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![Artscape Nordland](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2500 1406" />)
Artscape Nordland© Øystein Lunde IngvaldsenAttractions
The sculpture Man from the Sea is undoubtedly the most popular figure in the entire municipality, but Bø has much more to offer in terms of attractions. Bø Museum and the Outdoor Gallery are located just next door to the sculpture. Bø also has two other outdoor sculptures: "Gullbergslottet" and "Ræk III".
The man from the sea
He is probably the most popular figure in the whole municipality. The man from the sea is a 430 cm high sculpture made of cast iron. In his hands he holds a crystal. The artist, Kjell Erik Killi Olsen describes the sculpture as a man who has left the sea and now stands on firm ground. The crystal is an offering to his former abode. An opening in his back provides a safe haven for his family, symbolized by a gold-colored woman.
The figure stands as a lighthouse that hails to the sea. Emphasized by his placement outermost on the headland, as a thank you for to the riches that people since time immemorial have taken from there. His almost ritual pose can also be interpreted as a silent tribute to all those people lost at sea. The nearness to habitation, with the fields, the forest and the mountains behind him, places him into a greater context as well.
The man from the sea is a part of Artscape Nordland, situated at Vinjesjøen in the southernmost part of Bø. His pronounced silhouette on that weather-beaten knoll is conspicuous even from far away. Turn off from the main road near the shopping center, a side road well marked by signs, and drive the few hundred meters to the parking lot near Bø Museum. From there a short, dry, easy path will take you to the sculpture.
Friluftsgalleriet
Read more about Friluftsgalleriet here.
Bø Museum
Bø Museum is located in stunning natural surroundings at Vinjesjøen, nearby the "Man from the Sea" sculpture and Friluftsgalleriet (Outdoor Gallery).
Visit the Parkvoll estate (formerly the district bailiff’s residence) which now features the Regine Normann exhibit, the fairytale forest, rorbu cabin, boathouse and elf mountain. On the grounds, you will find the museum shop, which has books and crafts for sale and where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. New exhibits every summer.
The museum’s theme is fairy tales, legends and oral storytelling. Slip into the fairytale forest or visit the elf mountain. Become acquainted with Regine Normann, “Nordland’s woman author”. Bø Museum also has a summer café and a sales outlet for handicrafts.
RÆK III
RÆK III is an outdoor art installation at Hovden in Bø i Vesterålen. It consists of nine-metre long driftwood logs and a two-metre tall basalt monolith from Iceland. Artist Harald Oredam and his handy helpers created the RÆK III art installation.
The RÆK projects were realized as a part of the Gulf Stream Cultural Boost, which began at Andenes, in Andøy municipality, in 2001 with the RÆK I project. The art school in Andøya completed the project together with artists Bent Aune and Ingrid Larssen. The project was expanded in 2002, and RÆK III saw the light of day at Stø in Øksnes municipality. Myre Primary school, Husjord School, Romset School and Øksnes Coastal Association, together with artist Ingrid Larssen, created the sculpture that consists of three large logs. The boulder behind it was given an eye – so that it looks like a whale or wolffish.
Other art attractions
Another outdoor sculpture in Bø is «The Gullberg Castle». There are also two galleries, a photo gallery featuring the photographic art of Øystein Lunde Ingvaldsen and «Galleri Hildreland» which has fixed-duration exhibitions. For more information about art in Bø and Vesterålen, you can visit the separate web site: kunstivesteralen.no
