BRIDGTON – Like many renowned artists, Rufus Porter painted what he knew best, and visitors to the museum that bears his name have been able to enjoy those beautiful contributions since 2005.
“We have experienced increasing recognition as a notable ‘cultural magnet’ in Western Maine that is a vital component to the vibrancy of downtown Bridgton and beyond,” said Tom Johnson. “This is a reality made through the hearts, hands, and donations of those who believe in its ongoing relevance and potential like Norway Savings Bank does.”
Johnson is the acting director of the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, an organization that honors the legacy of one of Maine’s most influential artists while celebrating the beauty of New England and nurturing the imagination and talent of today’s artistic creators.
The museum’s mission has moved Norway Savings for years, as the Bank has contributed over $34,000 to the growing organization on Main Street. The museum is located in two historic Bridgton homes, with main exhibits on display at the John and Maria Webb House, and a collection of murals and special exhibits shown at the Nathan Church House, located on Church Street behind the Webb House. A classic post and beam barn will soon be added to the campus and will feature a collection of over 30 reconstructed wall murals, the largest collection of its kind in the country.
“The Webb House features the story of Rufus Porter (1792-1884), portraits, models of some of his inventions, books and pamphlets that he wrote, a special exhibit area, and a gift shop,” said Johnson. “He is well known in the folk-art community for his landscape murals depicting farms around Bridgton, his childhood home, and seascapes of Portland, where he lived and studied as a young man.”
But he was more than just an acclaimed painter. The museum offers mute testimony to the time of ingenuity and practicality in which Porter lived. Porter’s patented inventions were useful in the home, farm, and factories, and he was the founder of Scientific American, a magazine designed to inspire bright and promising inventors, something Porter is still doing today.
“This coming summer, we will provide space for enhanced educational activities for all age levels,” said Johnson. “Providing these opportunities to young people inspires confidence as they collaborate and, guided by qualified educators, bring their big ideas to life.”
The lofty aspirations and reach of the museum continue to increase along with the number of visitors, the capacity to serve guests, and the ways it enhances the vitality of downtown.
“In my visits to the museum, I have been overwhelmed by the size of the collection, the thoughtful and moving exhibits, and the passion of the staff to ensure everyone who walks in has a memorable experience,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings. “We’re proud to assist the museum as they honor a visionary, his ideas and ideals, and extend his impact into the generations that follow.”
For more information about the museum, including when you can visit, head to www.rufusportermuseum.org or call 207-647-2828.