The Island Institute turns 25 this summer and will launch its silver anniversary with an extensive show of new work by Peter Ralston, well-known photographer of the Maine coast and the Institute’s executive vice-president and co-founder.
The show will run through October 25 and includes new work since his celebrated 1997 book, Sightings: A Maine Coast Odyssey. An image gallery is available on the Archipelago Fine Arts website, www.TheArchipelago.net.
Philip Conkling, founder and president of the Island Institute, hopes that people will be inspired by Ralston’s most recent portrayals of the hauntingly beautiful places that sparked the founding of the Island Institute so many years ago. “At a time when island communities face challenges to their survival as never before, Peter’s imagery reminds all of us – here at the Institute and beyond – what we’re fighting for,” said Conkling. “With the support of our nearly 4,800 members and a tremendously committed board of trustees, we will continue to help ensure that Maine’s islands and working coastal communities remain vibrant places to live and work.”
Both he and Conkling will be on hand for the Institute’s open house anniversary celebration on Aug. 8 and 9 from noon to 5 p.m. Refreshments, live music and tours of the Institute’s historic headquarters building will add to the festivities, which are free. For more information about the open house, please visit www.islandinstitute.org or call 594-9209.
– Nancy Carter