On Sept. 19 , Maine Art Gallery (MAG) hosted a gathering of about 20 supporters, patrons and alliance members to discuss ongoing preservation and renovations to the 1807 Wiscasset Academy building on Warren Street in Wiscasset. Since 2021, members of MAG’s governing board have rotated on and off, but their collective efforts in restoring the town’s asset have remained constant.

In 2022, the Davis Family Foundation awarded MAG a $15,000 grant to remediate water infiltration into the basement and reduce humidity levels to protect the building’s structure. The project included installing a perimeter drain to direct water away from the foundation, masonry work to seal the foundation, and the installation of a commercial-grade Energy Star dehumidifier. In 2023, MAG received another $19,200 in grants, for the building’s exterior restoration. These funds, granted by Maine Historic Preservation/1772 Foundation ($10,000) and Belvedere Historic Preservation Program ($9,200) operated through Maine Community Foundation, were contingent upon eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places and matching funds from the town. The effort targeted repairs to woodwork— shutters, windows, weatherproofing and paint/sealants.

This project, completed in February 2024,  improved the building’s exterior and helped repair about half the windows. Additional windows and restoration of the cupola are set to begin this October. Restoration specialist Les Fossel has provided consultation services, including completion of a Historic Condition Assessment, which identified priority concerns, throughout this timeline. 

On Saturday, Fossel gave a presentation to the assembly. He highlighted  structural changes, such as the addition of support posts and the closing off of the fireplace(s) he hopes will be restored in future efforts. Through vintage photographs, he connected the site to past residents. Fossel noted that Mildred Burrage, the gallery’s founder, was wise to include a cultural element— beyond just a historical society, because while buildings eventually decay, and restoring landmarks serves to sustain the area's cultural heritage and community identity.

Wendy Ross Eichler, former MAG president, attended to donate an original Burrage piece from her private collection. Eichler spoke of the artwork, handed down from her grandmother and now dedicated to the gallery. “It’s come home,” she said. As well, an oil painting by F. Wenderoth Saunders of the gallery was donated to the gallery by Chris and Alice Smith Duncan. Alice Duncan’s mother was an original member of the gallery since 1958.

MAG President Kay Liss opened the evening with a lengthy list of donors, patrons, foundations, volunteers and skilled craftspeople she thanked for their continued support of historic preservation efforts. As well, she thanked town officials, departments and Town Manager Dennis Simmons. Attendees complimented the new handrails on the staircase and a large installation of the gallery’s historic timeline of key moments in the building’s history and photos of some of the artists who have been part of MAG’s history. “These combined efforts reflect a community-wide dedication to preserving Maine’s artistic heritage while preserving a landmark institution,” she said.

MAG is a non-profit gallery and arts center. Its mission is to build community through exhibiting Maine artists of all levels, providing classes, educational programs, and events to the public. Thursday-Sunday (11 a.m. -4 p.m.) through Oct. 18, MAG is hosting its final show of the season, “Made in Maine,” which features recent work by artist members of the gallery, including a variety of media – drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and assemblage. Shortly after the conclusion of this exhibit, work on the cupola is scheduled to begin.