ABOUT

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

How long has this tradition been going on?

2021 was our first ever Stonington Lobster Trap Tree.  

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Where did the idea come from?

There are more than 15 lobster trap trees all over New England including Rockport Maine, Gloucester Mass, and Block Island RI.  Each reflects the unique character of that community and ranges in size and project scope.  Some trees have been created for over 20 years in these communities while other towns are just joining the fun, such as Stonington.  Lisa Konicki, President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, saw the Gloucester Mass. tree in January 2020 and was awe struck by the incredible structure.  It was beautifully decorated entirely with buoys painted by local children.  She knew immediately that the OCCC would undertake a similar initiative in the near future and had hoped to do so in 2020.  Covid put those thoughts on hold that year but we were excited to bring this project to fruition in 2021.

 

What makes this Stonington, Connecticut tree unique?

This is the only Lobster Trap Tree that features the gorgeous works of over 130 professional artists and another 70 amateur artists or children as part of the display.  This is an art installation as well as a collaborative community project that engages families.  In 2021, the BBC News named our tree "one of the 18 most amazing trees in the world."

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How did the artists get involved year 1?

While efforts were made to include as many Stonington artists as possible, committee outreach to gifted artists extended far beyond the town borders. Supporters from across two states have graciously and enthusiastically joined us in this endeavor.   By welcoming many diverse perspectives and talents, we have truly enriched the project while simultaneously fostering Stonington ambassadors across an extensive geographic area.  We welcome them.  We thank them.  And we applaud their originality.  Their collective works will proudly grace the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree and this installation enhances the long-standing, traditional holiday rituals in the borough. 

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How can an Artist Participate?

Professional artists from all over CT and RI are invited to showcase their talent by donating their time to paint a buoy.  The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce buys the buoys and then delivers them to the artists.   Artists have 4 months to paint whatever they want (nothing violent, offensive, political or commercial advertising).  When the artist is done, we get the buoy back, photograph it, get it clear coated with a UV protective high-gloss coating, promote the artists as a thank you on Facebook, add it to the lobstertraptree.com website, hang the buoy on the tree and then it gets auctioned.  The proceeds stay with the project.  Once artists have donated their time making 1 buoy, they have the option of being included on the list of artists who are willing to be commissioned to paint commercial sponsor buoys.  The sponsor buoys cost businesses $225-$325 and of that, artists receive a stipend of $87. Premiere sponsors ($2,000+) permit us to pay up to $300 to the artist.

 

If you are a professional artist from RI or CT and would like to be considered to participate in the 2024 project, please email Lisa Konicki at LKonicki@oceanchamber.org and send your address, phone, website, Etsy shop, Facebook link and Instagram handle to show photos of your work.  While it is not possible to include every artist who would like to support the project, we do our best to expand the invitation list each year.  Particular attention is given to geographic diversity and diversity of styles.  Our artists have included sculptors, glass artists, tattoo artists, professional cake decorators and those who use yarn or fabric to decorate the buoy.

 

Is this a fundraiser?

The lobster trap tree is not a fundraiser.  On paper, the 2023 tree financial profit reads $20,800 HOWEVER the figure must be presented in context because The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce has not deducted ANY of the staff time (Mon – Fri 9-5 year round) that it takes for our 3 staff to do the following:

• Coordinate the artists and sponsorship program by accepting payments, ordering buoys, using excel to track each buoy

• Photograph every buoy

• Update the lobstertraptree.com website with photos and info about every buoy and sponsor, the dates, project info

• Update the buoy auction website at 32Auctions to showcase artist buoys for sale.

• Collect artist bios and photos and promote each with a Facebook post

• Make Facebook posts of every buoy

• 3 trips- Package buoys in totes and drive them to get clear coated & pick up all buoys the next day from clear coating

• String rope through the 460 buoys and then package them up for delivery to tree.

• Load 460 buoys, mahogany door, 6 foot anchor, lights, and 460 traps for transport to the tree

• Hang all 460 buoys on the tree

• Get the tree copyrighted annually which includes collecting copyrights from every single artist on the project

• Answer all media inquiries, send out press releases

• Coordinate the annual puzzle, ornaments, hats and other retail items – design, order, inventory, sell

• Coordinate volunteers for set up of tree, break down, docents, etc.

