“Thorncrag,” by Dan Marquis Submitted photo

“Thorncrag Visited,” by Sandra Pealer Submitted photo

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, the Woman’s Hospital AssociationRotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is hosting an exhibit of paintings and photographs inspired by Thorncrag.

Over the last year a number of artists have gathered at Thorncrag, the 450-acre nature sanctuary owned by the Stanton Bird Club, to participate in plein air days in anticipation of the year-long celebration of Thorncrag’s anniversary. Paintings by Michael Everett, Julie Garvey, Jud Pealer, Sandra Pealer, Anita Poulin, and Michael Ranucci are on display as well as photographs by Dan Marquis and Richard Plourde.

In 1922, the Stanton Bird Club accepted the first gift of 45 acres on Thorne’s Hill from Dr. Alfred Anthony, his wife Gertrude Libbey Anthony and his sister Kate Anthony to create a “model bird sanctuary.” Dr. Anthony was a professor and administrator at Bates College and his wife was a 1911 graduate of the college. When the Stanton Bird Club was formed 1919, it was named in memory of Professor Jonathan Stanton, who had been well-known throughout New England for his knowledge of birds.

The works on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop located adjacent to the main lobby at Central Maine Medical Center. A percentage of sale proceeds benefits patients of CMMC. As a result of the hospital safety precautions due to the pandemic, the art gallery is only available for viewing for staff, patients, and their designated visitors at this time.