PEAKS ISLAND, Maine
- Umbrellas were once known only for their remarkable protection against
stormy weather. However, with the opening of the Umbrella Cover Museum
on Peaks Island, they are now able to take their rightful place in the
world of art.
More than 275 umbrella
sheathes from around the world are now on display at the Umbrella Cover
Museum, curated by Nancy Hoffman. The collection includes an exhibit of
artist-designed covers as well as umbrella sleeves from 17 countries,
which range in size from a minute three inches to a grandiose six feet.
Hoffman originally opened
the museum in her home five years ago, with an early display of 40
umbrella covers decorating the walls of her kitchen. Since then her
collection has seen a hurricane of expansion, prompting the relocation
of the Umbrella Cover Museum to its new home on Island Avenue.
The plentiful parapluie
sleeves are grouped into exhibits, including "People and Their Covers"
and "New Umbrella Cover Fashions." Many of the umbrella covers contain
written accounts of their histories and past travels. The colorful
collection features a sheath that was found in the Sahara Desert - who
would need an umbrella there?
The Umbrella Cover Museum
on Island Avenue is open during summer weekends after Memorial Day. It
is located just down the street from the Inn on Peaks Island and the
Peaks Island Inn. Admission is $2 per person, and guided tours by Nancy
Hoffman are available. For more information, call (207) 766-4496 or
e-mail the museum at UCM1@aol.com.
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Other links to Peaks Island stuff include:
www.peaksisland.com
www.coastguides.com
www.peaksislandcalendar.com
