Members of the community can once again borrow a pass to the Portland Art Museum at the Skidompha Library in Damariscotta thanks to a donation from the Pemaquid Group of Artists. As in past years, the artists group has funded a full year of opportunities to visit the Portland museum at no cost.

The library is the custodian of the pass. Only one pass is issued per day. The pass admits two adults and up to six children for free. Persons wanting to go should reserve their day as far in advance as possible by calling the library at 563-5513. It is important to note that the pass is open to anyone in the community. You do not have to be a library patron to use the pass. All are welcome to reserve and use the pass.

Pam Gormley, library director, expressed her appreciation: “The Pemaquid Group of Artists’ gift to the community in the form of free passes to the Portland Museum of Art allows people from all walks of life to enjoy the treasures of the museum. Skidompha is delighted once again to retain and administer the pass. Hundreds of people use the pass each year. We sincerely thank the gallery and all the artists for this wonderful gift.”

Art appreciation and education are an ongoing mission of the Pemaquid Artists Group, which funds financial aid to local organizations and schools through commissions, membership fees and donations. In addition to the museum pass, this year the group has provided monetary gifts for art supplies to Lincoln Academy, Great Salt Bay, South Bristol, Bristol Consolidated Schools, and Healthy Kids.

The Pemaquid Group of Artist Gallery is located at Lighthouse Park, Pemaquid Point and is open seasonally from June through mid-October. The artists, including both regionally and nationally known artists, are all local area residents and are juried into gallery membership.