Things to Do in Mid-coast Maine
Artists' Choice at River Arts
River Arts’ newest exhibition, “Artists’ Choice,” is a diverse show that includes a spectacular array of artwork by Maine artists showcasing their individual styles in many media.
The public is invited to the opening reception on Saturday, October 4, from 2-4pm. Meet many of the artists; enjoy light refreshments and partake in some lively conversation.
One hundred seventeen artists submitted 174 pieces out of which juror, America Martin, selected 93. “It was very hard to choose from so many wonderful works, Martin said. “While each work selected is so different, those in this show each have what I call “The Hmm,” when a piece just sings its own song.”
River Arts hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. FMI: www.riverartsme.org or call 207-563-6868.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME.
image: Hydrangea by Irene Plummer
Hand Bound Photo Book Workshop (3 sessions)
In this class we will explore three different hand bound books that can be used for special photographs, travel journals, or scrap books. On the first of three sessions, we will emboss frames in our book pages and bind them as a button hole book. The second night, we will create a folded triptych photo frame, which can stand on display. Finall,y we will make a stab-binding with added thickness in the spine for scrapbook materials. A materials fee of $30 payable to the instructor is due on the first night. Tools will also be provided.
The class meetings are on three Tuesdays: October 14, 21, 28, 5:30 to 7:30 each session.
Instructor and paper artist, Joelle Webber, has more than 40 years experience in the book arts. At Mermaid Bindery, she binds books and boxes for others, as well as designs artist books and crafts. Building on these creative techniques, she designs workshops for many different communities of makers.
FMI: https://merrymeeting.coursestorm.com/course/hand-bound-photo-books
Workshop location: Merrymeeting Adult Education, 35 Republic Ave, Topsham, ME 04086, (207) 729-7323
image: Photo Books by Joelle Webber
Beginner Book Binding Workshop (3 sessions)
This 3-session class introduces the vocabulary of book anatomy, the tools needed for hand book binding, and material considerations for making beginner book structures. On the first evening, we will explore hand decorated papers, using broad edged mark-making tools and round pointed tip brushes in calligraphic ways. The second night, we will stitch two pamphlet books, binding them with soft and hard covers. Finally, we will create pocket accordion books and begin to consider how to design an artist book.
Class sessions are all on Thursdays: October 16, 23, 30, from 6pm to 8pm.
Instructor and paper artist, Joelle Webber, has more than 40 years experience in the book arts. At Mermaid Bindery, she binds books and boxes for others, as well as designs artist books and crafts. Building on these creative techniques, she designs workshops for many different communities of makers.
FMI here.
Workshop location: Great Salt Bay School, 559 Main St., Damariscotta, Maine 04543, (207-563-2811)
image: Hand made books by Joelle Webber
CELEBRATION: Call to Artists
River Arts announces a call to artists for a special, year-end show, “Celebration.” This non-juried celebration of art and fine craft encourages gallery patrons to shop locally for affordable art for the holiday season. All original fine art and fine craft will be accepted for this holiday exhibition. “Celebration” is open to both members and non-members alike.
Artists may enter any number of pieces with no size limits. The sum of all pieces must be no higher than $500 retail. Entry forms are available at the gallery or on the website at riverartsme.org. Entry fee is $15 for members and $30 for non-members. River Arts retains 35% commission on sales. Works may be delivered during gallery hours until the deadline on Saturday, November 15, 4pm.
A public reception will be on Saturday, November 22 from 2 to 4. “Celebration” will run through December 31.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. FMI: 563-6868.
image: River Arts gallery
Below and Beyond exhibit
River Arts is pleased to announce Joanne Tarlin’s dynamic solo show, “Below and Beyond,” in the River Room! Tarlin’s large and expressive body of work invites the viewer to contemplate more than meets the eye.
Meet the artist on Saturday, November 8, from 10:30 to noon.
Tarlin describes Below and Beyond, “Below... the surface and expectations. Beyond... the horizon and our insular worlds. The unknown, politics, and the constantly changing environment that surrounds my home on a peninsula in Harpswell, Maine, influence my art . . . I have been painting both murky and turbulent waters, and foggy horizons where we can neither see below or beyond.”
