Things to Do in Mid-coast Maine
Whimsical Works
Whimsical works by Andre Benoit and humorist Tim Sample are featured in Maine Art Gallery show!
Whimsy: Flights of Fancy, the upcoming show at the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset, will surely lighten your day. With an invitation to let their imaginations soar, the exhibiting artists liberated themselves from traditional notions of representation in order to take a journey into the world of emotion, memories, and dreams. Mixed media by Andre Benoit and paintings by Sarah Fisher, Carolyn Gabbe, Stephanie Pruzansky, and Sally Stanton are among the nearly 50 Maine artists, juried in by artist Matthew Barter, who will take you to this place of innocence and wonder and joy. The work of well-known humorist Tim Sample appears by invitation.
The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, May 10, 4:30-6:30 pm. Music will be provided by singer/guitarist Katie Daggett. Gallery Hours for this exhibit are Thursday - Sunday, 11-4.
location: Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren St., Wiscasset, ME. 04578
image: Secret Garden by Stephanie Pruzansky
River Arts' Members Show
River Arts is launching the summer season with a much-anticipated “Members’ Show,” featuring an impressive lineup of 134 Maine artists. A vibrant and dynamic collection of original artwork fills the gallery in this striking salon-style exhibition.
The show includes a rich variety of media—painting, sculpture, ceramics, pastel, original printmaking, wood, glass, fiber, and photography—offering something for every art enthusiast.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: riverartsme.org or (207) 563-6868.
image: Hazy Morning by Leigh Lowe
Ruth Monsell Exhibit
River Arts is pleased to announce Ruth Monsell’s upcoming solo show, “Celebrating 25 Years in Maine: Works in Oil and Cut Paper,” in the River Room at River Arts. Meet the artist at an opening reception on Saturday, June 7, 2-4pm.
Monsell says, “I have been an artist since I could hold a crayon . . .The human face and figure have always been my most compelling and challenging subjects. Thus most of my landscapes wind up peopled. My life in stunning Maine since 2000 has given me much inspiration.
“As a lover of history, it’s also been rewarding to help keep alive the art of the silhouette, and I have worked at so many museums and historic sites . . . Just recently I had two engagements at Bowdoin College for the 100th anniversary of the Hawthorne-Longfellow Library . . . There are few silhouettists left. Fortunately, I’ve passed on the art form to my artist son.”
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 4pm. FMI: call (207)563-6868 or www.riverartsme.org .
image: Late Afternoon Castles by Ruth Monsell
Fiore at 100: Maine Observed
Joseph Fiore (1925-2008) was a widely respected artist and active member of the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset during the 1960s and ‘70s. In celebration of the hundredth year of his birth, the MAG is partnering with Maine Farmland Trust on this exclusive and overdue major retrospective. An opening reception for the public will be held on June 21 and will be enhanced by several related events. A catalogue with an appreciation by art writer Suzette McAvoy will accompany the show.
For more details, visit www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org
location: Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren St., Wiscasset, Maine 04578
image: Bald Rock by Joseph Fiore
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Gallery 87 Opening & French Antique Pop-Up
Gallery 87, the studio gallery of Wiscasset artist, Ammi Bai Chung, announces its Summer Opening Exhibition coinciding with the Summer Solstice. This annual celebration marks the start of the season and unveils the artist’s latest body of work.
This year’s event includes a French antique pop-up by François McCoy of Marston House, a beloved Wiscasset shop that recently closed its doors. The pop-up will add an elegant, vintage flair to the evening—pairing beautifully with the contemporary artworks on display.
Gallery 87 is open to the public June through October, from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. FMI: contact Ammi at amibaichung@gmail.com or follow @sea_salts_gallery_87 @amibai_chung or @sea_salt_cottages on Instagram.
location: Gallery 87, 87 Federal St., Wiscasset, Maine 04578
image: Fruit Bowl with Blue Leaves by Ammi Bai Chung
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
St. Philip's Strawberry Fest
It’s St. Philip’s 71st Strawberry Festival featuring all things strawberry! The day’s feature is a scrumptious homemade biscuit swimming in native berries and piled high with freshly whipped cream or locally made ice cream - mmmmm!
