Katahdin Art Project
trailblazer.
poet.
conservationist.
A collaboration between the Earl Shaffer Foundation, Bart Smith, and Image Pathways. Framed photograph of Mount Katahdin, with a copy of Earl's famous Katahdin poem. Signed by both Earl Shaffer and Bart Smith; limited copies available.
About the Katahdin Art Project
The Katahdin Art Project is a collaboration between Image Pathways and the Earl Shaffer Foundation. It combines Earl Shaffer's poetry and Bart Smith's photography to create a moving and lasting tribute to Mt. Katahdin. All proceeds minus costs of $150 per piece will be donated to the Earl Shaffer Foundation and the Appalachian Trail Museum with Plan A. Plan B gives you the opportunity to included a donation to the Trail Club of your choice.
All 5000 units will have Earls signature engraved under the poem. The 1,200 units that have Earl's personally hand written signature will be priced at $400. The remaining 3,800 units will be priced at $250 per unit.
Bart has personally signed and numbered all 5000 units of the Katahdin Art Project.
What is the Katahdin Art Project?
The Katahdin Art Project combines Appalachian Trail pioneer Earl Shaffer's poetry and Bart Smith's (the first person to hike and photograph all 11 of America’s National Scenic Trails) photography to create a moving and lasting tribute to the northern terminus of the Appalachian trail, Mt. Katahdin. All net proceeds are donated to the Earl Shaffer Foundation, the Appalachian Trail Museum, and if you choose, your local trail club.
The poem "Katahdin" came to Earl upon waking from a dream in the wee hours of the morning the day of his final ascent up the mountain. He wrote it down while still in his sleeping bag using light from his head lamp.
Bart’s actual photograph of Mt. Katahdin used in the art project was captured from the Appalachian Trail along Abol Bridge in the same year Earl’s poem was written. During the day prior to the photograph, a passing storm yielded thunder, lightening, and rainbows. That night the year's first snow then fell upon Mt. Katahdin. In the crisp air of early dawn, the mountain shone sparkling clear with wisps of clouds. Bart Smith aimed his lens upward and captured the moment forever… for all of us to see.
The art project includes both Earl and Bart's signatures. The 1¼ x 3 inch card is placed under the top mat in the lower right hand corner of each art piece. Earl was only able to sign 1200 of the cards and the last from his hospital bed before he became too weak to write. His physical strength declining, Earl left us on May 5th 2002.
Your purchase of The Katahdin Art Project preserves and carries on forever Earl Shaffer’s spirit and legacy, a man who gave so much to the Appalachian Trail.
The art project includes both Earl and Bart's signatures. The 1¼ x 3 inch card is placed under the top mat in the lower right hand corner of each art piece. Earl was only able to sign 1200 of the cards and the last from his hospital bed before he became too weak to write. His physical strength declining, Earl left us on May 5th 2002. Your purchase of The Katahdin Art Project preserves and carries on forever Earl Shaffer’s spirit and legacy, a man who gave so much to the Appalachian Trail.
All of the art pieces display Bart’s magnificent photograph and Earl’s signature engraved under his poem. A limited number of the Signed Edition are available that have both Earl and Bart’s personally hand written signatures displayed on a card and are priced at $400. This amount includes a tax deductible donation for you of $250.
Also available is the Memorial Edition which substitutes an engraved card with “In memory of Earl Shaffer” and Bart Smith’s signature. This edition is priced at $250 and a tax deduction for you of $100 is included.
The benchmark book about the trail was written by Earl Shaffer and includes his poetry. All of the timeless photos in this must have book were taken by renowned trail photographer Bart Smith. Titled The Appalachian Trail Calling Me Back to the Hills, Shaffer and Smith collaborated in the creation of what some say is the best overall book ever produced covering the entire trail. A masterpiece unto itself this coffee table sized work makes a perfect companion piece to the Katahdin Art Project.
We believe you will appreciate the scope of these endeavors as a lasting tribute to the mountain, the trail, and to Earl Shaffer. If you are excited about the artistry of the Katahdin Art Project, as well as the concept of win, win, win fundraising please tell a friend so the word can spread. Here is that one of a kind gift, timeless and stunningly beautiful. Most of the purchase price is a charitable contribution but best of all, your purchase will help carry on the spirit of Earl Shaffer's legacy, a man who gave so much to the Appalachian Trail and to Nature. Join in and be a part of the legacy!