VINALHAVEN — Reclusive artist Robert Indiana was expected to make an appearance outside his island residence in Maine to take part in a celebration of his art around the world on his 86th birthday, but he did not come out of his home Saturday, disappointing dozens of fans.

The event was called International HOPE Day and took place in cities across the world Saturday.

Indiana was expected to make a public appearance outside his studio on Vinalhaven Island, where dozens of fans had hoped to get his autograph on commemorative prints that they purchased from event organizers.

Kathleen Rogers, Indiana’s publicist, said he is in poor health and isn’t used to being around large groups of people.
“We’d envisioned a much smaller event” when Indiana initially agreed to appear, she said. “I think he was just overwhelmed with all the people.”

The artist is best known for his “LOVE” image, in which the L and a leaning O sit atop the V and the E. His ‘HOPE’ image is similar in theme.

Indiana once stood up President Obama at the White House and another time he made a crew from NBC’s “Today” show wait three days on the island before he would let them interview him.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.