Also available for purchase are freshly picked strawberries by the quart, Strawberry Festival t-shirts, locally made crafts, plants and fresh flowers from local gardens, baked goods, collectables, and hot dogs. Children’s activities, a pie auction, and the Bargain Basement provide fun for all! Proceeds support community ministries like the food pantry, weekend food supplies, and school supplies for students.
FMI: 207-882-7184 or www.stphilipswiscasset.org
location: St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., Wiscasset, ME 04578,
Midcoast Maine Book Arts: Come Summer Exhibit
The public is invited to an exhibition curated by the members of the Midcoast Maine Book Artists, inspired by summer – the colors, feelings, activities, desires, memories, and more. A variety of book arts techniques and structures have been designed to illustrate the season. The show is open during Camden Public Library open hours.
Midcoast Maine Book Arts is a collective formed to promote, encourage, and educate working and aspiring book artists in the midcoast Maine area. It seeks to exhibit the work of its members and other book artists, host workshops about artists' books, and to build interest in the general public about this art form. Find the Midcoast Maine Book Arts on Facebook, or join to get notices of meetings and exhibitions by emailing sandy.weisman2@gmail.com. FMI: 207-236-3440
location: Camden Public Library, Picker Room, 55 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
image: The River Above by Joelle Webber
Midcoast Maine Book Arts: Come Summer RECEPTION
The public is invited to a reception celebrating an exhibition curated by the members of the Midcoast Maine Book Artists. Inspired by summer – the colors, feelings, activities, desires, memories, and more. A variety of book arts techniques and structures have been designed to illustrate summer. The show will run from July 1 - 30 during Camden Library open hours.
Midcoast Maine Book Arts is a collective formed to promote, encourage, and educate working and aspiring book artists in the midcoast Maine area. It seeks to exhibit the work of its members and other book artists, host workshops about artists' books, and to build interest in the general public about this art form. Find the Midcoast Maine Book Arts on Facebook, or join to get notices of meetings and exhibitions by emailing sandy.weisman2@gmail.com. FMI: 207-236-3440
location: Camden Public Library, Picker Room, 55 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
image: The River Above by Joelle Webber
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Summerfest on the Common
Summerfest is a long tradition in Wiscasset, ME. This year, the event adds crafters and other vendors, making for an even more enticing day for visitors.
The funds raised from the event are used to support a variety of needs in the community. According to Summerfest organizers, “It’s very important to continue our fundraising efforts especially now; some of our local outreach partners are losing some of their funding this year.”
Summerfest is a First Congregational Church of Wiscasset, UCC, event located on Wiscasset’s historic Common (250 High St.); free and open to the public. FMI: 207-882-7544.
Wiscasset Art Walk
Wiscasset Art Walk is a summertime celebration of art, music, performance, and history, located in the beautiful 19th century Village of Wiscasset, along the sparkling Sheepscot River. During the evening, enjoy a tour of the Village aboard Woodfield Farm’s horse-drawn wagon - wave to passersby and you be the entertainment!
Visit artist-owned galleries and the Village’s fine collection of boutique shops and antique stores. Look for music in the galleries, and performers, artists, and community groups on the sidewalks. Sample Village restaurants or eat casually from a food truck during this visitor-friendly evening.
All events are free, including the wagon rides, and family-friendly with plentiful free parking throughout the Village.
image: Touring Wiscasset Village aboard Woodfield Farm’s horse-drawn wagon. Photo courtesy Lucia Droby.
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Wiscasset Art Walk
Featuring Maine Youth Circus! Enjoy the youthful exuberance of young performers as they prance, dance, and juggle on the sidewalks of Wiscasset Village!
