VINALHAVEN, Maine — A group of Vinalhaven residents is asking for 90 days to see if the community can come up with a feasible plan to preserve the former home of Robert Indiana for use by the community.
Before listing the properties, the lawyer for the Star of Hope Foundation had discussions with the Maine Office of the Attorney General. Out of an abundance of caution, attorney David Famer said the Foundation sought a judgment from Maine Superior Court before listing the properties.
A state judge issued a consent judgement last month to allow the Star of Hope Foundation to sell the properties formerly owned by Indiana.
“Because of changed circumstances not anticipated by Robert Indiana, any trust created by Robert Indiana’s will as to all real and personal property bequeathed to the Star of Hope is terminated to allow Star of Hope, Inc. to sell or transfer any of its personal or real properties, including, but not limited to, Star of Hope at 46 Main Street, Vinalhaven, Maine, land and buildings at 10 Main Street, Vinalhaven, Maine, and land and buildings at 3 Clamshell Alley, Vinalhaven, Maine, which it received from the Estate of Robert Indiana, to private persons (or entities) for fair market value for private purposes, or to transfer it to other non-profit organizations for uses consistent with Indiana’s intent as reflected in the Star of Hope’s Restated Articles of Incorporation,” the consent judgment signed Aug. 11 by Justice Daniel Mitchell in Kennebec Superior Court.
Indiana died in May 2018 at the age of 89.
His will — signed by Indiana in May 2016 — left nearly his entire estate to support a not-for-profit organization that will be created to turn his home and studio, Star of Hope, into a museum.
“It is my intent that my Star of Hope real estate be restored to museum quality for use as an art environment open to the public for visits, classes and lectures and for the continued preservation of my collection and real estate,” the will states.
The most recent income tax form submitted by the Foundation lists the current assets of the Foundation, as of Dec. 31, 2024, at $51 million.
A petition was started Sept. 4 by residents asking the Star of Hope Foundation to allow a 90-day window for the community to explore whether a viable plan can be developed. In less than 24 hours, the petition has received more than 500 signatures, which she said speaks to how strongly people feel about the future of this building. As of Sept. 8, the petition has received 707 signatures.
“We are still very early in the process. There are significant questions to answer regarding the condition of the building, funding, ownership, historic preservation, long-term operations, and what uses the community itself would ultimately support. We aren’t claiming to have those answers yet. What we’re asking for is the opportunity and time to find out whether there is a realistic path forward,” she said.
The group has already begun conversations with people involved in community development and historic preservation, as well as organizations that operate successful community spaces elsewhere in the Midcoast, she said.
The petition states “The history of The Lodge is important not only for its historical significance, but because of the purpose for which it was originally intended. Robert Indiana envisioned the property as something that would benefit the community, particularly the artisans and youth. We believe his vision should be considered as the building’s future is determined.
Rather than allowing this important piece of our town’s history to become another privately owned property, likely remaining empty and unused for the majority of the year, we believe there could be an opportunity to give the building a renewed purpose that encompasses the vision of Mr. Indiana’s original intent.
A community center would provide a lasting resource for the residents of Vinalhaven. The space could serve as a gathering place for community members young and old, offering opportunities for events, education, meetings, activities, celebrations, and more. We are not asking the Foundation to assume this responsibility. We are simply asking for the gift of time to see if the community can make this happen.”
Farmer said The Star of Hope Foundation exists to support artists and cultural initiatives throughout the State of Maine and on the island of Vinalhaven. With that in mind, the Foundation decided to sell its real estate holdings on Vinalhaven. They’ve been on the market for 10 or so days now and 10 Main St. is under agreement.
“Selling these properties lets the Foundation turn them into resources we can put directly to work supporting artists and cultural life. Proceeds from the sale of the real estate will be earmarked for fulfilling our mission specifically on Vinalhaven, including through direct support of existing mission-aligned efforts.
Additionally, the Foundation has already earmarked $200,000 in 2026 to support Vinalhaven programming doing work in this space.
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.
This isn’t a step away from Vinalhaven — it’s a shift from holding real estate to putting those resources directly to work for artists and cultural life on the island and across Maine,” Farmer stated on behalf of the Foundation.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.