CARIBOU, Maine — The Nylander Museum of Natural History in Caribou is featuring photography and artwork from members of the community on a regular basis.
The museum began displaying photography in February when Rosalie K. Dwyer, a local wildlife photographer, lent her photos to the museum.
From there, the museum displayed the work of Brenda Ketch, who formerly served as a contributor and editor to the Aroostook Republican, and is now displaying the work of Katie Dahlgren-Michaud.
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- This photo, “Rush Hour in Caribou,” is among the favorites of a local photographer’s display at the Nylander Museum, as it shows just how slow the traffic can get during Aroostook County’s winter months. (Chris Bouchard)
Jada Molton, a Goodwill VISTA intern for the museum, said museum board members wanted to begin featuring the work of local photographers and artists within the community.
“We’ve actually had a lot of visitors who will stop in the hallway and spend some time there looking at the photographs,” Molton said. “I think everyone’s favorite right now is “Rush Hour in Caribou.” It’s kind of an entertaining photo because it shows you just how little traffic there is on a winter day. It’s a great picture.”
While museum officials would prefer photos that are connected to a natural history theme, such as landscapes or wildlife, Molton said they will take any type of art or photography.
“There aren’t a lot of platforms in Aroostook County for showcasing art,” she said, “and we hope that this can be a place for people to showcase their work.”
The museum will provide mats for the paintings that go up to 11 x 14 inches in size. Molton said the museum may acquire frames in the future and are considering incorporating larger pieces.
Molton said she loves the addition of photography to the Nylander, saying that “it brightens up the building,” and adds “an extra layer to the natural history of the area.”
She said the photography displays will continue “for the foreseeable future,” or as long as artists continue showing interest in displaying their work. Currently, Molton says there is a “growing list of artists we want to feature,” and that each display is shown for roughly two months.
Those interested in displaying their art at the museum can message the museum’s official Facebook page, or just stop by the museum on 657 Main St. in Caribou.