• Coordinate entertainment for some evenings at the tree

• Coordinate police presence for the tree lighting- attend meetings with police and Board of Police

• Apply for permits from Town and Police

• Meet with sponsors

• Plan tree lighting event including shuttle service.

• Pick up wood chips and spread them on site every time it rains

• Shovel out the snow in the and around tree whenever it snows

• Order all annual supplies- tie wraps, signage, brochures, candy canes, hand warmers, etc.

• Take down the 460 buoys and distribute them accordingly - we deliver the 200+ sponsor buoys.  We package and store the 160 artist buoys for the auction.

• Load 460 traps, mahogany door, 6 foot anchor, lights, and transport to the chamber

• Create 160 certificates of authenticity.

• Issue checks to artists, vendors, etc.

Host the auction event which involves ordering food, loading, transporting and set up tables and chairs, buoys and lazy susans, food warmers, dining products, etc.  MUCH MORE!!!!!

Basically, all of these functions and several more are now part of our full time jobs.  The cost to our organization to pay staff time associated to complete these things would well exceed the $20,800.  The figure also does not reflect storage expenses.  We are presently in the middle of a major building expansion campaign, partially due to the fact that we have to store all of this equipment.

 

In addition, I personally volunteer over 1,000 hours a year to this project doing the following things OUTSIDE the hours of my normal job as Chamber President (evenings and weekends):

• Drive buoys to 160 artists in every corner of RI and CT and then drive again to pick them back up

• Host 2 children’s workshops in October for families to paint free

• Have a presence at the tree every night for 6 weeks from 4:15-9:30pm and on 3 Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4:15 to make sure that art work is respected, there is crowd control and people have someone to take their photos.

These are all essential responsibilities and would cost thousands if I were to retire and The Chamber had to pay someone. 

As the Tree Founder, I remain committed to these functions so that we can maintain the tradition.

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What type of Volunteer Opportunities exist?

We need help throughout the year delivering buoys to artists and picking them up.  Volunteers are needed to take photos of the buoys and craft social media posts promoting the artists and/or buoy sponsors.  We need volunteers to transport traps from Westerly to Stonington and help set-up the tree.  The night of the tree lighting we need parking lot attendants.  When the exhibit opens, we need docents to greet the public, answer questions, take photos and maintain an orderly line when necessary.  When the exhibit is closed we need help taking down the buoys, wrapping them and storing them in totes.  We need help distributing the buoys to their sponsors once the tree comes down. 

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How can I get involved as a volunteer or sponsor?

 

Volunteers CLICK HERE to see openings. 

 

Sponsors contact:

Contact Lisa Konicki via

Email: Lkonicki@oceanchamber.org

Phone: 401-596-7761

 

How do I donate to support the project and is it tax deductible?

Send your check payable to OCCC, 1 Chamber Way, Westerly, RI 02891.

Corporate sponsorships payable to the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce are a marketing investment and are therefore considered an ordinary business expense.  They are not a charitable donation.  However, to make a donation that is 100% tax deductible as a charitable contribution, donate to the Ocean Community Chamber Foundation and your money will be used to support the workshops with local children.  Funds will cover the buoys, paints, brushes, and clear coating.

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Are the painted buoys for sale?

The beautiful buoys painted by professional artists from the 2-state region, and featured in the “Artists Buoys” section of this site are displayed on the tree and then available for auction February 1, 2025 at The Velvet Mill in Stonington Borough. An online bidding site (for the artist buoys) will be set-up . The buoys displayed in the “Sponsors Buoys” section and the “Community Member Buoys” are not for sale. They will also displayed on the tree and then they become the property of those sponsors or community members noted in the images. 

 

How do I get to have a buoy on the tree? 

Beginning February 1st members of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce have the opportunity to sponsor a buoy at a discounted rate.  on April 1st, the general public is invited to call the Chamber's office, starting at 9AM, to reserve a buoy sponsorship.  Buoys sell out very quickly and in 2023 the project was sold-out on April 5th.  Once you sponsor, you may either paint the buoy yourself, have it painted by a friend, or we can get it painted for you by one of our participating artists, at no additional cost to you.  When the tree comes down, you can pick up your buoy and keep it as a reminder of the special Stonington Lobster Trap Tree.