Visit artist-owned galleries and the Village’s fine collection of boutique shops and antique stores, open for the evening. Look for music and nibbles in the galleries, and musicians, artists, and community groups on the sidewalks. Sample Village restaurants or eat casually from a food truck during this visitor-friendly evening. Park once in one of the many Village parking lots and stroll the night away!
image: Garden Club vols. welcome visitors while selling freshly cut bouquets to raise funds for community projects! Photo by Bob Bond.
Wiscasset Homes on Tour
Visit a collection of iconic homes in historic Wiscasset Village and environs and discover for yourself why Wiscasset has been called “the prettiest Village in Maine.” Homeowners open their doors to the public for a glimpse at times past and how we live now in these historic places.
Tickets for the tour will be available online and on the day of the tour. For the convenience of tour-goers, a pre-ordered picnic lunch will be available.
More details to come.
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Midcoast Literacy Tutor Training
Can you help an adult learn to read? Midcoast Literacy urgently needs new volunteers to help meet demand for their programs!
English Language Tutor Training prepares volunteers to work with English language learners, both new arrivals in Maine and individuals who have been here for some time but need support with reading, writing, and speaking. No experience is necessary. Training includes three sessions: Tuesday, June 10; Wednesday, June 11; Thursday, June 12, from 9am to 2 pm each day. Tutors work with adults in northern Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties.
If interested, please contact Adult Literacy Services Coordinator, Diana Krauss, at als@midcoastlit.org . FMI: 207-443-6384.
location: Midcoast Literacy offices, 9 Park St., Bath, ME.
image: Kathleen and Andy
DaPonte String Quartet GALA Concert
The GALA Celebration marks the DaPonte String Quartet’s 34th anniversary and the launch of the third annual international DSQ Institute for Advanced Quartet Studies!
This evening, the acclaimed DaPonte String Quartet and pianist Christopher O’Riley perform piano quintets by Robert Schumann and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. While the DSQuartet is known for its compelling interpretations and exceptional artistry, Christopher O'Riley is renowned for his innovative interpretations and deep musical insight and is celebrated for his ability to bridge classical music with contemporary audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to this evening’s masterpieces.
Schumann and Korngold have both penned some of the most beautiful works in the chamber music canon. Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire, showcases a beautiful interplay between the piano and strings, brimming with emotional depth and lyrical melodies. In contrast, Korngold’s Piano Quintet reflects the composer’s unique blend of lush Romanticism and modern sensibility.
The evening promises to be a vibrant and captivating listening experience! FMI about the DSQ and tickets, go to www.dapontequartet.org
location: Studzinski Hall, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
image: DaPonte String Quartet
DaPonte String Quartet Concert
The acclaimed DaPonte String Quartet and pianist Christopher O’Riley perform piano quintets by Robert Schumann and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. While the DSQuartet is known for its compelling interpretations and exceptional artistry, Christopher O'Riley is renowned for his innovative interpretations and deep musical insight, and is celebrated for his ability to bridge classical music with contemporary audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to this evening’s masterpieces.
Schumann and Korngold have both penned some of the most beautiful works in the chamber music canon. Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire, showcases a beautiful interplay between the piano and strings, brimming with emotional depth and lyrical melodies. In contrast, Korngold’s Piano Quintet reflects the composer’s unique blend of lush Romanticism and modern sensibility.
The evening promises to be a vibrant and captivating listening experience! FMI about the DSQ and tickets, go to www.dapontequartet.org
location: Minsky Recital Hall, Collins Center for the Arts, UMO, 2 Flagstaff Rd., Orono, ME
image: Pianist Christopher O’Riley
DaPonte String Quartet Concert
The acclaimed DaPonte String Quartet and pianist Christopher O’Riley perform piano quintets by Robert Schumann and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. While the DSQuartet is known for its compelling interpretations and exceptional artistry, Christopher O'Riley is renowned for his innovative interpretations and deep musical insight, and is celebrated for his ability to bridge classical music with contemporary audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to this evening’s masterpieces.
