Hidden gems of Boothbay, Maine: art, gardens & coastal wonders
From recycled sculptures to accessible gardens, Boothbay celebrates creativity rooted in sustainability and community
BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine —
Creativity takes many forms in Boothbay, where one retired physician transforms discarded objects into works of art while a community-built botanical garden welcomes visitors from around the world.
Artist André Benoit spends retirement searching Boothbay’s transfer station for overlooked materials that become sculptures inspired by nature and everyday life. Broken furniture, salvaged wood and weathered objects are reimagined into great blue herons, sunflowers and hundreds of other creations.
“Most people think I am probably a hoarder, but I consider myself a selective collector,” Benoit said. “I am not embarrassed if someone sees me picking through the dumpster because it’s where I get my materials.”
Each sculpture begins with a single object that sparks an idea before other reclaimed pieces complete the work. Benoit calls his collection “roadside jetsam and seaside flotsam,” giving new life to materials with histories of their own.
Just a short drive away, another vision has transformed Boothbay. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has grown into New England’s largest botanical garden, spanning 325 acres after opening in 2007 following 16 years of community planning and fundraising.
“They took out second mortgages to buy this property,” CEO Gretchen Ostherr said of the founders. “It wasn’t a single wealthy philanthropist. We call it the people’s garden.”
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