CASTINE – Belfast had bears, Bucksport had bucks, and Ellsworth had salmon. Now, Castine has boats. The Castine Arts Association has embarked on a new venture by inviting 24 artists to decorate and embellish sailboat half-models to suit their imaginations. The results are bound to be astonishing and range from serenely classic to wild and witty.

The two dozen half-models will be auctioned at a Silent and Live Auction, emceed by Tanner Hunt, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at the Castine Yacht Club. There will be a reception and cash bar, and a donation of $5 is suggested for tickets. Ticket holders will qualify for a door prize of “Doldrums at the Start,” a limited edition serigraph by Brooksfield artist William Garvey, donated by Castine Frameworks.

Funds raised from the event will be used for support of local visual, literary and performing arts. A contribution also will be made to the Castine Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program.

The half-model original was designed and donated to the arts association by Rosebud Boat Company of Penobscot. It was then reproduced in resin castings and artists were provided with a 16-inch x 20-inch backing board.

The Boats of Castine will be displayed in various buildings from July 8 to July 25. Tickets for the auction and cocktail party are available through the Castine Variety store or by calling Vickie Sheridan at 326-9566, or e-mail info@castineframeworks.com.