Marginal Way Preservation Fund Announces 10th Anniversary Fundraiser In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Marginal Way Preservation Fund’s establishment as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Board of the MWPF will hold a virtual fundraising auction culminating with a ceremony on June 27th for the 5 finalists of the Nationwide Fine Art competition and the announcement of the awards to the finalists totaling over $10,000.

The Marginal Way is one of the most painted and beloved places anywhere in America. A 1 ¼ mile meandering pathway along the Atlantic in the heart of Ogunquit, ME, the conveyance of this precious strip called the “Marginal Way,” is the finest donation the Town of Ogunquit has ever received. Josiah Chase, Jr. donated the original parcel in 1925. Beginning in a corner of Oarweed Cove, the now-paved footpath meanders through bayberry, honeysuckle and bittersweet, gnarled shrubs of fragrant pink and white sea roses that frame expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque footpath is called “the margin” because of its patterned development along the edge of Maine’s cliffs.

In 2018, the Marginal Way was impacted by a series of Nor’easters that caused over a million dollars in damages. The Board of the MWPF was inspired to begin work on a fundraiser to alleviate the impact of these storms on the townspeople. The Fine Art Competition and Gala planning began. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, the event originally planned for last June, was postponed and the art competition deadline extended. The art competition was open to anyone 18 years of age and older at any stage of their careers. The theme for the competition was a Love for the Ocean. Artists were invited to submit in any of the following mediums: painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, and print. Cash prizes for the five finalists include 1st-$5,000; 2nd-$3,000; 3rd-$1,000 (2 awarded 3rd); Honorable Mention-$500; and 1 People’s Choice award-$200. Artists can win both the People’s Choice and one of the top categories.

The 5 finalists’ works will be displayed in Ogunquit during the week of June 20th at the Van Ward Gallery in Ogunquit and on the final evening of the auction, the Board will host a private Awards Ceremony for the 5 finalists and also hand out the People’s Choice award at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art on June 27th. Anyone registering for the virtual auction can vote for the “People’s Choice” award. To join the online auction and help our cause to Preserve the Marginal Way for years to come, please register at https://fundraiser.bid/marginalwayauction

To learn more about the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, visit us at https://marginalwayfund.org