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.

​Several notable painters and printmakers were working in and around Alna during the first half of the 20th 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. There will be an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. Puddledock School is 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 partly restored and contains original woodwork, chalkboards and other original schoolhouse features.

Enthusiasm for the show has been so significant, organizers are planning more exhibits 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 town office at 586-5313.