Schumann and Korngold have both penned some of the most beautiful works in the chamber music canon. Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire, showcases a beautiful interplay between the piano and strings, brimming with emotional depth and lyrical melodies. In contrast, Korngold’s Piano Quintet reflects the composer’s unique blend of lush Romanticism and modern sensibility.
The evening promises to be a vibrant and captivating listening experience! FMI about the DSQ and tickets, go to www.dapontequartet.org
location: St. Paul’s Union Chapel, 1965 Dutch Neck Rd., Waldoboro, ME
image: DaPonte String Quartet
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
DaPonte String Quartet Concert
The acclaimed DaPonte String Quartet and pianist Christopher O’Riley perform piano quintets by Robert Schumann and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. While the DSQuartet is known for its compelling interpretations and exceptional artistry, Christopher O'Riley is renowned for his innovative interpretations and deep musical insight, and is celebrated for his ability to bridge classical music with contemporary audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to this evening’s masterpieces.
Schumann and Korngold have both penned some of the most beautiful works in the chamber music canon. Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire, showcases a beautiful interplay between the piano and strings, brimming with emotional depth and lyrical melodies. In contrast, Korngold’s Piano Quintet reflects the composer’s unique blend of lush Romanticism and modern sensibility.
The evening promises to be a vibrant and captivating listening experience! FMI about the DSQ and tickets, go to www.dapontequartet.org
location: Hammer Hall, 5 Mountain St., Camden, ME
image: Pianist Christopher O’Riley
DaPonte String Quartet Concert
The acclaimed DaPonte String Quartet and pianist Christopher O’Riley perform piano quintets by Robert Schumann and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. While the DSQuartet is known for its compelling interpretations and exceptional artistry, Christopher O'Riley is renowned for his innovative interpretations and deep musical insight, and is celebrated for his ability to bridge classical music with contemporary audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to this evening’s masterpieces.
Schumann and Korngold have both penned some of the most beautiful works in the chamber music canon. Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire, showcases a beautiful interplay between the piano and strings, brimming with emotional depth and lyrical melodies. In contrast, Korngold’s Piano Quintet reflects the composer’s unique blend of lush Romanticism and modern sensibility.
The evening promises to be a vibrant and captivating listening experience! FMI about the DSQ and tickets go to www.dapontequartet.org
location: First Church of Christ Congregational, 2521 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway , NH
image: DaPonte String Quartet
Opening Reception, River Arts Members' Show
The public is invited to the opening reception for the Members’ Show, a vibrant and dynamic collection of original artwork filling the gallery in this striking salon-style exhibition, which runs from Tuesday, May 27, through Saturday, July 5.
The reception offers visitors the opportunity to meet many of the participating artists, enjoy light refreshments, and take part in an afternoon of engaging conversation.
River Arts is a member-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to enriching and strengthening community through the arts. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: riverartsme.org or (207) 563-6868.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St. Damariscotta, ME.
image: Hazy Morning by Leigh Lowe
Sculpted Paper Flowers
Learn the basics of paper sculpting while creating a flower bouquet for Spring, using techniques like, cupping, curling, scoring, spiraling, crimping, and fringing. Materials & tools provided. Paper artist and instructor, Joelle Webber shows you how!
Joelle has spent 40 years collecting book arts techniques in college & workshop settings. She now designs classes for many different communities of makers based on her experience in writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up, paper sculpting, book binding and box making.
FMI: https://waterfallarts.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=311185
image: sculpted paper flowers by Joelle Webber
Wiscasset Wormfest
Wormfest celebrates the unique heritage and vibrant spirit of Wiscasset, the "worm capital of the world." Through food, fun, and festivities, we bring our community together to honor our working waterfront, cherish local traditions, and share the charm of our town with neighbors and visitors alike.
Kids activities, touch tank, food trucks, realty races, mudpie eating contest, cover bands . . . !
location: Railroad Ave., Wiscasset Village.
