next to the Alna Post Office, on Route 194 south of Head Tide Village at the intersection of Dock Road. A destination to visit in its own right, the historic Puddledock School was built in 1874 and served as one of Alna’s one-room schoolhouses until 1964. The interior has been partially restored and contains original woodwork, chalkboards and other original schoolhouse features.

Enthusiasm for the show has been so significant that organizers are planning additional exhibits in the future, to showcase other local art and artifacts with varying themes such as ephemera, objects, photographs and living artists work.

For more information please contact the Alna Town Office at 586-5313.