Björn Runquist to be Raffled Painting
to Benefit Georges River Land Trust
Renowned artist Björn Runquist has donated a beautiful view of the South Thomaston Hayfields to the Georges River Land Trust to be sold for the organization’s benefit.
Runquist is well known for his fresh and vibrant landscape paintings that capture the sprit and look of the area’s special qualities. Hayfields in South Thomaston, 2007, is a view of the spectacular open landscape on Route 131 just south of the railroad tracks with a splendid view of Thomaston across the St. George River. Many travelers returning to St. George on Route 131 have commented that when they reach this special place, they “know they are in Maine and home.”
This location has a particular meaning for the GRLT, as it purchased an 18-acre parcel in 2007 to protect it from development and accepted an easement on the adjoining 17 acres from farmer Donald Paulsen. This exceptional vista and its traditional use as hayfields and farmland are now preserved in perpetuity. Runquist’s view of the land includes a few of Paulsen’s grazing cattle, as they are often seen from the road. Last year, an additional 252 acres of Mr. Paulsen's land to the east of Route 131 was conserved through the purchase of a conservation easement by GRLT. Now a bridge of conserved lands extends from the St. George River to the Weskeag Marsh ensuring that significant wildlife habitat, valuable farmland, working landscapes, and extraordinary scenic vistas will be conserved forever.
Runquist divides his time between Clark Island, Maine, and Connecticut and is represented by major galleries with works in many private and public collections. The Land Trust thanks him for this generous donation and is also grateful to Eric Hopkins for exhibiting the painting.
The Georges River Land Trust's mission is to conserve and steward the natural resources and traditional character of the Georges River watershed region for the public benefit. For information on the GRLT or on the price and other details of the Runquist painting please call GRLT at (207) 594-5166.
