Ogunquit, ME – For nearly two centuries, artists have been drawn to Maine, especially in the summer. A few special artists established artist colonies in the Pine Tree State, one of which is Ogunquit. Translated to “beautiful place by the sea,” when you roam around this aesthetic beach town, not only can you see how Ogunquit has been heavily influenced by art, but you can feel it. Art is held in high regard in the town partially thanks to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA), which opened in 1953.

Partners Bank has proudly sponsored OMAA for several years, aligning with the Museum’s values of art to foster questioning and contemplation, commit to sustainability, preserve landscape and artwork, and promote learning and reflection for visitors.

Our support is also shown through our work and volunteerism at OMAA. Karyn Morin, Senior Vice President & Chief Deposit Officer of Partners Bank, is the Treasurer of OMAA’s Board of Trustees. For years, Morin has managed the finances and has been responsible for the financial health of OMAA. Naturally, she was also on the auction committee of the 2024 Art by the Sea Auction & Gala: A Sea of Color, which was held at Cliff House Maine on Thursday, August 22nd.

Morin wasn’t the only Partners Bank employee present at the auction. Other volunteers were Alyson Krisanda, Teller; Rachel Perez, Benefits Coordinator/HR Generalist; Chantal Upton, Market Manager of the Wells location; and Eric Walker, Market Manager of the York location, who all showed up in their colorful evening best to help guests check in and check out and organize and pack up the delicate art at the end of the night.

“I had so many people come up to me during the event to tell me how amazing the Partners Bank volunteers were, and how they made such a big difference in the overall operation of the auction,” Morin raved about the Partners Bank team of volunteers. “Everyone kept smiling and helped us to provide a great experience for the guests.”

With savory drinks and delectable hors d’oeuvres in hand, guests bid in the live and silent auctions throughout the night. Auction items included artwork donated by artists such as Lee Krasner and Henry Kallem, a Palm Springs vacation and plane tickets, and a sunset sail cruise. At the end of the night, the 2024 Art by the Sea Auction & Gala: A Sea of Color raised $375,000, which is well above what was raised last year. It was a special night to remember for everyone in attendance.

To learn more about OMAA and to help keep art alive in Ogunquit, visit their website at ogunquitmuseum.org.

About Partners Bank:

Partners Bank was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Sanford, Maine, with additional Maine branch locations in Springvale, South Sanford, Limerick, Buxton, Waterboro, Wells and York, as well as New Hampshire branch locations in Portsmouth, Rye, and Kingston. Partners Bank is a mutual savings bank that operates solely for the benefit of its deposit and loan customers and is focused on giving back to the communities where it serves. Deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Partners Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Housing Lender. For more information, please visit their eBranch at partners.bank, Facebook page at Facebook.com/PartnersBankOnline or call 1-888-226-5747.