SUMMARY: The Langlais Area & Skowhegan Art Trail is a tribute to world-renowned sculptor Bernard Langlais who was a Maine native and chose to make his home in Cushing, ME.
MORE INFORMATION: History: The Skowhegan Indian is a piece of sculpture commissioned by the Skowhegan Tourist Hospitality Association in 1966 to commemorate Maine's 150th Anniversary. They chose woodworking artist Bernard Langlais (1921-1977). It is the "world's tallest Indian" at 62 feet high. It celebrates the important part Native Americans played in the peaceful use of the land. The sculptor decided to create a sculpture resembling a traditional Abenaki fisherman rather than the design he had been given. It underwent a major restoration in 2014.
Skowhegan Art Trail: While the most famous sculpture on the Skowhegan Art Trail is the Skowhegan Indian, an additional 21 pieces were added to the trail in 2013. Most of the art is within walking distance of each other, but some are in the Skowhegan Community Center and History House require driving. A brochure can help you find them all. The largest number of pieces in one place is at the Skowhegan Free Public Library on Elm Street.
Parking: The Skowhegan Indian is located next to a municipal parking lot, so it may be the place to park and start the trail. The Skowhegan Free Public Library also has free parking.
Langlais Art Trail: The Langlais Art Trail crisscrosses the state of Maine. This trail pays tribute to Maine's native son. Bernard Langlais. Get a copy of the map to help plan your visit. Langlais was a prolific artist and his works can be found at art institutions, colleges, and libraries, from the Rice Public Library in Kittery to Tides Institute and Art Museum in Eastport on the New Brunswick border. There are literally thousands of pieces you can view in the state of Maine.
