Island Journal Turns 25, Honors Andrew Wyeth

On Saturday, May 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., the public is welcome to preview the 2009 Island Journal, the Island Institute's celebrated yearly magazine of island life and to raise a glass in tribute to Andrew Wyeth, "a man who loved islands". This year's expanded edition, entitled Island Journal: Waypoints 1984-2009, includes an extraordinary folio of his island work.

This event will follow a tribute to Wyeth at the Strand Theatre from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., facilitated by Michael K. Komanecky, interim director and chief curator of the Farnsworth Art Museum, and featuring several of those who have known the Wyeth family well over the years: NYC gallery owner Warren Adelson, artist Bo Bartlett, Wyeth biographer Richard Meryman and Peter Ralston, the Institute's executive vice-president and co-founder.  Governor John Baldacci is also expected to make an appearance and a special announcement.

The forum is part of the Farnsworth's Memorial Day weekend celebration of the life and work of Andrew Wyeth that includes a continuous showing of Wyeth documentaries, docent tours of the Wyeth exhibitions and the Olson House, the opening of the Farnsworth's exhibition, A Tribute to Andrew Wyeth, and much more.  For a complete schedule of events, please call 207-596-6457 or visit www.farnsworthmuseum.org. 

Immediately after the Strand event, the Island Institute, two blocks north at 386 Main Street, will host a gathering with hearty refreshments and a special toast to Andrew Wyeth. Although Wyeth didn't live to see the 25^th anniversary of Island Journal, he would have undoubtedly perused it with the same sharp eye as he did the very first issue in 1984, one for which he and Betsy Wyeth provided inspiration and initial funding.  It has endured as a nationally recognized portrait of Maine island life, capturing the essence of these special places through essays, photography, poetry and art.   In addition to the stunning Wyeth folio, the Waypoints edition contains a folio of Frenchboro paintings by Russian-born artist Daud Akhriev, new essays, and a retrospective of articles, poems and photographs that map the progress of the Institute's programs over the past 25 years. 

The 2009 Island Journal will make its debut at this event, and those who would like to reserve a copy may call ahead to Archipelago, the Institute's retail store and gallery, at 596-0701.  Current members of the Island Institute will receive the 2009 edition as part of their membership benefits.  Those who wish to become members may call Jody Herbert at 594-9209 x 113 or click here to learn more about how to help sustain the working communities along the Maine coast that inspired the work of an American icon.