It’s time for PERC’s annual buoy auction

 “Olde Groundfish – Vin de Mer,” by John Stinson. “We hear that the groundfish are depleted or missing. Where could they have gone? Perhaps people have been looking in the wrong places. Now the market is ‘Olde Groundfish – Vin de Mer.’”

“Olde Groundfish – Vin de Mer,” by John Stinson. “We hear that the groundfish are depleted or missing. Where could they have gone? Perhaps people have been looking in the wrong places. Now the market is ‘Olde Groundfish – Vin de Mer.’”

This is the sixth year for Penobscot East Research Center’s (PERC) annual buoy auction, which grossed nearly $25,000 and included 62 buoys last year.

“Bladderwrach Sea Dance,” by Judith Felch. “This buoy was inspired by sea weed and how these shapes move in the water currents and play against sand, pebbles, and dancing specks of light and color.”

“Bladderwrach Sea Dance,” by Judith Felch. “This buoy was inspired by sea weed and how these shapes move in the water currents and play against sand, pebbles, and dancing specks of light and color.”

The auction is PERC’s largest fundraiser. “When I started this event five years ago, I never dreamed we would still be doing this fundraiser,” said Administrative Director Bobbi Billings. “Yet, here we are still. There is just so much interest that I just don’t see how we’ll ever be able to stop it at this point.

“This infusion of funds is critical to our work and mission to help secure a future for fishing communities along the coast of Maine.”

“Penguin,” by Doug Wilson and Tom Kellogg. “Tom and Doug have a history now of turning buoys into stylized creatures. Every year they ponder a number of animals to make. Tom and David spent time in the Antarctic. During their research trips, routine encounters with penguins endeared them. So Tom and David suggested they make a penguin. Well, sure enough, they could see a penguin in the buoy!”

“Penguin,” by Doug Wilson and Tom Kellogg. “Tom and Doug have a history now of turning buoys into stylized creatures. Every year they ponder a number of animals to make. Tom and David spent time in the Antarctic. During their research trips, routine encounters with penguins endeared them. So Tom and David suggested they make a penguin. Well, sure enough, they could see a penguin in the buoy!”

Billings always posts a PDF of the buoys online, adding to them as they come in. (Mine can be seen here.)

“Squid,” by Julie Reed. “Most Maine squid are shy, elusive creatures, but this little guy has come out to party! He has even brought his own lunch! This buoy is hand knit from wool.”

“Squid,” by Julie Reed. “Most Maine squid are shy, elusive creatures, but this little guy has come out to party! He has even brought his own lunch! This buoy is hand knit from wool.”

Many of the buoy makers expand the concept and rework their buoys with added materials or through sculpting. I’m always amazed by the creative ways in which the buoys are remade.

The buoys will be sold this Monday (August 3) from 6 – 7:30 PM. The auction will be held at the Fisherman’s Friend Restaurant, 5 Atlantic Ave., Stonington. Previewing starts at 5:30 PM.

“New Fish.” by Dottie Hayes. “Dottie, an artist from Sedgwick, has been a supporter of Penobscot East for many years. This year she created a pastel colored, abstract fish buoy for your enjoyment!”

“New Fish.” by Dottie Hayes. “Dottie, an artist from Sedgwick, has been a supporter of Penobscot East for many years. This year she created a pastel colored, abstract fish buoy for your enjoyment!”

If you’d like to bid online prior to the sale, contact Bobbi Billings at bobbi@penobscoteast.org or (207) 367-2708. Include your full name, phone number, the buoy number from the online listing, the artist’s name, and how much you’d like to bid.

“Sailor’s Delight,” by Alyssa Miller. “Alyssa is an 18 year old who has been visiting her grandmother in Stonington her whole life. Alyssa is a nursing student at the University of Vermont and enjoys painting in her spare time.”

“Sailor’s Delight,” by Alyssa Miller. “Alyssa is an 18 year old who has been visiting her grandmother in Stonington her whole life. Alyssa is a nursing student at the University of Vermont and enjoys painting in her spare time.”

Let me know if you’re interested in painting with me on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park from August 9 to 14. Click here for more information! Download a brochure here.

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.