Saturday July 11, 5:30 – 9:30 PM

4th Annual Gratitude + Giving.

Join us for an evening of gratitude, community, and celebration at the 4th Annual Gratitude + Giving event on Saturday, July 11th at The Temple in Ocean Park.

Enjoy delicious tapas and charcuterie, celebrate this year’s award recipients, and take part in a live auction featuring unique experiences, artwork, local getaways, and more. Invitations have been mailed and ticket availability is limited—return the TICKET FORM to the OPA Office to reserve your spot today!

Preview the Live Auction below! We are adding new items daily! If you are unable to attend but are interested in bidding on an auction item, please contact Executive Director Fran Day at director@oceanpark.org for more information.

Auction Items 

Mastering Pottery: a weekend in Bill Griffith’s Gatlinburg Studio

ARTIST: Bill Griffith

VALUE: $2,500

DONOR: Bill Griffith, Gatlinburg, TN

SPECIFICATIONS: Two days of individual pottery making by Master Potter Bill Griffith in his Gatlinburg, TN studio. Four people will have the opportunity to create works of art or functional pottery to grace their home. In addition to time in the studio, Bill will offer a tour of the international art shows in Arrowmont’s galleries, maybe view a couple of local bears, and visit the Arts and Crafts Community, the largest in the United States.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Bill Griffith is a ceramic artist, educator, and internationally known pottery. As an arts administrator at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, he built a world-class crafts program. Bill is best known for his art pottery that has been influenced by his studies in Japan. He has received numerous awards and fellowships including the Tennessee Arts Commission Fellowship, the Outstanding Achievement Award for his contributions to the field of ceramics by the National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts. His work is in international collections including the Tennessee State Museum, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Tokoname Cultural Museum, Japan, Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, China, and numerous private collections. Most recently, he established the Bill Griffith Ceramics Study Collection at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Rustic Mug Shelf with Six Handthrown Mugs

ARTISTS: Mugs by Buie Hancock, Shelf by Jim Cocker

VALUE: $325

DONORS: Buie Hancock Pottery-Gatlinburg, Jim Cocker-Ocean Park

SPECIFICATIONS: Mugs-Six 14 ounce, custom-glazed, hand thrown

Rustic Shelf- 25” x 6.25” and 8” in height

Made from reclaimed weathered wood

Stain: Off-white

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Buie Hancock’s motto is “We make dirt look good”. Buie has been creating beauty and function from mud since age 17. She is a major functional potter creating a wide range of kitchenware and utilitarian clay works. She is best known for her glazes which represent the earth and sky of the Great Smoky Mountains. With a fine arts education from the University of Tennessee’s craft program, she is in high demand as an instructor. Jim Cocker is a man of many talents, minister, church administrator, musician, gardener and most recently Facilities Manager at Ocean Park Association. He is a talented craftsman, building replacement carpentry and structures on the OPA campus, and creating one of a kind pieces such as the rustic mug shelf in this auction.

Multi-Media Resin Art Workshop for Four

ARTIST: Pam Chute

VALUE: $750

SPECIFICATIONS: Private workshop for four  on date to be mutually arranged. You will receive individual instruction to create an ocean inspired piece. Materials, including shattered and cut glass as well as ocean items will be provided for inclusion in your 8×10 art work. You will be able to take your work home after 24 hours. The workshop will be held in Pam Chute’s home in Ocean Park. Participants must be 12 years of age or older.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Pam Chute is the creator of multi-media resin art inspired by the ocean. Items are transformed with recycled shattered glass and beach finds into captivation creations that embrace creativity and sustainability. These one of a kind art objects are on wood, vintage windows, or glass, and will bring color, texture, and inspiration to any home

Paddleraise – Buy Outright – Resin Art Jewelry Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Pamela Chute 

VALUE: $150 per person, limit 10

SPECIFICATIONS: Add a custom piece of jewelry to your collection or make a gift for a friend. Join a cadre of friends for a fun and instructive workshop making resin jewelry. Materials are included. Students must be at least 12 years of age. The workshop will conclude with a delicious summer lunch.

Three Professional Handyman Hours

DONOR: Doug Moon – Dependable HandyMan 

VALUE: $225

SPECIFICATIONS: Do you have a project that you’ve been meaning to “get around to” but never find the time? This is your opportunity. Doug Moon, Ocean Parker and licensed contractor, is giving three hours of expert handyman services. Whether you need repairs, installations, maintenance, or another project that you need help with, Doug will work with you to determine scope of work. Skip the guilt and hassle, save time, and enjoy peace of mind that comes with knowing that a dependable contractor is handling your job.

