Have you ever heard the song “Teddy Bears Picnic?” You know…the “if you go into the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise” supposed kids song? If not, go look it up. I’ll wait.
THAT is the song that will be playing in your head as you walk thru the creepy, yet somehow peaceful and serene Alexander Art Trail. Before you get there, however, you will feel like you are in the movie “Wrong Turn” and just waiting for something terrible to happen. I. Am. Not. Kidding. It is so far off the beaten path that you’ll begin to wonder if you should’ve thrown some bread crumbs down on your way in. You eventually end up on the goat path that leads you to the Art Trail and once you get there you begin to realize you may just have an overactive imagination and the only thing you have to worry about are the frickn’ mosquito’s. Here’s a tip, buy a VAT of OFF! And spray a couple layers of it on you…worry about the Deet later.
So here we are. The, believed to be, largest outdoor sculpture exhibit in the glorious state of Maine. Unless, of course, you whizzed by the road while you were imagining you were winning some sort of race on route 9…seriously, slow the heck down on that road.
The first thing you will see is the big green sign that says “Alexander Art Trail” (it’s the only thing that isn’t a tree or a pothole…can’t miss it). Throw a couple bucks in the donation box and you are on your way to an enchanted, “holy look at that-my what talent-<gasp> WHAT IS THAT-“ self guided tour through the woods. Seriously tho, through a couple bucks in the box…your car alignment isn’t going to cost THAT much…do it.
This absolutely FANTASTIC place was the work of Roland and Grazina Paegle. This fine couple was inspired while in Europe after seeing similar trails. Thanks to their creativeness, ambition and “great minds think alike” attitude, we can all enjoy this unique, inspiring, peaceful place. Oh, and let’s not forget the landowner who also thought this was a great idea. (Thank you, landowner!)
The oak sculptures that you see are the works of Lithuanian artists and had to be shipped to the US, which I could imagine was a test on the ol’ patience. I hate waiting for packages, especially if it has to go thru customs. So I can only imagine what it was like having to wait for so many awesome pieces to arrive.
The drift wood pieces are from the talent of Roland himself. There is even a waterproof enclosed case for smaller works of art as well as some pieces donated or leased by local artists. Even though you can easily walk the trail in a half hour…less if you’re being chased by mosquito’s, this trail DEMANDS that you stay and take it all in. Stop and SEE what you’re looking at…don’t just look. Also, keep your eye out for all the hidden nuggets of awesomeness set back off the trail.
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