Maine Camp Exhibition Opens At Brick Store Museum On May 27

KENNEBUNK, MAINE

:On Memorial Day Weekend when people traditionally reopen their camps and cabins, The Brick Store Museum debuts its newest exhibition, "Camp Maine: Rustic Furniture & Accessories, 1860-1940."

Presented in association with Ken, Ida and Kate Manko of Moody, Maine, the exhibition showcases rustic, late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century furniture and related items from Maine and northern New England. Privately collected over the course of two decades, the 200-plus pieces included in the exhibition are some of the finest in or out of any museum, with many appearing on public view for the first time. The exhibition runs May 27 through November 18.

Highlights include a 17-foot canoe from the 1920s, an early Paris, Maine-made sled used in rescues on Mount Washington, impossibly delicate bentwood twig furniture ranging in size from dolls' chairs to oversized rockers, an outhouse door and classic "two-seater," vintage signage advertising - everything from $14 lake cabin rentals to trading post wares - "weird wood" souvenir tankards, intricately woven creels, camp paintings, a moose trophy mount made entirely from wood and colorful arrays of early hand-tied fly fishing lures.

Set against the scent of balsam fir, the sounds of crickets, a forest backdrop painted by local artist Virginia Souza, the glow of a simulated campfire and a stand of birch trees, the exhibition conjures up the simplicity, whimsy and nostalgia of the classic woodland retreats enjoyed throughout generations and to this day.

Of his family's collaboration with the museum, Ken Manko said, "We enjoy giving back to the community that has been so generous to us, and working on this exhibition with a remarkable institution like The Brick Store Museum presented the perfect opportunity." The museum celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, and executive director Tracy Baetz said, "This is a very special exhibition at an exceptional moment in the museum's history."

Extended Memorial Day Weekend hours for the general public are Saturday, May 27, 11 am to 1 pm and Monday, May 29, 11 am to 2 pm. Regular hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm.

Several related programs are taking place throughout the run of the exhibition. On July 15, "History Camp: Cabin Fever!," sponsored by The Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation, is a one-day workshop for children ages 8 to 12 centering on activities associated with the classic Maine camps - from building and painting miniature log cabins to tying giant-sized flies and practicing casting in a wading pool. Participants display their projects in the museum prior to taking them home for lasting memories of the day. Preregistration is required.

On July 22, Selene Dumaine, award-winning Maine flytier and sole proprietor of Brook Song Angling, will demonstrate fly tying in the style of Carrie Stevens. Visitors can watch as she creates her signature patterns and provides insight into the art and history of fly tying in the Rangeley region. Dumaine won the North East Fly Tying Competition at the World Fly Fishing Expo in 1998 and was dubbed "A Modern Carrie Stevens" by Fly Tyer magazine in 2003 for her reproduction flies tied in the Rangeley style. She has taught fly tying courses and been a registered Maine guide since 1998, specializing in the fields of fly fishing and recreation.

"Sporting Dog Adoption Day" is set for August 19. In the spirit of all the classic hunting and sporting dogs associated with the traditional Maine camps, the museum is partnering with the Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk and turning the spotlight on dog adoption. The museum will offer souvenir "family" photos shot digitally with a vintage Maine camp scene as a backdrop, with the proceeds to benefit the museum; dog treats provided. This event is sponsored by Kennebunk Veterinary Hospital.

September 16 is "Roy Toy Family Day." Visitors will be able to rekindle the nostalgia of childhood with this event featuring Roy Toy, the East Machias, Maine-based toy manufacturer of traditional wooden log building sets. Roy Toy co-owner Sue Dennison will be on hand at the museum to tell of her family's toy making tradition that originated in the 1930s and created instant classics. Visitors can then choose from among several playsets and construct a landscape of wooden cabins, forts and farms. Products will be available for purchase.

The Brick Store Museum is at 117 Main Street. For information, 207-985-4802 or www.brickstoremuseum.org.