Anne Brown

It was such an amazing experience practicing my portrait photography skills with artist, Eric Hopkins at his North Haven home and studio while taking a Maine Media Workshop with the talented editorial photographer, Matt Cosby.

Matt was so patient and generous sharing his experience and knowledge with our small group of "eager" (as Matt described us) aspiring woman photographers.

Eric is fun and quirky and super down-to-earth, like his artwork. It was a dream to spend the day with him and experience his enchanting island world. 

Last fall, I volunteered to help the owner of Breakneck Hill Farm host a large group of urban teens for a mini 'permablitz' -  many people coming together to learn and work on projects that turn underutilized land into edible landscapes.

It was a hugely rewarding experience for all involved. For the farm owner, it was much more than the free help of many hands to enhance his property, but a way for him to share his love of the land and knowledge of permaculture practices with impressionable young minds.

For the young adults, it was an eye-opening experience to be out of the city and in the countryside, learning where their food comes from and feeling the satisfaction that comes from working hard, along side others, to build something productive and lasting.

For me, it was deeply rewarding to be around these fun, interesting and engaged young people and see the connections being made. It made me hopeful to think this experience may help them expand their ideas of what's possible and empower them to be the change needed in our world today.

This experience also convinced me that I wanted to learn more about permaculture design. I'm currently enrolled in a permaculture design certificate program and am super excited for all that I'm learning. I look forward to applying these skills to create a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle and sharing what I learn with others.

Stay tuned as I plan to share more experiences as I pursue this venture!

Early on in my career, I worked for a corporate production company doing graphic design and video production. When given the choice to specialize exclusively in video production, I chose a different path. It’s one of the rare decisions in life I regret.

Itching to explore video storytelling again, I joined my local community TV station and signed up for a personal documentary class. For my subject, I selected Wintrhop’s hometown hero, Richard Honan. Richard is Winthrop’s renaissance man and is well-known throughout the town, and regionally, for his many talents; photography, artist, sign-maker, supporter of veterans, award-winning boatbuilder, community leader, mentor and devoted family man.

It was such a joy to collaborate with. He continues to be a daily inspiration to me and so many others.

I care deeply about our planet and pray humanity will soon live again in harmony with it. In September 2014, I hopped off the bus from Boston to New York to participate in the Peoples' Climate March, the largest climate march in history attended by 311,000 deeply concerned citizens from all walks of life.  It was extremely moving for me to be surrounded by others who care as deeply as I do. It restored my faith but much more work needs to be done.

During a visit to North Haven, the ferry worker suggested to our photo group that we visit Brown's Boatyard, located next to the ferry dock. Upon entering the big old wharf building, we were greeted by a friendly senior black lab as we sought out the owners to inquire if we could wander about and take some photos. 

Having come from a sailing family and being surrounded by boats throughout my youth, I felt instantly at home surrounded by the wood shavings and old nautical paraphernalia.  

We found current owner, Foy Brown (the fourth generation to run the business), who reluctantly agreed to sit for us and have his portrait taken. He let us know we certainly were not the first to ask. He told us a bit about the business as various grandkids wandered in and out.

As we were leaving on the ferry at the end of the day, the sun had come out and I saw various men sitting in the old random seating by the open wharf door. I suspect they were gossiping about the happenings on the small island as had been done for generations before them and will likely be done for generations to come.

Learn more about the history of Brown's Boatyard.

For over 30 years, I've spent a good part of my summers in Wellfleet on the outer edge of Cape Cod. Year rounders, summer residents and vacationers kick-off the summer season by participating in, or cheering along on the sidelines of, the annual Wellfleet 4th of July parade. Together, we celebrate our freedom and independence and the promise of long sunny days, endless sandy beaches and the rejuvenating salty sea. 

I finally made my first visit to Monhegan Island. My beau, his pup and I were in high anticipation on the ferry ride over from Port Clyde for a day of exploring. As was promised, I was enchanted from the moment I glimpsed the raw beauty of Manana Island that sheltered the approaching harbor.

I have seen endless images of Monhegan in paintings and photos but nothing could beat the immediacy of finally being there in person. My partner quickly grabbed a map as we walked up the hill from the harbor and selected a hiking trail for us to follow. I nodded in agreement but was really in my own world taking it all in visually and snapping photos. We quickly lost each other as happens often in situations like these. I felt guilty but was happy to be on my own, exploring at my own pace without feeling the need to keep up.

I followed a narrow path past quaint artist studios and met a friendly meandering kitty with the unlikely name "Murderface" on  his name tag. Further down the path, I startled a resting laborer taking a lunchtime nap in his work truck down by Jamie Wyeth's house overlooking the coastline before finding my way back to my party at the beach.

We agreed to veer apart again back on the hiking trail. While they continued towards the coastal overlook, I headed towards the lighthouse museum on the hill and then down back into "town" to check out the art galleries. It's a small island so we hooked back up again soon enough and wrapped up our too short visit with an ice cream and a pint at the popular island brewery where we sat with a chatty summer resident who filled us in on all the island gossip. 

We reluctantly headed back towards the harbor. As the ferry pulled away, many kids were preparing to jump off the pier as a farewell to their departing guests. Flowers were thrown in after them and tradition says if the flowers float back towards the island, the friends and loved ones leaving on the ferry would return soon. I look forward to my return, perhaps on my own next time and in the off-season to fully take in more of this special place.

Surrounded by the ocean; dotted with yacht clubs; a stones throw from Boston; airplanes noisily flying low overhead - Winthrop is a part of me and I am a part of it. For those like me who grew up there, the place will never leave me no matter how far I might stray.

Founded in 1636 by Puritans, Winthrop is the oldest, smallest and most densely populated municipality in Massachusetts, although it still insists on calling itself a town. At its founding, it consisted mostly of small farms but eventually became a summer resort and residence for Boston businessmen. During my time growing up there in the 60s and 70s, it consisted mostly of young families of Irish and Italian decent. The close-knit community is known for being hardworking, no-nonsense and down-to-earth, perhaps centered by the natural beauty of the ocean that encompasses it.

I visit less frequently these days after the recent sale of my parent's home. My brother still lives there and will likely never leave, like many from there. Newcomers consist of new immigrants from afar as well as those who had the good sense to discover it after being pushed out of more popular Boston suburbs.

Luckily, when I get the urge, I can easily take a short drive through the Callahan Tunnel or over the Tobin Bridge and be back there for a walk around Deer Island or to catch up and reminisce about the old times with good friends. Winthrop will always be there to help me remember who I am and where I came from.

While exploring the towns inland from the Maine mid-coast, I passed Searsmont Auto Parts and felt compelled to stop in when I spied the old cars parked in the back field.

I entered the shop and met Gabby who said I was welcome to walk around and take some photos. She told me her husband was a huge Studebaker guy which explained the rusty collection out back. She pointed to the old Cadillac ambulance surrounded by weeds and said that was her husband's car in high school. I imagine he must have been very popular with the ladies with that as his ride.