KIGEL
Jean Kigel, “The Harvest.”

Jean Kigel Studio + Gallery in Waldoboro celebrates the fall harvest season this October with “The Harvest,” a painting of wooden ladders set against apple trees.

The old-fashioned ladders represent the precariousness of farming in an era when more migrants than locals harvest Maine’s apples. A dark path leads ominously out of the orchard.

Kigel connects the painting to the challenges facing apple farmers as fewer local residents seek picking jobs. H-2A visas have helped farmers hold on to their farms by allowing them to bring in pickers, mostly from Jamaica. In the artist’s account, the current administration’s ICE activity threatens fall harvests by making even documented immigrants fear deportation.

On a smaller scale, Maine offers numerous pick-your-own orchards with varieties such as Granny Smith, Fuji and Red Delicious. A free-spirited local can also take advantage of the bounty of a blighted wild apple tree.

Summer has ended, but the gallery remains open daily during business hours.

Jean Kigel Studio + Gallery is at 1396 Back Cove Road, Waldoboro. Calling ahead at 207-832-5152 is recommended. For more information, visit www.jeankigel.com.