Talking Sign 

ARTIST: Olaf Carl Wieghorst 

VALUE: $500

SPECIFICATIONS: Signed, Framed Lithograph. Painted circa 1950 Lithograph printed and released circa 1978

SIZE: Framed – 24”x24” Print 17” x 15”

DONOR: Jim Cocker

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Olaf Carl Wieghorst, (1899-1988) is a highly talented and prolific painter who specialized in depictions of the American frontier. His work is in the sameschool as Frederic Remington. His life was colorful–born in Denmark, he emigrated to the United States when he was 19 years old and served in the mounted patrol of the 5th Calvary Regiment of the United States and later working as a cattle wrangler. Wherever he went, he drew Western culture, often selling his work as illustration and calendar art. For a time, he was a mounted officer with the New York City police. Eventually, he settled in El Cajon, California and concentrated on his art. A retrospective of his art was presented at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. In 1985, two of his works were sold at auction for $1,000,000.

Ocean Wave Sapphire Necklace 

VALUE: $10,500               

SPECIFICATIONS: Inspired by the beauty, power, and rhythm of the sea, this exquisite custom-made Ocean Wave Necklace is a timeless statement of elegance and craftsmanship. Expertly handcrafted in luxurious solid 14-karat white gold, the pendant features a graceful curling wave captured in a contemporary circular design, symbolizing the endless motion of the ocean and the serenity it inspires.

The wave is adorned with multiple shades of genuine natural blue sapphires, carefully selected to create depth and movement reminiscent of sunlight dancing across ocean waters. The varying hues of blue flow seamlessly throughout the design, from soft coastal tones to deeper ocean blues, enhancing the sculptural beauty of the piece. Suspended from an 18-inch 14-karat white gold chain, this necklace offers both sophistication and versatility, making it equally stunning as an everyday luxury piece or a treasured heirloom for special occasions. The necklace is custom made to order, ensuring exceptional attention to detail and artistry in every piece.

A celebration of the sea’s enduring beauty, this remarkable necklace is designed for those who feel a deep connection to the ocean and appreciate the finest in custom-crafted jewelry. Its elegant form and brilliant sapphires make it a meaningful gift, a collector’s piece, or a stunning personal treasure.

DONOR: Anonymous Ocean Park Member

Sweet Potato in Bennington Bowl

ARTIST: Jeremie Day-Glider   

VALUE: $250

SPECIFICATIONS: Framed size: 8” widthx13” height Image Size: 5”x8” Water color markers on card stock

DONOR: Jeremie Day-Glider

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Jeremie Day-Glider is a visual artist, theatre creator, improv instructor and ardent gardener based primarily in Philadelphia and Europe. Over a career spanning more than two decades as an improv artist, she has performed, directed, and taught extensively. Educated as a printmaker, her work now includes painting, fiber art, printmaking, and garden design.

One Week Lodging at Ricker Cottage

VALUE: $2,300 

DONOR: Ocean Park Realty

SPECIFICATIONS: Ricker Cottage is located in the heart of Ocean Park, Maine. Located one block from the Atlantic Ocean, the ocean can be viewed from its balcony. The apartment is above Ocean Park Home gift shop. It sleeps seven, has 1.5 baths, stackable washer and dryer, dishwasher, WiFI, three bedrooms, color TV, and microwave oven. The cottage is available the last week of August and may be used in 2026 or 2027.

Indian on Horseback

ARTIST: Frederic Remington 

VALUE: $350

DONOR: Fran Day

SPECIFICIATIONS: Lithograph circa 1950, Framed 16”x 18.5”, Print, 11”x14”,
Remington created the original in 1901.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Frederic Remington, 1861-1909, was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in the genre of Western American Art. His works are known for depicting the Western United States in the last quarter of the 19 th century. His work focused primarily on Native Americans, cowboys, and the US Calvary. Remington was the most successful ool of Remington.”illustrator during the 19 th century—other Western artists were often to be credited as “School of Remington.” His work, unlike the romantics of the period, was naturalistic and realistic. He invented ”cowboy” sculpture. He was an early advocate of the photoengraving process over wood engraving and became an expert in reproduction techniques, thus making his work accessible to a broader audience.