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What is the history of the anchor on the top of the tree?

In 2021, The Stonington COMO built a five foot anchor for the tree topper utilizing the COMO Makerspace's Glowforge laser cutter. The anchor was cut into smaller pieces and connected using dovetail joints and brace plates behind the joints for added stability. They made two of the five foot anchors, which gives the anchor added dimension. The two sides of the anchor were connected with one inch dowels. It was sealed and finished for outdoor use. They used LED light strips to light it up.  This anchor lasted for 2 season but was not built to withstand the harsh winds and winter elements long term.  As a result, Thavenet Machine Co. of Pawcatuck, CT was commissioned in 2023 to build a new anchor out of aluminum.   Their creation which is the same dimension as the original anchor. 

 

An anchor was selected by the Lobster Trap Tree Committee because it is part of the Town of Stonington’s official logo and also part of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce logo. An anchor is also a nautical symbol which is relevant to Stonington's history and often considered a sign of "hope".

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Are dogs allowed at the tree?  

Yes, if they are on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet and always keep a safe distance from the tree itself, other dogs, and from people, as not everyone is comfortable with animals.  Pets should not be making any kind of contact with the buoys or lights of the tree. 

 

Is the tree wheelchair accessible?

Yes, and there is a handicapped parking space near the tree. 

If you are accompanying a person who is in a wheelchair, and there 

is a line to enter the tree, please go to the front of the line where 

one of our volunteers will assist you with priority entry. 

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Why aren’t there food or beverage trucks at the tree?

They would compete with the neighboring businesses we are working hard to support. The tree will remain a stand alone attraction so people move along to the shops and restaurants nearby. We also don’t need more trash to pick up, increased usage of porta jons and a decrease in parking spaces as a result of food trucks.  We are grateful and very respectful of the residents who live near the tree and support the art exhibit and have no intentions of expanding activities.

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Inclement Weather.

The tree is open when it's raining but volunteer tree docents will not be on site to take pictures during inclement weather.  If there is a snow storm, we reserve the right to close off the entrance to the tree as a precaution due to the weight of the snow on the structure.  Any closures would be posted on the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Facebook page.

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Shannon Haeseler -Professional Planning Group, Co-Chair

Frank Ritacco - Ritacco Electric, Co-Chair

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Matt Beaudoin - Mystic Knotwork

Jill Beaudoin - Mystic Knotwork

Ron Bedard - Community Member

Michael Benevides - Benevides & Turano

Chris Boyle - Dime Bank

Jen Brinton - Grey Sail Brewing Company of RI

Tom Curioso - Stonington Public Works Dept.

Maria DiMaggio - Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

Nico DiMaggio - Community Member

Colin Donahue - Printing Plus

Eric Donch - Stonington Harbor Master

Tom Fabian - Community Member

Andrew Field - Noah’s Restaurant

Suzie Flores - Stonington Kelp Co. 

Jay Douglas - Mechanic Street Marina

Marlena Freitas - Community Member

Beth Frenette - Washington Trust Co.

Jeff Frenette - Coldwell Banker Cahoon

Stiles Gilmore - Westerly Auto Body

Paul Giese - Commmunity Member

Ruedi Hauser - 13th Hour Distilling

Jeff Hoadley - Stonington Borough Fire Department

Lisa Konicki -Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

Gina Johnson - Community Member

Grace Lund - Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

Bruce Morrow -Valenti Subaru

Sofee Nobleck - Community Member

Ethan Palmer - Stonington Harbor Deputy Harbor Master

Victor Pinero - Noah’s Restaurant  

Cheryl Purvis - Community Member

Susan Pfeifer-Scala-Artist

Frank Ritacco - Ritacco Electric                                                                                                                    

Barbara Stillman - Indulge Coffee and Sandwiches

Angela Thoman-Miller - Paddy's Beach Club

Joanna Valentini - Professional Planning Group