Ogunquit News
First phase of Barn Gallery renovation complete
In the first photo, Members of Pinebrook Construction Company go over the architectural plans for the renovation of the North Gallery of the Barn Gallery. In the center photo is the North Gallery in the process of being torn down in preparation for reconstruction. Finally, the view of the completed renovation of the North Gallery.
Courtesy photos
The Gallery was designed by Ogunquit Art Association and Barn Gallery Associates member Chris Ritter, built in 1957, and has served the artists and community since then.
But age had taken its toll and serious renovations were necessary and renovations of public buildings bring into play new ordinances that require additional installations to ensure health and safety considerations and improve access for the handicapped.
Work began at the end of the 2005 season on Phase I of the project and continued throughout the winter, resulting in a new, museum-quality North Gallery.
Renovations and improvements include a new roof, beams, ceiling, custom skylights, insulation, electrical and safety devices, custom roof and exhaust fan.
Now brought up to current codes and with complete refinishing of the interior of the North Gallery, the beauty and serenity of this space has elicited words of gratitude, delight and appreciation from the many visitors.
Plans are now being drawn for the second of the three-phase renovation and work is expected to begin on this phase in November.
According to Stuart Nudelman, OAC vice president and chairman of the fundraising committee, "We are most appreciative of donations and grants received to date, but we have a long way to go. The Capital Campaign continues in order to raise money for Phase II."
The Gallery is home to the Ogunquit Art Association and the summer home of Ogunquit Performing Arts. Among the activities presented at the Barn Gallery are exhibitions, lectures and workshops, New England sculptors and the exhibition of regional artists in an open juried show.
The Barn Gallery also houses The Ogunquit Chamber Music Festival, sponsored by Ogunquit Performing Arts, and the summer art film series Art Videos at the Gallery, cosponsored by the Ogunquit Arts Collaborative and Ogunquit Performing Arts.
The Ogunquit Playhouse held its reception here for the introduction of its new director and of the 2007 calendar, which was illustrated by members of the Ogunquit Art Association.
Improvements are made as money from fundraising efforts is realized.
"We encourage all who are interested in this very special building that is so integral a part of our community to send in contributions to help us complete the renovation of this local treasure," Nudelman said.
To be a part of the effort, checks should be made to the Ogunquit Arts Collaborative and mailed to the Barn Gallery, P.O. Box 529, Ogunquit, ME 03907.
The Ogunquit Arts Collaborative is a 501©3 not-for-profit organization.
