This is the sixth year for Penobscot East Research Center’s (PERC) annual buoy auction, which grossed nearly $25,000 and included 62 buoys last year.
The auction is PERC’s largest fundraiser. “When I started this event five years ago, I never dreamed we would still be doing this fundraiser,” said Administrative Director Bobbi Billings. “Yet, here we are still. There is just so much interest that I just don’t see how we’ll ever be able to stop it at this point.
“This infusion of funds is critical to our work and mission to help secure a future for fishing communities along the coast of Maine.”
Billings always posts a PDF of the buoys online, adding to them as they come in. (Mine can be seen here.)
Many of the buoy makers expand the concept and rework their buoys with added materials or through sculpting. I’m always amazed by the creative ways in which the buoys are remade.
The buoys will be sold this Monday (August 3) from 6 – 7:30 PM. The auction will be held at the Fisherman’s Friend Restaurant, 5 Atlantic Ave., Stonington. Previewing starts at 5:30 PM.
If you’d like to bid online prior to the sale, contact Bobbi Billings at bobbi@penobscoteast.org or (207) 367-2708. Include your full name, phone number, the buoy number from the online listing, the artist’s name, and how much you’d like to bid.
Let me know if you’re interested in painting with me on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park from August 9 to 14. Click here for more information! Download a brochure here.