Wiscasset Farmers' Market
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Making Decorative Paste Papers
Join us for the fun! Like adult finger painting, paste papering is a wet, seemingly sloppy, but intentional method of decorating paper. Materials & tools provided. Paper artist and instructor, Joelle Webber, shows you how!
Joelle has spent 40 years collecting book arts techniques in college & workshop settings. She now designs classes for many different communities of makers based on her experience in writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up, paper sculpting, book binding, and box making.
FMI: https://waterfallarts.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=311179
location: Waterfall Arts, 256 High St., Belfast, ME 04915
image: Paste papering with Instructor Joelle Webber
Wiscasset Farmers' Market OPENING DAY!
Enjoy FRESH! Fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, meat, honey, jam, and more!
Find the weekly Wiscasset Farmers’ Market in the Town Office parking lot, 51 Bath Rd., Wiscasset. Plenty of free parking. Meet your friends, make new friends, and meet the farmers!
Create a Button Hole Book
Learn to make this great beginner binding that has a lot of scope to include all your favorite colors and decorative papers, with a glue-less paper cover. Tools & materials provided. Join paper artist and instructor, Joelle Webber, to make your new journal, poetry, or guest book.
Joelle has spent 40 years collecting book arts techniques in college & workshop settings. She now designs classes for many different communities of makers based on her experience in writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up, paper sculpting, book binding and box making.
FMI: https://merrymeeting.maineadulted.org/course/button-hole-book/
location: Merry Meeting Adult Ed., 25 Republic Ave., Topsham, ME 04086
image: Button Hole Book by Joelle Webber
Midcoast Literacy Tutor Training
Can you help a child learn to read? Midcoast Literacy urgently needs new volunteers to help meet demand for their programs!
Read Together Tutor Training prepares volunteers to work with children ages 6-14. No experience is necessary. Training includes three sessions: Monday, May 19; Wednesday, May 21; Friday, May 23, from 9am to 1pm each day. Tutors work with students in northern Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties.
Assigned students may be English language learners or students who are struggling to learn to read and write at grade level. Volunteers are expected to meet twice a week for an hour, year-round, with their students.
If interested, please contact program director Katie Clark, k.clark@midcoastliteracy.org. FMI: 207-443-6384.
location: Midcoast Literacy offices, 9 Park St., Bath, ME.
image: Kathleen and Andy
'Repurposed Treasures' at River Arts
River Arts is pleased to announce artist Kharris Brill’s solo show, “Repurposed Treasures,” in the River Room. The exhibit features the artist’s original, one-of-a-kind assemblages of found objects.
Meet the artist at the opening reception on Saturday, May 17 from 2-4.
Kharris’s creations include linear stained glass pieces, batik, reclaimed wood furniture-making, and found object assemblages, using salvage for anything she can. In all her media, she finds inspiration in the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Joseph Cornell.
Kharris: “My definition of Art is a little, well…loose. Over the years I have become a visual dissector: My curiosity seems to skip The Whole Shebang and zeroes in on the curious detail of almost anything I see.”
location: River Arts, 36 Elm Street Plaza, Damariscotta, Maine. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. FMI: www.riverartsme.org or call the gallery at 563-6868.
image: “Settled” by Kharris Brill
Elisif's Story
Elisif’s Story: a Father’s Response to his Daughter’s Overdose Death was created by Damariscotta artist Peter Bruun after his daughter’s death from overdose. This 36-minute video explores a turbulent young life through the voices of those who knew her. Join Peter and others for a free screening and a discussion with resource providers about how to keep youth safe and substance free.
The screening follows an art exhibit and conversation with students from Wiscasset Middle High School, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm, who explore their relationships with adults - what works and what they wish would change.
The film screening and follow-up discussion are presented by Healthy Lincoln County and Studio B. Events are free and open to the public. FMI: http://studiobme.org/ or peter@bruunstudios.com or Peter at 207-800-1640.
location: Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Rd., Wiscasset, ME.
