By the ocean there is a sanctuary of vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and meandering pathways in the forest encouraging exploration and discovery. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is a beautiful complex of themed gardens and leisurely walking paths tucked away from the bustle of the seaside town. It is a great place to spend a hot and sunny August afternoon, for sure, but a great place to view art?

The gardens regularly hold exhibitions of paintings in their visitor center, as well as sculptures dotted throughout the gardens themselves. As I walked through the landscape, I kept marveling at the gorgeous plant life, only to be pleasantly surprised by a dynamic sculpture enhancing the natural surroundings without obstructing or detracting from them. Oftentimes, the sculpture blended so seamlessly with the gardens that I wasn't sure if it was art or nature!

The strange animals grazing, prowling, or lounging in the gardens are the creations of Wendy Klemperer, who crafts her sculptures out of recycled industrial salvage. The rusty steel is contorted into very believable forms, depicting all sorts of fauna including a moose, lynx, wolves, deer, and more. Find these creatures in the gardens through October 12.

In the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses # a new garden devoted to invigorating the five senses # features Sculpture for the Senses. Five artists are showing works in a variety of media that address each of the senses:

'Skunk Cabbages' by Sharon Townshend is a pair of stylized cabbages made of terra cotta that represent smell.
'Anjou' by Jim Sardonis is a figurative pear in French blue granite with a bronze stem that represents taste.
'Rabbit' by Lise Becu is a smooth stone sculpture that represents touch.
'Circle #34' by Stephen Porter is a polished stainless steel piece that represents sight.
'Found Sound' by Val Bertoia are brass and copper rods that resonate with the wind, representing sound.

This exhibition is on view through the end of August. Both exhibitions are curated by June LaCombe of June LaCombe SCULPTURE.

Other pieces were distributed throughout the grounds, including a carved glass sphere, large terra cotta bowls holding water or plants, a giant marble "tub" in the meditation garden, and much more. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a flower child, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offer much to delight in!

* Photos by Jamie Thompson