Petition seeks to pause sale of artist Robert Indiana’s home on Vinalhaven
Community Seeks 90‑Day Pause on Sale of Robert Indiana’s Vinalhaven Home
VINALHAVEN, Maine – More than 700 islanders have asked the Star of Hope Foundation to put a hold on plans to sell the former home of late artist Robert Indiana. The petition, signed by members of the local community and addressed to the foundation’s board, seeks a 90‑day window during which residents can develop a purchase or preservation strategy for the 46 Main Street lodge and the 10 Main Street property.
The request came as the foundation announced its intent to list the buildings for sale earlier this month. In a statement to the press, Foundation spokesperson David Farmer said the organization would consider offers from “a new or existing community organization” but would not change the listings. He added that the sale proceeds would support the foundation’s mission to foster artistic and cultural life on the island.
A Landmark Property with a Complex History
The lodge, once the home of internationally acclaimed sculptor Robert Indiana, has long been a focal point of Vinalhaven’s cultural heritage. Indiana, best known for his “LOVE” sculpture, moved to the island in 1978 and lived there until his death in May 2018 at age 89. His will stipulated that the lodge be restored to museum‑quality and used for public visits, classes, and lectures, preserving his collection and real estate for community benefit.
Since Indiana’s passing, the Star of Hope Foundation—established by the artist in 2016—has maintained the lodge, even using it to exhibit works by local students in 2021. However, the building has sat vacant for almost a decade, and concerns over structural integrity, flood‑zone status, and regulatory hurdles have complicated future use.
The Petition’s Call to Action
“Taking this limited period of time to explore a solution is worth the effort, not only because of the building’s historical significance within the community, but also because of the impact it could have on current and future generations of Vinalhaven residents,” the petition’s language reads. It argues that a private sale before community input would “lose this important opportunity permanently to the community.”
The petition was first reported by the Midcoast Villager and has gathered more than 700 signatures on Change.org. Although the organizers remain unnamed, the document emphasizes the lodge’s potential as a “community center” that would honor Indiana’s original vision for a public arts space.
Foundation’s Position and Legal Context
Farmer highlighted that the foundation had consulted with the Office of the Attorney General and obtained a Maine Superior Court ruling permitting the sale “to private persons or entities for private purposes, or to transfer it to other nonprofit organizations for uses consistent with Indiana’s intent.” The court order also states that any trust created by Indiana’s will has been terminated to allow the foundation to sell or transfer the properties, citing “changed circumstances not anticipated by Robert Indiana.”
“The Star of Hope Foundation does not plan to change the property listings, but it would be glad to consider an offer from a new or existing community organization,” Farmer said. “We know how much these properties mean to Main Street and to the community. As we consider offers for The Lodge, we’ll be keeping Vinalhaven’s economic development priorities and community stakeholders in mind.”
The foundation also pointed to structural challenges, noting that the building’s flood‑zone status and other regulatory issues limit what can be done with the property without significant investment.
A Broader Narrative of Artistic Legacy and Community Investment
Indiana’s legacy has been the subject of legal disputes since his death. A federal court ruled that some artwork attributed to him late in life was fraudulent, and a series of lawsuits over the estate’s handling have taken years to resolve. In 2019, plans to turn the lodge into a museum gained traction, and the foundation worked to stabilize and refurbish the building. Yet the project has stalled, leaving the island’s future for the property uncertain.
The petition argues that Indiana’s will, which directed the lodge’s restoration and public use, should guide its eventual fate. “Robert Indiana envisioned the property as something that would benefit the community, particularly the artisans and youth,” the petition states. “We believe his vision should be considered as the building’s future is determined.”
What Happens Next?
The Star of Hope Foundation has indicated it will continue to consider offers but has not yet set a deadline for the community’s proposal. If the board grants the 90‑day pause, local residents could form a nonprofit or partnership to acquire the property or secure a preservation easement. Conversely, a swift sale could lead to a private buyer who might repurpose or even demolish the lodge, an outcome the petitioners fear.
City officials and cultural advocates on the island are watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how historic properties tied to artistic legacies are handled on Maine’s remote communities.
For now, Vinalhaven residents await the foundation’s next move, hopeful that a middle ground can be found that honors both the artist’s intent and the island’s communal needs.
