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Art and Alpacas Written by Laura Osgood As long as I can remember I have always had two passions in my life. When I was little I loved animals. I’d take care of the family pets and whatever strays happened my way. I also discovered at an early age that I had a natural flare for the visual arts. Through many twists of fate and leaps of faith I now find myself living a life that gives new meaning to the word serendipity. I am a certified K-12 Visual Arts teacher. I taught high school art for the past 5 years, driving a considerable distance from home each day. My husband Scott has been a State of Maine Game Warden for the past 11 years as well as an active member of the 101st Air National Guard. We have two wonderful children, Ridge (9) and Cassidy (7). After Sept. 11th our relatively quiet lives in Down East Maine became more hectic than we had planned. In the past 4 years Scott has spent more time on active military duty than he has with his "regular" warden job. With the added responsibilities due to Scott being away I found myself returning home each day exhausted. I had nothing left to give to my family and no time to practice my own artwork. I knew a change needed to be made, but what? I’m not sure exactly how alpaca farming came into play, maybe a TV ad, maybe an article or a combo of both, but the more I discovered what the life style could offer, the more exciting it became. Could this be THE thing that could pull my two passions together? Being able to be close to my family, care for animals and still have time to explore my own artistic endeavors?? "HMMMMM," I wonder! After about a year of in depth research (even involving my students at school!) We sat down as a family and decided that we’d take the Leap of faith and do it! We called a family meeting to explain to the kids what exactly this endeavor would entail. We elected farm "officers." I was voted President, Treasurer and Secretary. Scott, vice president and since we were electing "officers" Ridge decided we needed a "Barn General". Cassidy of course nominated herself to be "Barn Princess!" 2004 was filled with great excitement and hard work in setting up the farm. We have a great sense of self-accomplishment since we did ALL the work ourselves. From moving an already existing barn, to renting a post hole digger and drilling every single hole. We cut the cedar fence posts on our own land and set up the fencing. We prepared the pastures and loaded the hayloft. You name it, we did it! Then the animals arrived. We’ve been having a great time. 
This year we have many things to look forward to and goals to meet. We’re expecting our
first crias to be born on the farm in early fall. We have purchased our first breeding
male and Scott has finally been able to purchase the tractor of his dreams! I have purchased
my very first spinning wheel and will be taking lessons soon. I am also continually working
on our marketing program, creating our logo and a sign among other things.I am still working outside of the house, but I have taken a position much closer to home and have found some spare time to do some freelance artwork. Within a year or so I plan on working full time on the farm as well as working on my artwork (including fiber arts) in the new farm store/studio that is currently under construction. Scott is again on active duty, but fortunately he is States side. It’s still hectic around here but it’s more of a "controlled chaos!" I feel very fortunate to have found such an opportunity as raising alpacas. To be able to combine my two life long passions while at the same time being able to spend quality time with my family is a dream come true. |
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