Governor Mills Unveils Sculpture at Blaine House

The piece, titled Pinecone Pair with Tassel, celebrates the natural landscape and working history of Maine.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Fine Art

Governor Mills Unveils Sculpture at Blaine House

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Governor Janet Mills and artist Patrick Plourde have debuted a new sculpture on the grounds of the Blaine House in Augusta. The public art piece, titled Pinecone Pair with Tassel, was selected via a statewide process.

Why it matters

The sculpture honors Maine's deep-rooted connection to its natural landscape and celebrates the state's storied working history. It serves as a permanent tribute to the industrious spirit that defines the region.

The sculpture, Pinecone Pair with Tassel, was commissioned through a competitive statewide selection process. It is funded entirely through private donations rather than taxpayer funds.

The players

Janet Mills

Janet Mills serves as the Governor of Maine and oversaw the unveiling of the new artwork.

Patrick Plourde

Patrick Plourde is the artist who created the pinecone sculpture installed at the Blaine House.

The details

The sculpture is constructed from reclaimed hand tools, blending industrial materials with artistic design. It stands permanently on the exterior grounds of the Blaine House as a symbol of local identity.

October 15, 2026: Governor Mills and Patrick Plourde unveiled the sculpture.

Industry Dynamics

The installation aligns with Maine's Percent for Art Act, which integrates cultural contributions into state-owned properties. This project continues the trend of using public commissions to highlight regional craftsmanship.

The sculpture is now permanently installed and available for public viewing outside the Blaine House in Augusta. Residents and visitors can visit the site during standard public grounds access hours.

The takeaway

Public art serves as a lasting narrative of a community's identity and industrial heritage. Incorporating reclaimed materials into monumental art projects provides a unique bridge between historical labor and contemporary aesthetics.