Attorney Rick Shinay, a member of Drummond Woodsum’s Real Estate Practice Group, recently represented the Scarborough Land Trust in negotiations with the Portland Museum of Art regarding the Land Trust’s acquisition of a Conservation Easement on property surrounding the studio of famed American artist Winslow Homer located on Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine. The Museum of Art purchased the property on August 29 to protect the historic view shed from the studio and donated the Conservation Easement to the Land Trust which will be responsible for enforcing its terms and conditions. The acquisition of the property by the Museum of Art and the preservation of the property under the Conservation Easement ensures that the dramatic views of the ocean from Winslow Homer’s studio that inspired many of his masterpieces and transformed marine painting in American art will remain unchanged.
The Winslow Homer studio is one of the most significant locations in the history of American art and is where Winslow Homer lived and painted many of his masterpieces from 1883 until his death in 1910. The Museum of Art purchased the studio, a National Historic Landmark, in 2006 and embarked on a major restoration project. The studio is open for public tours through the Museum of Art, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to walk in Winslow Homer’s footsteps and to see the iconic views of the coast of Maine that influenced his artistic vision.
The Scarborough Land Trust, founded in 1977, conserves land for public benefit, and has protected more than 1,200 acres to date in Scarborough, Maine. Its mission includes the conservation of natural resources that have scenic vistas and historical significance. By holding the Conservation Easement on the property surrounding the Winslow Homer studio, the Land Trust ensures that the property and the views from the Homer studio will be permanently protected.
Drummond Woodsum Attorney Rick Shinay Represents Scarborough Land Trust in Winslow Homer Studio Conservation Easement
September 2014
