The Maine Lakes Resource Center is taking a new approach to helping people understand the importance of improving the lakes environment using the language of art.

A recently commissioned sculpture made from discarded wood was constructed this week at The MLRC Annex in the center of buffer gardens that reduce phosphorous runoff into the lakes and streams.

Nicole White, an eco-artist from Gardiner, uses wood found on the ground and along lake shores to create sculptures that can remind folks of the importance of taking action to save the environment. “I gather it from places where the power company has cut down trees and it’s important to me that the wood not go to waste,” White said in the news release from the center.

“When I was asked to do this sculpture, I went to a heron rookery to study their nests and I watched movies to learn how they move their bodies,” White said in the release.

While she was assembling the sculpture at The Annex in Belgrade Lakes Village, many people stopped by to comment, ask questions and take photos. “We want the art at the Maine Lakes Resource Center to be accessible and easily understood,” MLRC Director or Programming Kathi Wall said in the release.

It is the first sculpture of its type in the area and is easily viewed next to the post office in the village. A second model is being planned for the gardens at the Maine Lakes Resource Center, 137 Maine St., according to the release.

The Annex: Where Art and Science Meet, is owned by the MLRC as a studio and classroom space that also offers local artists a place to sell their wares. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.


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