Tides Woven Glass Vessel

ARTIST: Heather L. Fountain

VALUE: $2,500

DONOR: Heather Fountain

SPECIFICATIONS: Tides (of Resilience) is a luminous kiln-formed glass vessel by our very own Maine artist Heather L. R. Fountain, inspired by the ever-changing beauty of the Atlantic coastline and the enduring strength found in nature and the human spirit. Measuring 10.5” x 10.5” x 6.5”, this extraordinary vessel is meticulously created from more than 1,000 individually hand-pulled strands of glass, woven and layered to evoke the movement of ocean currents, and sea-worn textiles. Shades of crystalline white, seafoam aqua, and deep cobalt blue ripple across the form like sunlight dancing on coastal waters, while the delicate fringed rim recalls the frothy edge of a breaking wave. Adding profound meaning to the work is a striking golden inlay inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, the centuries-old art of repairing and honoring brokenness with precious metal. Rather than concealing imperfections, Kintsugi celebrates them, recognizing that every fracture tells a story of survival, transformation, and renewal. In Tides of Resilience, the gold becomes more than a decorative element—it is a symbol of life’s journey. Just as the ocean shapes the shoreline through time, our struggles and triumphs shape who we become. Both visually captivating and deeply symbolic, Tides of Resilience invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of imperfection, the value of history, and the grace found in healing. It is a celebration of endurance, hope, and the shimmering possibility that emerges when broken places are honored rather than hidden.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Dr. Heather L. R. Fountain, the creator of Fountain Glass, has shown her work nationally and internationally. She utilizes various techniques to create her jewelry and sculptural pieces. Much of her work is inspired by the ocean and the lakes and forests of Maine where she has always found peace amid the beauty of nature. 

Custom Ocean Park Map Sea Bag from Portland Sea Bags & Lunch at Bread and Friends

VALUE: $275.00

DONOR: Portland Sea Bags and Bread and Friends Cafe

SPECIFICATIONS: A custom made Portland Sea Bags with a map of Ocean Park. Portland Sea Bags are nationally known and sought after. In addition to the bag, you will receive a $50.00 gift card to Bread and Friends. The perfect place for a quick bite or lingering conversation. They offer brunch and dinner as well as pastries, bread, coffee and beer and wine. They are located on Fore Street.

Watercolor Portrait of your Pet by Ian Hanks

ARTIST: Ian Hanks 

VALUE: $500

DONOR: Ian Hanks

SPECIFICATIONS: Ian will create a watercolor of your pet/pets from your favorite photographs. Captured on fine art watercolor paper, Ian’s works are enduring remembrances of your beloved companion animals.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Ian Hanks, a Maine fine art watercolorist, comes by his talent naturally. He is the son of noted wildlife woodcarver and painter, Ted Hanks, and internationally known painter and illustrator, Consuelo Eames Hanks. He is the grandson of John Hegan Eames , architect, painter, and printmaker. Ian grew up on the coast of Maine and developed a deep love for the ocean and coastal landscapes. He is best known for his pet portraits and his exceptional ability to capture the essence of the Maine coast, fog, and local life. He has won awards for his pet portraiture. Ian donates 10% of his earnings from pet portraiture to local animal shelters.

Big Nate Comic Strip Original Art

ARTIST: Lincoln Peirce

VALUE: $800

SPECIFICATIONS: An original black and white Big Nate Comic Strip about beach days ending signed by the artist. The comic strip is sized 12 ½ by 17, in a 15 x 22 inch black frame. The artist signature is in the lower right corner with the salutation “Best Wishes- Lincoln Peirce.”

DONORS: Lincoln Peirce

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Lincoln Peirce is the author and illustrator of the beloved comic strip “Big Nate.” Born in Ames, Iowa, Peirce grew up in Durham, NH, and later graduated from Colby College in Waterville, ME. He earned an MFA in studio art, and attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Peirce debuted the Big Nate comic series in 1991 and is currently carried in 400 newspapers worldwide. He is a prolific writer ofnovels and television programs. His work has been made into a musical, animated cartoon series, and eight novels. He resides in Portland, ME to be closer to family and his favorite sports teams.

Reclaimed Ocean Park Functional Art

ARTIST: Jeff Chute

VALUE: $250

SPECIFICATIONS: Two reclaimed furniture items, each with a connection to Ocean Park. The Stool was rescued in the wake of the 2024 Flood. For decades, the Stool had been a fixture in the Ocean Park Post Office. Countless members of the Post Office staff used it while sorting mail. Looking at the damage, Post Office staff set it outside to be discarded where it was rescued by wood artist Jeff Chute. After thorough drying, Jeff reclaimed and restored the stool to its original state. The Chute children and grandchildren used the wooden chest of drawers while visiting. Recently, Jeff restored the chest for someone else to use and love. Both pieces are sold as one lot.