Youth Art, Youth Voice!
Wiscasset Middle High School students invite the community to view an art exhibit and then join in conversation exploring relationships and communication from a young person’s point of view. Listen to and talk with students as they express what they wish adults understood and their suggestions for how adults could really listen. All attendees will be treated to pizza.
Youth Art, Youth Voice! is a Studio B project and is made possible by a Fund for Good grant from the Wiscasset Creative Alliance.
Following the youth program, there will be a screening of “Elisif’s Story: A Father’s Response to his Daughter’s Overdose Death” starting at 6:30. The film will be followed by discussion with resource providers about what really helps when it comes to substance use prevention and support.
FMI: Studio B
location: Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Rd., Wiscasset, ME.
Spring Plant Sale
At the Garden Club of Wiscasset’s annual Plant Sale, you will find perennials, shrubs, baked goods, and a children’s table!
This is an outdoor sale, rain or shine. Pay via cash, check, credit cards. Proceeds from the sale support scholarships and the GCW’s many town-wide beautification projects!
FMI: send a message to Lisa, lhf410@yahoo.com
location: Wiscasset Municipal Building, Route 1, Wiscasset, Maine
An Evening with Tess Gerritsen & Kathryn Miles: An Author-to-Author Event
Writers Tess Gerritsen and Kathryn Miles, who both came from away but have lived and worked in Maine for many years, will share the stage at Midcoast Literacy's third annual Author-to-Author fundraiser. The evening will feature the two authors and friends reading from their work and in conversation about their inspirations and craft. A reception and meet-and-greet with the authors will follow, and copies of their books will be available for purchase. (doors open at 6pm)
location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, 1 Middle St., Brunswick, ME
Tickets: $35 per person; available by calling (207) 443-6384 or by visiting our website at https://midcoastliteracy.org/index.php/about-us/author-to-author-fundraiser/event-tickets
FMI: https://midcoastliteracy.org/index.php/about-us/author-to-author-fundraiser
Wiscasset Earth Day
This year’s Wiscasset Earth Day celebration features money- and energy-saving tips and services from local businesses, a wide range of local environmental organizations and artists, activities for kids, and much more.
Last year’s event was a great success with a beehive raffle from the Lincoln County Beekeeping Association, a wildlife ambassador from Chewonki, people trying out electric bicycles and mowers, and much more. This year’s event will feature even more local organizations and businesses, including local food trucks and vendors. The event is organized by the Wiscasset Climate Action Team, a town committee.
The full list of vendors, activities and more will be shared on the event Facebook page as they are confirmed. Local organizations and businesses interested in participating can email WiscassetClimate@gmail.com with inquiries.
location: Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Rd., Wiscasset, ME 04578
image: Wiscasset Earth Day 2024
John Otterbein at River Arts
River Arts is delighted to showcase the artwork of John Otterbein in a solo show, The Whimsical Side, in the River Room at River Arts Gallery. Known for his imaginative and whimsical approach, The Whimsical Side celebrates Otterbein’s playful humor and use of vibrant colors.
Otterbein holds a degree in graphic design and photography from Arizona State University and spent many years as an art director and designer, specializing in flexographic printings for major corporations. Upon moving to Maine, Otterbein founded the Wooden Screen Door Company in Waldoboro, where he produced over 17,000 custom-made screen doors. After selling his business, Otterbein rekindled his passion for painting and was influenced by his admiration for Gary Larson’s “Far Side” cartoons. Otterbein studied watercolor under Grif Teller, a well-known painter of Pennsylvania Railroad scenes, and later with Maine artist Erica Qualey, who helped reignite his interest in watercolors.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday,10am to 4pm. FMI: 563-6868 or email info@riverartsme.org.
image: artwork by John Otterbein
Making Sculpted Paper Flowers (3 sessions)
This 3-session class begins with decorating paste papers, then learning many paper sculpting techniques to make our flowers and leaves. We will be able to make 6 or more flowers in this class. Tools & materials provided.
