Beautiful Art by the Sea

Ogunquit, "Beautiful Place by the Sea," is a lovely seaside spot with a little jewel hidden away along the rocky shore. This is the Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA). I recently visited the museum, not knowing quite what to expect - other than the fact that they have a stunning collection of American art, I didn't know much about OMAA.

Tucked away from the tourist-packed village center, down a winding drive, is a small modern building with dramatic picture windows that overlook the gorgeous ocean view. Sculptures dot the entry, and the large, sweeping green lawn. I recognized a few massive Bernard Langlais pieces, including a bear and a lion.

I was absolutely blown away by the museum's collection. Though small, they have a wonderful selection of works that span decades and styles. The first gallery was dedicated to Henry Strater (1896-1987), a landscape and figure painter born in Louisville. Strater founded the OMAA in 1951. He came to Ogunquit in 1919 to study, and made it his permanent home in 1925.

Strater was a contemporary of such influential literati as F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, and Earnest Hemingway. Strater's European travels undoubtedly influenced his style, which reminds me of a mix of the crisp modernity of Edward Hopper and the colorful, lively style of Paul Cezanne, who was a particular influence of Strater's in his early career.

I was particularly taken by "The Green Headdress" and "The Brown Hat," two very different female portraits. "Not Even Solomon" is a another gem - not a mere floral still life, this painting is bursting with energy.

Out of the White Mountains - a gallery devoted to landscape paintings of the White Mountains - was wonderful. I was happy to see a chronological progression, and I was able to see how different artists - at different times - interpreted similar scenes. I especially enjoyed the works of Allen Tucker and Charles Curtis Allen.

Bernard Langlais and Marsden Hartley, two giants of Maine art, each have their own galleries and naturally, they are not to be missed. Perhaps these works do not represent the scope and significance of their careers, but are certainly important selections.

The large, central gallery that sits in the center of the museum houses a mix of artists. Fantastic works by Beverly Hallam, William Zorach, Edward Betts, and more are on display.

Outside, visitors can enjoy the stunning ocean views as well as the museum's sculpture garden, which offers plenty to enjoy, from the beautiful flowers and plants to the masterful sculptures arranged throughout.

OMAA is a small museum, but one that packs a punch! It is worth the trip to see its surprising and delightful collection.

* All photos by Jamie Thompson