NOTE: A surprise is in one of the drawers of the chest.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Jeff Chute is a real estate professional, Ocean Park volunteer, and wood artist. Beginning in Massachusetts, was a schoolteacher, eventually leaving that profession for real estate. Starting as an agent in 1984, he eventually started and owned and operated his real estate office for several decades. Along the way Jeff learned woodworking and became a master at his craft. He and his wife, Pam, live year round in Ocean Park.

Portland Regency Hotel & Collectible Sam Adams Cask

VALUE: $250 (Hotel Gift Certificate) $600 (Sam Adams Cask)

DONOR: Portland Regency Hotel and Ted & Kathy Wade

SPECIFICATIONS: A Hotel/Spa stay at the Portland Regency Hotel along with a 2013

 Collector’s Edition Cask from Sam Adams. This special aging enhances the beer’s distinct vanilla and maple notes. It is blended with a Kosmic Mother Funk, a wild ale that’s been aged in Hungarian oak tuns for up to one year.

Ocean Park Beach Roses & Hydrangeas Chair

ARTIST: Nancy Kenney

VALUE: $150

DONOR: Nancy Kenney

SPECIFICATIONS: This one of a kind cottage side chair is artfully hand painted in cool seafoam green and pale pinks. This hand-painted chair is more than a decorative accent, it is a timeless keepsake and a priceless treasure for any home.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: This chair was hand painted by OP Nancy Kenney, the owner of Ocean Park Memories. It features a charming Ocean Park Beach Roses and Hydrangeas design. It’s a unique piece that captures the beauty, nostaligia and coastal character of Ocean Park. Nancy’s beloved creations include Ocean Park calendars, Christmas cards, note cards, paintings, and more, each reflecting her deep connection to the community and its seaside charm.

One Week Stay in Taylor-Burgess Cottage

VALUE: $2,000

DONOR: Martine Taylor & Dan Burgess

SPECIFICATIONS: The Taylor/Burgess Cottage is located at 87 Randall on the corner of Randall & Bridge Street. The available week is June 12-19 2027.

This 4 Bedroom (1 King, 2 queens, 1 single), 1 bath cottage is less than a 10 minute walk to the Beach and town center. Other amenities include dishwasher/washer & dryer/full kitchen/wireless internet/woodstove/gas grill/ and outdoor picnic table. The house is dog friendly.

Lighthouse Sea Bag from Portland Sea Bags

VALUE: $425.00

DONOR: Dana Whittaker

SPECIFICATIONS: A custom made Portland Sea Bags handbag featuring a lighthouse on a navy and white striped background with an interior zipper pocket and hemp handles. The handbag comes with $200 in gift cards from Home Depot and a bottle of refreshment. The bag is given in memory of Carter Whittaker who worked at Home Depot in Retirement from the family.

One Week Stay in Ricker Cottage

VALUE: $2,300

DONOR: Ocean Park Realty

SPECIFICATIONS: Ricker Cottage is located in the heart of Ocean Park, Maine. Located one block from the Atlantic Ocean, the ocean can be viewed from its balcony. The apartment is above Ocean Park Home gift shop. It sleeps seven, has 1.5 baths, stackable washer and dryer, dishwasher, WiFI, three bedrooms, color TV, and microwave oven. Check with OPR about what dates are available in August or September and may be used in 2026 or 2027.

One on One Instruction in AI

VALUE: $2500 

DONOR: Sue Collard

SPECIFICATIONS: Three ninety minute private tutoring sessons in AI. Class #1- Learning the Foundations of AI. Class #2- Learning to Customize for your Needs, Class #3- Building and going deeper.

Original Oil Painting

ARTIST: Michael Stoeffa 

VALUE: $800

DONOR: Helen Ryder

SPECIFICATIONS: Rockport Lobster Boat 5 x 7 oil on canvas in an original frame from the Michael Stoeffa Gallery in Rockport. It was painted in 1980 of a lobster boat.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Michael Stoeffa (1923-2001) was a prolific “plein air” painter, who captured the light and moods of Cape Ann and other places in New England, the Southwest, California, Mexico, and Slovakia. His dedication and skill gained him the title, “The King of the Street Painters” when he lived and painted in Mexico. Born in Hlinne, Czechoslovakia, Stoeffa came to this country at the age of seven. Motivated by a high school scholarship, he attended Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, the Pennsylvania Academy and the Art Students League. He was naturally drawn to teaching and became a popular teacher. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge and humorous stories throughout his over fifty-year career. Stoeffa was adept at landscape painting, marines, portraiture, figure, and still life. He was mindful of the effects of light, as well as values, perspective, and drawing. It is evident in his landscape pieces—strong, traditional, colorful, textured, and atmospheric. Inviting and varied landscapes include sunlit doorways and gates, rolling countryside, stucco missions, busy harbors, boats, majestic houses, gardens, stately trees, and dappled light on a shady street.