Gallery hours: Tues. through Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: 207-563-6868 or visit the website.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm Street Plaza, Damariscotta, Maine.
image: Watching and Waiting by Joanne Tarlin
Counted Out film screening
Through a mosaic of personal stories, expert interviews, and scenes of math transformation in action, Counted Out shows what's at risk if we keep the mathematical status quo. Do we want an America in which most of us don't consider ourselves "math people" and where math proficiency goes down as students grow up? Or do we want a country where everyone can understand the math that undergirds our society - and can help shape it?
The film screening will be followed by a brief discussion and activities. The public is invited to attend this free event.
location: Wiscasset Middle High School library, 272 Gardiner Rd., Wiscasset, ME
CELEBRATION at River Arts
River Arts invites the community to view a special, year-end show, “Celebration.” This non-juried celebration of art and fine craft encourages gallery patrons to shop locally for affordable art for the holiday season. All types of original fine art and fine craft are included in this holiday exhibition.
A public reception will be on Saturday, November 22 from 2 to 4pm. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. FMI: 563-6868 or www.riverartsme.org.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME.
image: River Arts gallery
Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest
Start the winter holiday season with a visit to Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest! Delightful shopping in Wiscasset Village on the first full weekend in December. In 2025, Fri., Dec. 5 through Sun., Dec. 7. 10am to 5pm daily. Come for the shopping, stay for the music, a visit with Santa, lighting of the Town tree, free wagon rides and raffle for dining, wreath display, cookie contest, and more!
FMI: www.wiscassetholidaymarketfest.com
image: Heart ‘n Soul Quartet sings songs of the season in Moulinette. (Bob Bond photo.)
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.
This year’s showcased homes include Daybreak, built in 1930, with a panoramic view of the Sheepscot River. Guests to this stately home have included FDR and Charles Schultz. Other significant historic homes include the Swett-Neal-Johnson House (1805) and the Lee Payson Smith House (1792). Both are elegant homes built for early Wiscasset entrepreneurs.
Tickets for the tour, priced at $30, aree available online and on the day of the tour. To purchase tickets and for additional details: www.wiscassetcreativealliance.org
All tickets will be picked up at 36 Water St., Wiscasset, ME, from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Parking and bathrooms nearby.
image: Swett-Johnston-Neal House
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!
Capturing the Light: Layering Color class (reg. by 10-2-25)
A mixed water-media workshop where we’ll practice using various methods to bring more light into our work. Do you find that your color falls flat, or that you are sometimes mixing more muddy color? Join instructor Jude Valentine to explore painting the fall light and foliage to build some confidence in color mixing and creating a more vibrant palette.
Skill level: beginner to intermediate. Adults only. Dress appropriately as students will venture outside as weather permits. Capacity: 10 students. MAG members: $85; non-members, $95.
FMI and to register: www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org/2025-classes; 207-687-8143; info@maineartgallerywiscasset.org
location: Maine Art Gallery, 5 Warren St., Wiscasset, ME, 04578
Readers Theater
Midcoast Literacy’s family-friendly Readers Theater event starts at 1pm with fun activities for the whole family inspired by the books that will be performed. Performances start at 2pm and families will be able to meet the actors after the show.
The books that will be performed include The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen, Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, Grumpy Monkey Up All Night by Suzanne Lang & Max Lang, and The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming & Nicola Slater.
Tickets are $10 per person or $35 for a family of 4-8 people and can be purchased at midcoastliteracy.org or by calling (207) 443-6384. All proceeds support Midcoast Literacy’s Read Together tutoring program for children ages 6-14.
FMI: https://midcoastliteracy.org/index.php/about-us/readers-theater; 207-443-6384
location: Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilder Drive, Bath, ME.
2nd Hand Book Sale
Second Hand Prose, the used book room of Wiscasset Public Library, has a wonderful selection of almost new books for all ages. To celebrate the autumn, Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library is running this special sale. Bring your own bag and fill it to the brim for only $5! Craft books will be free.
If you forget your bag, the Friends will be offering their new tote bags for $5.
location: Wiscasset Public Library, 21 High St., Wiscasset, ME
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!
