Wood, Wildlife & Whimsy: The Art of Canoe Maker Jerry Stelmok – A Retrospective

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Opening reception for "Wood, Wildlife & Whimsy: The Art of Canoe Maker Jerry Stelmok - A Retrospective" at the Monson Arts Gallery

Monson, Maine - The Monson Arts Gallery is delighted to announce the opening reception for "Wood, Wildlife & Whimsy: The Art of Canoe Maker Jerry Stelmok - A Retrospective" on Friday, November 6th, 5 - 7 pm. Join us as we honor the remarkable career of Jerry Stelmok, celebrated canoe maker, author, illustrator, and painter.

Stelmok has been hand-crafting canoes since 1975 at his Island Falls Canoe shop in Atkinson, Maine. Over the past five decades, he and his dedicated team have built and restored more than 1,000 wooden canoes, preserving a cherished tradition of craftsmanship. Since 2008, Jerry and fellow canoe maker Rollin Thurlow have been the sole producers of traditional, handmade wood-canvas canoes for the legendary Old Town Canoe Company.

In addition to his time in the canoe shop, Jerry is the author and illustrator of eight published books and an avid painter, whose work reflects a love of nature and playful whimsy. This retrospective exhibit brings together a selection of canoes, illustrations, and paintings spanning his storied career.

The Monson Arts Gallery invites you to the opening reception to celebrate Jerry's lifetime of creative work here in the North Woods!

Event Details:

Reception for "Wood, Wildlife & Whimsy: The Art of Canoe Maker Jerry Stelmok - A Retrospective"

Date: Friday, November 6

Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: Monson Arts Gallery, 8 Greenville Rd, Monson, Maine

The exhibition will be on display from November 6th, 2026, through March 29th, 2027

For more information and our gallery hours, please visit: https://monsonarts.org/gallery/

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the artistry and tradition of canoe-making in Maine.