Bernard Langlais: New exhibit shows Maine artist who left his mark in a big way

Don Carrigan, News Center Maine, June 19, 2025

Bernard Langlais was born in Maine and made a name for himself in the art world. But many people in his home state don't know it.

There is a good chance, however, that they have seen his work.

The 65-foot-tall Skowhegan Indian, the sculpture of bears inside the Portland Jetport terminal, as well as dozens of other sculptures at public buildings around Maine, were donated after the artist died in 1977.

"He was very prolific," Kiko Abei, one of the curators at the Colby College Museum of Art, said.

The museum is opening a new show of Langlais' work. The exhibit of 21 sculptures, all made from wood, is at the college's new gallery in downtown Waterville.