This summer from July 27-Aug. 4, nine Maine stone sculptors — two guests from Japan, a Greek sculptor now living in the Canadian Maritimes, and two Maine College of Art students — will be creating sculpture from Maine granite on the Boothbay Common during the Maine Stone Symposium. The artists will work with a wide variety of hand and power tools to create works of art that will be sold at the Boothbay Region Land Trust's Points of View Art Auction on Thursday, Aug. 8 or later join the Boothbay Harbor Region Sculpture Trail. Local accommodations are needed to make them welcome and comfortable during their time in Boothbay.

The Maine Stone Workers Guild is currently seeking lodging for five of the artists in private homes, apartments, guest cottages or other spaces. Artists appreciate the graciousness of the host families and hosts gain the experience of getting to know the artist. This is a wonderful encounter for those who spend time serving others, but a priceless opportunity for fans of the visual arts. Artists needs are simple; they only expect a private bedroom, access to a bathroom with shower and basic kitchen facilities. Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery owners, Terry Seaman and Heidi Seidelhuber, have already graciously offered their apartment for two of the artists.

If you have accommodations you can offer, please contact Dick Alden at starfishstudiome@gmail.com or 207-441-6080.

The Maine Stone Symposium is part of a larger effort called Sculpture Boothbay launched earlier this year by the Maine Stone Workers Guild and the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. The major activities of the project include the biennial Maine Stone Symposium as well as the Boothbay Harbor Region Sculpture Trail.

Support for the Sculpture Boothbay comes from Knickerbocker Group, Down East Magazine, J.C. Stone, Midcoast Hospitality (Newagen Seaside Inn, Linekin Bay Resort, Sheepscot Harbour Village Resort & Water’s Edge, and Russell House Bed & Breakfast), Bath Savings Institution, Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium, Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery, Kennebec Rental, William L Royall Sculpture Garden, Topside Inn, sweet bay, June LaCombe Sculpture, Down East Gallery, Tugboat Inn, J.E. Knight Insurance, Tindal & Callahan Real Estate, Inns at Greenleaf Lane, Gleason Fine Art, Sawyer Island Consulting, E.M. Wood Construction, Coastal Prime at the Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort, The Thistle Inn, Oak Street Café & Catering, Ports of Italy Port Pizza, Pinkham’s Gourmet Market, East Boothbay General Store, Bet’s Fish Fry, Blue Moon Café, Cod’s Head Fish House/Mine Oyster, T & D Variety, Caper’s Deli & Catering, Uncle Phil’s Bakery, Campbell Marine and Ledge Hill Creations.

To learn more visit sculptureboothbay.com