Class meetings are on three successive Tuesdays: April 22, 29, and May 6; 5:30-7:30pm.
Instructor Joelle Webber has been a book artist for over 40 years. At Mermaid Bindery, she rebinds well loved books, binds custom books and boxes, & creates her own artist books and craft work to sell. Building on her creative experience, she designs workshops for many communities of makers.
FMI and register here.
location: Merrymeeting Adult Education, 35 Republic Ave, Topsham, ME 04086, 207)729-7323
Making Sculpted Paper Flowers
Using techniques like cupping, curling, scoring, spiraling, crimping and fringing, we will create a paper bouquet for Spring. We will be able to make 3-4 flowers in this class. Tools & materials provided.
Instructor Joelle Webber has been a book artist for over 40 years. At Mermaid Bindery, she rebinds well loved books, binds custom books and boxes, & creates her own artist books and craft work to sell. Building on her creative experience, she designs workshops for many communities of makers.
FMI and register here.
location: Boothbay Adult Ed at Wiscasset Middle High School, 272 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset, ME 04578, (207) 882-7722
Making Button Hole Books
Learn to make a multi-gathering book that includes decorative papers stitched into a paper cover. Great for beginner binders with no glue needed. Tools & materials provided.
Instructor Joelle Webber has been a book artist for over 40 years. At Mermaid Bindery she rebinds well loved books, binds custom books and boxes, & creates her own artist books and craft work to sell. Building on her creative experience, she designs workshops for many communities of makers.
FMI and register here.
location: Village Handcraft, 52 Water St., Wiscasset, ME 04578, 207-814-8720
Making Japanese Stab Bindings
Together we will explore multiple decorative sewing patterns in this useful book for list writers & those who journal. Tools & materials provided.
Instructor Joelle Webber has been a book artist for over 40 years. At Mermaid Bindery, she rebinds well loved books, binds custom books and boxes, & creates her own artist books and craft work to sell. Building on her creative experience, she designs workshops for many communities of makers.
Find more information and class details here.
location: Village Handcraft, Wiscasset, 52 Water St. Wiscasset, ME 04578, 207-814-8720
New Works at River Arts
The exhibition, New Works, engages visitors in an exciting showcase of vibrant, contemporary art. New Works highlights fresh, spirited pieces by Maine artists, radiating warmth and color in a diverse range of mediums, styles, and perspectives.
Juror, Susan Akers, who curated New Works, explains her selection process, “Initially, I went with my gut reaction and then I looked at color, pattern, form, depth and technique. The result is a visual cornucopia.” New Works captures a current vibe that celebrates the artists’ recent creativity.
River Arts is located at 36 Elm Street, Damariscotta, ME. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. FMI: riverartsme.org or 207.563.6868.
image: Stella by Kit Munroe
Book Arts Bazaar
A festival with Book Artists, papermakers, bookbinders, printmakers, educators, writers, and all things related to the book! Free and open to the public.
FMI: please click here.
location: McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success,| 35 Bedford St (2nd Floor), Portland, ME
Beth Downey Exhibit at River Arts
River Arts is pleased to present Beth Downey’s dynamic solo show On the Edge in the River Room.
Downey’s bold, colorful paintings are inspired by the vibrant natural landscapes she has called home—from the lush Caribbean Islands, where she lived and worked for 25 years, to the rugged coastline of New Harbor, Maine, where she now resides.
Downey says, “The ever-changing beauty of nature is the driving force behind my work. I am endlessly inspired by shifting light, vibrant colors, and the rich textures of my surroundings. My goal is to distill these elements onto the canvas, using bold color, dynamic shapes, and expressive gestures that evoke a sense of movement and transformation.”
River Arts is located at 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 to 4. FMI: (207)563-6868 or visit the website.
image: Oh . . . the Light by Beth Downey