“Wonderment of the Maine Coast”
The Camden Public library welcomes Bob Trapani Jr. for a solo photography exhibit titled “Wonderment of the Maine Coast” at the library’s Picker Room Gallery during the month of December. Trapani has spent years working on the Maine coast and has even been called “Mr. Lighthouse” by Down East Magazine. Trapani is also a photographer and writer, and through his craft strives to inspire a more profound appreciation of coastal Maine with its many layers of underlying beauty.
“I endeavor to share how everyday coastal moments are the backbone of Maine’s amazing sense of place that we all cherish,” he says. “I believe that Maine – with its rocky coastline, snug harbors, myriad of islands, and deep-rooted connection to the sea – is a world of wonderment that beckons us to explore and enjoy during all seasons.”
The public is invited to meet Trapani and dive into this visual journey of the Maine coast at his opening reception on Saturday, December 3, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Camden Public Library in the Picker Room Gallery.
Trapani’s work is informed by this love of place as well as his varied career. For 25 years Trapani worked in the field of historic maritime preservation and since 2005 has served as the Executive Director for the nonprofit American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF). With headquarters at Owls Head Light, the organization is the steward of 17 lighthouses throughout New England. Trapani is also a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist and has served as a lighthouse technician for 22 years. He presently works with the USCG Aids to Navigation Team Southwest Harbor, Maine, and assists the unit in maintaining the lights and fog horns at twenty-six lighthouses from Port Clyde to the Canadian border.
These pursuits and his passion for writing and photography have led to the creation of Moments in Maine and Maine Lights Today – a family affair for the Trapani clan. “These platforms are dedicated to providing people with an artful window through which Maine’s breathtaking coastal scenes can be admired and appreciated…regardless of where you live, work and play,” he says. The Trapani family invites others to journey with them as they share Maine’s beautiful coast, lighthouses, islands, schooners, and the alluring drama that plays out on the sea. Through captivating photography, thought-provoking prose, and more, they hope to stoke joy, wonder, and memories of the Pine Tree State in your heart. More of Trapani’s work can be viewed at momentsinmaine.com.
Trapani is also the author of five books, including his most recent, Rockland Breakwater: A Journey through the Seasons. He has also authored three books focused on lighthouses in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia, and one on the lifesaving service highlighting the history of the Indian River Life-Saving Station in Delaware. He has written hundreds of articles on lighthouses and their diverse meanings and impact to coastal communities and those who rely on their guidance.
Bob resides in Camden with his wife Ann-Marie and three of their children, Katrina, Dominic and Gianna. Their oldest daughter, Nina-Marie, resides on Cape Cod.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of artwork in the Picker Room Gallery during the month of December will benefit the Camden Public Library.
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