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The York Art Association is stopping passersby in their tracks with beetles and birds nesting in their front garden on York Street. They are part of a new sculpture garden that is helping to transform this creative space.
Installed this June, the sculpture garden owes its existence to a grant from the Nathaniel Wheeler TUA, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee. Established by the late Nathaniel Wheeler, a long-time York Harbor summer resident, the trust awards grants to nonprofit organizations within York for projects that help beautify the town.
Carrie Yakola, president and board chair of the York Art Association, is responsible for the vision to create a sculpture garden that would enhance this important location in the heart of Historic York Harbor. Yakola, who assumed her present position just two years ago, asked Jacquelyn Nooney Landscape Design if she wanted to be the landscaper and collaborate on applying for the grant.
“Jacquelyn is very artistic and does a lot of community work,” she said. “She was the perfect choice for this undertaking.”
A grant for $12,878 was awarded to the York Art Association last October. Work immediately got underway designing the sculpture garden and installing it when spring finally arrived. Bluestone tiles serve as platforms for the art, with four or five sculptures exhibited at any one time. They are surrounded by a simple groundcover and strategically placed boxwoods.
“The clean, simple design of the garden actually serves as a canvas for the sculptures,” Yakola said.
With exhibits rotating periodically, the first installation features two sculptures called “Beetles” by Gene Galipeau from Eliot. Made entirely from old Volkswagen Beetle parts, the bug-like sculptures, sporting bright colors, are guaranteed to delight both young and old.
“We have a lot of foot traffic here, and our goal is to attract a multi-generational audience,” Yakola said.
The beetles are joined in the garden by “Lady Bird,” an imposing iron sculpture of an ostrich by Maine artist Judy O’Donnell. An artist and art educator for more than 30 years, O’Donnell’s distinctive figural pieces “aspire to show the harmony between man and nature,” she said.
The fourth piece in the garden is a silver aluminum abstract sculpture by artist Perry Fitzhugh, who was active in the Ogunquit art scene.
“Created in 1972, it was gifted to the York Art Association by the estate of Constance Heelan,” Yakola said. “Our plan is to rotate the sculptures on a regular basis or if one of the pieces sells.”
The York Art Association, now in its 50th year at its present location, is an incubator for new artists, as well as for established artists on the local scene. The association is experiencing a renaissance with new members and more visitors to its expanded roster of exhibits and events. The gallery is directly across from the park where it hosts the annual Art in the Park event that draws enthusiastic crowds.
“Last year, the York Art Association hosted more than 24 shows, member-related events, musicals programs and workshops,” Yakola noted. “That averages two events a month, which is an impressive schedule for volunteer organizers!”
On your next walk through York Harbor, stop by to see “The Beetles” and “Lady Bird” — and enjoy the inspiring art exhibits inside the gallery.
The York Art Association is located at 394 York St. (Rt. 1A) in York Harbor. It is open from 12 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
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