Pine Tree Society holiday card has special meaning for Wiscasset artist Elaine Reed
Bob, Jimmy and Elaine Reed at their home in Wiscasset in 2020. Courtesy of Karen Zaccaria
Elaine Reed’s “Moonlight Magic in Maine” Pine Tree Society holiday card captures the awe of a winter night under the light of a full moon. Skaters on Nequasset Lake in Woolwich glide across the ice surrounded by brilliantly lit snow and a magically illuminated tree topped by a star; 100% of proceeds from sales support Maine people with disabilities. Holiday cards can be ordered at www.pinetreesociety.org
Wiscasset artist Elaine Reed and brother-in-law Jimmy Reed, who died this year, enjoy time together last Christmas. Courtesy of Elaine Reed
Jimmy Reed, center, at Pine Tree Camp in summer 2017 with some of the counselors he enjoyed spending time with that year, including Kyle Duelley from Winslow, to Jimmy’s right. Also pictured: John Drudy, Galway, Ireland, far left; Bronson Goodman, Oldham, England, left; and Stuart Forrester, Leeds, England, far right. Courtesy of Pine Tree Camp
Bob, Jimmy and Elaine Reed at their home in Wiscasset in 2020. Courtesy of Karen Zaccaria
Elaine Reed’s “Moonlight Magic in Maine” Pine Tree Society holiday card captures the awe of a winter night under the light of a full moon. Skaters on Nequasset Lake in Woolwich glide across the ice surrounded by brilliantly lit snow and a magically illuminated tree topped by a star; 100% of proceeds from sales support Maine people with disabilities. Holiday cards can be ordered at www.pinetreesociety.org
Wiscasset artist Elaine Reed and brother-in-law Jimmy Reed, who died this year, enjoy time together last Christmas. Courtesy of Elaine Reed
Jimmy Reed, center, at Pine Tree Camp in summer 2017 with some of the counselors he enjoyed spending time with that year, including Kyle Duelley from Winslow, to Jimmy’s right. Also pictured: John Drudy, Galway, Ireland, far left; Bronson Goodman, Oldham, England, left; and Stuart Forrester, Leeds, England, far right. Courtesy of Pine Tree Camp
Wiscasset artist Elaine Reed’s Pine Tree Society holiday card artwork has a very special meaning. Her brother-in-law, Jimmy, spent many summers at camp.
“It was the high point of his year,” she recalled. “He talked about it all the time.”
When he died this year, his family was heartbroken. Elaine Reed's holiday card “Moonlight Magic in Maine” holds a special significance for them all.
“He was very close to his niece and nephew,” Reed continued. “The night before he died I went outside and it was a stunning bright full moon. I mentioned to Liz and Tyler that they should take a break and go skate on the lake. They skated on Nequasset Lake in Woolwich for a couple hours and took some photos that I used as inspiration for this painting.”
It created a special memory during a difficult time.
“Because of our connection to Pine Tree Camp I decided to submit it to the holiday card competition,” she said. “I knew it was a bit of a departure from their usual cards and I am so pleased they took a chance on something different. I have always been in awe of winter nights in Maine when the snow is brilliantly lit up by the full moon … it's magical. And, for anyone who has experienced Pine Tree Camp, you know it’s magic.”
The card is one of four available this holiday season, including one by Pine Tree camper Sophia Wooten, Pine Tree Society client Nickel Dostanko and Bath artist Sandy Crabtree. Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards have been a Maine tradition for over 50 years and this is the first time ever that artwork by campers and clients have been featured; 100% of proceeds from card sales support Pine Tree Society’s programs. Established in 1936, Pine Tree Society provides Mainers with disabilities the opportunities and the means to create better lives for themselves and their families. Every year, Pine Tree Society must raise over $2 million to cover program expenses that aren't reimbursed by insurance or state and federal funds.
Cards can be ordered online, by calling 207-443-3341, or visiting 149 Front Street in Bath. For more information, visit https://app.etapestry.com/cart/PineTreeSociety/default/index.php
Elaine Reed has been a painter and art educator for over 35 years. She was a member of Women Artists of Monhegan Island (WAMI) and featured in a documentary film about this inspiring group. In 2024, her work was included in Monhegan Museum of Art and History’s exhibition catalog for “A Common Bond: Women Artists of Monhegan Island.” In 2025, her show titled “Leo and Me” was exhibited at Mars Hall Gallery in Tenants Harbor.
Pine Tree Society helps Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives. Too often, people with disabilities feel left out, even isolated. With the help of Pine Tree Society, they’re not alone. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day. Headquartered in Bath with offices in Scarborough, Auburn and Pine Tree Camp in Rome. Celebrating 90 years of discovering abilities together in 2026. Learn more at www.pinetreesociety.org