Original Pen & Watercolor Painting

ARTIST: George Augusta 

VALUE: $800

DONOR: Helen Ryder

SPECIFICATIONS: 10 X 12 watercolor with a green matt framed in a 16 X 20 frame. Many of his paintings were done on Martha’s Vineyard. This one has two figures in the foreground and the ocean at the horizon.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: George Augusta is an artist born in 1922 and deceased in 2012. The artist’s works have gone up for sale at public auction 14 times, mostly in the Painting category. He was a young signal officer during WWII, and found himself in Tuscany at the end of the war surrounded by Italian masterpieces. After a brief period of study in Florence, he became inspired to make his way in life as a artist. Returning to Boston, he studied portraiture for several years under Ernest Lee Major, one of the founding members of the Boston School, which has its roots in classical painting and French Impressionism. George was a prolific artist. Whenever he wasn’t working on a portrait commission, he was off with his dog and easel to paint plein air style, or working on figures and still life in his studio. He enjoyed a successful 60-year career as a portrait painter and his works hang in homes and institutions across North America. His portrait of Chief Justice Warren Burger is displayed in the gallery of the US Supreme Court, and his official portrait of Rosalyn Carter is in the First Ladies’ portrait gallery of the White House.

Labor Day Weekend Painting

ARTIST: Russell Whitten 

VALUE: $600.00

DONOR: Russell Whitten

SPECIFICATIONS: The piece is a framed oil painting on canvas board that measures 11 x 14” depicting the lifeguard stand on the Ocean Park Beach. It is Titled ‘ Labor Day Weekend’ and the piece was painted in 2013.

About the Artist: ’Painting and drawing are the daily remedies for my abiding urge to create.’ Russel Whitten studied art at Maine College of Art, Heartwood College of Art and the Art Students League of New York. He is represented by The Wright Gallery in Cape Porpoise and a member and showing artist with The Ogunquit Arts Association/Barn Gallery. He is also a plein air artist for our Art in the Park series this summer here in Ocean Park. Russel has been teaching for 20 years at art institutions in Southern Maine including Rivertree Center for the Arts in Kennebunk, Sanctuary Arts in Eliot, Old Orchard Beach Adult Education, Wells Adult Education and The University of New England in Biddeford. His painting experience includes scenic artistry in theater painting at The Ogunquit Playhouse, Good Theater in Portland Maine and Prescott Park, Portsmouth NH.


Mother’s Day Bouquet Lithograph, Pen & Watercolor

ARTIST: Mary Lou Goertzen 

VALUE: $500.00

DONOR: Helen Ryder

SPECIFICATIONS: This is a lithograph pen and watercolor by Mary Lou Goertzen and is titled “Mother’s Day Bouquet.” It contains lilacs, nasturtiums, and a rose. The picture is 11 X 14 in a 16 x 20 frame with a salmon matt (frame and matt not shown).

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Mary Lou Goertzen (1929-2020) born in Kansas, is an American artist, Mennonite, and peace activist. She is well-known for her pen-and-ink drawings highlighted with splashes of watercolor, most often of flowers and plants. From 1980 through 1990, her drawings graced a series of porcelain china she designed for Block China of New York. Mary Lou lived in Deadwood, Oregon.

Custom Pencil Portrait

ARTIST: Alex Sinclair 

VALUE: $350

DONOR: Alex Sinclair

SPECIFICATIONS: Custom pencil portrait of a person, building, or companion animal. Buyer’s choice. Dimensions: 8”x10”, unframed.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Alex Sinclair, artist, activist, and lifelong Ocean Parker, works from life or from photographs. During his nomadic childhood, Ocean Park was his anchor—even working in the Soda Fountain for ten summers. His artistic talent was identified as a young teen when a teacher suggested he attend design school. He received his BA from Roger Williams College and MPA from Westfield State University. A systems thinker, he founded a MicroLoan program in Guatemala for indigenous people. It was a program that would lend an average of 300 USD to borrowers. A massive success, it achieved a 95% repayment rate over seven years- a rate envied by many financial institutions. Alex lives on Cape Cod with his three bright daughters, Alexandra, Guinevere, and Camille. You might see them around town with their mother this week- at the playground or getting candy at the Variety Shoppe.

RAFFLE ITEMS: