Tue, 10/20/2015 - 03:59 pm

“Covered Bridge,” a painting by Carlton Plummer of East Boothbay, is one of the two holiday cards offered by Pine Tree Society (PTS) for the 2015 season. Purchasing these greeting cards helps support the Pine Tree Society’s programming. Courtesy of PTS

“Five Islands Lobster” by Sandy Crabtree of Bath is the second choice offered by the Pine Tree Society.

Paintings by East Boothbay artist Carlton Plummer and Bath-based artist Sandy Crabtree have been selected as Pine Tree Society’s 2015 Holiday Cards. Since 1969, the holiday cards have been a major source of revenue that supports Pine Tree Society’s complete range of professional services for Maine people with disabilities.

Carlton Plummer started out as an illustrator. This year was the 53rd year of The Plummer Gallery & Gardens, featuring works by the family - his wife, Joan, and son, Gerald. He’s been selected six times for inclusion in Pine Tree Society’s (PTS) holiday card contest.

“I enjoyed creating the ideal scene,” Plummer said. “This is a great cause and is a way that I can contribute,” Plummer said. “And, I always enjoy the challenge that comes with it.”

Plummer’s painting, "Covered Bridge," features a snowy Maine village and quintessential New England covered bridge.

Plummer does a lovely job of illustrating that walk through the woods to find the perfect tree, a tradition that carries from generation-to-generation.

“I’ve always admired the work that Pine Tree Society does with young people,” said Sandy Crabtree. “I taught at Morse High School for over 29 years and heard about some of the wonderful things that my students had experienced at Pine Tree Society programs and Pine Tree Camp.”

One of Crabtree's students attended the Pine Tree Camp in Rome for children and adults with development and/or physical disabilities.

Crabtree retired in 2004, but still works as a substitute teacher at Morse. And, she loves being able to see what students are doing for artwork.

“I have always felt honored to be a part of submitting for the holiday card contest, even though it’s a competition,” said Crabtree.

Her painting, “Five Islands Lobster,” beautifully captures the well-known Five Islands Lobster Company in Georgetown.

“What a wonderful joy it was when the tree house was built and the campers could feel just like other kids,” Crabtree explained. “There are so many adults and kids that will benefit. The Pine Tree Society does wonderful things for a lot of people.”

To order your Pine Tree Society 2015 Holiday Cards, visit www.pinetreesociety.org or call 207-443-3341. Cards may also be purchased in person at Pine Tree Society’s office at 149 Front Street in Bath.