This August, 12 Maine stone sculptors and a guest from Japan will be creating sculpture from Maine granite on the grounds of the Boothbay Railway Village during the first ever Maine Coast Stone Symposium (MCSS.) More than half of the artists will be visiting the region from their homes in other parts of the State and local accommodations are needed to make them welcome and comfortable during their time in Boothbay.

MCSS is currently seeking homestays for its artists in private homes within a 15-minute drive to the Boothbay Railway Village for August 10 – August 22. 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 and access to a bathroom with shower. 

There are other ways to support the Symposium and participating artists including signing up to provide a picnic lunch for the artists and crew on one or more days.  If you are considering welcoming a MCSS sculptor into your home or would like to provide one of the lunches, please contact Margaret Hoffman at Margaret@railwayvillage.org or 207-633-4727.

MCSS is a month-long celebration of the history, art and culture of Maine’s stone industry. More than a dozen lectures on topics from geology to architecture, the exhibit Built with Stone: The Story of Granite, Slate, and Limestone in Maine, artists working on the grounds for ten days and a Gala celebration of their works are just a few of the program components being developed by the Boothbay Railway Village in partnership with the Maine Stone Workers Guild.

The Maine Coast Stone Symposium is funded in part by an Arts & Humanities Grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Maine Humanities Council. Additional support comes from J.C. Stone, Knickerbocker Group, Maine Media Collective, Marshall Tent & Event Rental, Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Split Rock Distilling, Glidden Point Oysters, Ledge Hill Creations, and Stone Cove Catering.

To learn more visit www.railwayvillage.org/stonesymposium.