Invasive Plants of Midcoast Maine
Ever wondered what the big deal is about invasive plants, how they got here in the first place, and how they harm local ecosystems? During this Garden Club of Wiscasset program, attendees will learn about the plants that are disturbing natural ecosystems and replacing the native vegetation that makes Maine unique and supports diverse wildlife, including birds and insects.
With the guidance of Louise Crane, Program Development Specialist for the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, attendees will learn identification features for key invasive terrestrial plants in our area and explore control and prevention strategies. Bring samples of plants from your own property, but please make sure samples are secured in a zip-lock bag or sealed container.
This free program is open to the public. FMI: call Emily Adler, 207-882-9804
location: First Congregational Church (Fellowship Hall), 28 High St., Wiscasset, ME 04578
image: invasive multiflora rose
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!
Hummus and Poetry at the Chocolate Church, Bath
In collaboration with Gulf of Maine Books in Brunswick, Maine, the Chocolate Church Arts Center (CCAC) invites the community to come together in a celebration of poetry, Middle Eastern flavors, and music. The event will feature local poets sharing original works that speak to themes of resilience, humanity, and hope, set against the backdrop of vibrant cultural sounds and tastes. All are welcome to attend this Mainstage event! Proceeds from Hummus and Poetry will benefit The Gaza Soup Kitchen. Tickets are available here.
Hummus and Poetry events were once an annual tradition at Gulf of Maine Books before COVID. CCAC is delighted to reinvigorate this tradition in collaboration with Gulf of Maine Books and with the sister and brother team, Zeina and Fateh, who helped launch the series.
FMI: www.chocolatechurcharts.org
location: Chocolate Church, 804 Washington St., Bath, ME
image: Zeina Azzam, poet
Read Together Tutor Training (ages 6-14)
Midcoast Literacy, a nonprofit that provides free literacy tutoring to people of all ages, is holding a 3-day training for new volunteer tutors this fall. The Read Together training is for those who want to work with school-age children. Volunteer tutors must be at least 18 yrs. old and make an initial commitment to tutor twice a week for 12 months (with occasional breaks for vacations or holidays).
Training days and time: September 22, 24, and 26; 9:00am-1:00pm each day. Pre-registration and participation in all three days of training are required.
location: Midcoast Literacy Offices, 9 Park St., Bath, ME.
FMI or to sign up: https://www.midcoastliteracy.org/index.php/volunteer/mcl-tutor-training ; contact Katie Clark at (207) 443-6384 or k.clark@midcoastliteracy.org.
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!
image: Colonni’s Homemade Sauce
Mary Ann Heinzen at River Arts
River Arts is pleased to present Mary Ann Heinzen’s solo show, “Watercolor Textures: Plein Air and Studio Works in Water Media” in the River Room. Meet the artist at an opening reception on Saturday, September 20, from 2pm to 4pm.
Heinzen's paintings are characterized by their loose, painterly style, vibrant colors, and bold contrasts. Her versatility shines through as she effortlessly transitions between representational and abstract styles, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expression.
Through a delicate balance of control and spontaneity, Heinzen seeks to convey an emotional connection to her subjects. Employing a wet-into-wet watercolor technique, she allows the colors to blend in unexpected and beautiful ways, fostering a dialogue between herself and the paper that gives rise to captivating works of art.
Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 4pm. FMI: (207)563-6868; www.riverartsme.org.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm Street., Damariscotta, ME
image: Beach Pines by Mary Ann Heinzen
New England Barn Dance
Beginners and advance dancers are welcome to this classic New England Barn Dance! Chrissy Fowler, caller; John Pranio on fiddle; Glen Loper on mandolin & banjo; and Toki Oshima on guitar. Each dance will be taught before the band begins.
Bring finger foods and non alcoholic beverages for the buffet table. Admission is a sliding scale of $15 to $25 for adults, kids up to 16 are free.
FMI: Karin Strong, cushingaint@gmail.com
location: Arts in the Barn, 17 Hathorne Point Rd., Cushing, ME 04563
image: Arts in the Barn, Cushing, ME
"Made in Maine" at Maine Art Gallery
The annual members’ show, open for public viewing, encompasses painting, assemblage, sculpture, textiles and drawings. The work on display is luminous, quirky, and very varied. The non-juried show culminates a successful season at Maine Art Gallery.
Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm. FMI: www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org
location: Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren St., Wiscasset, ME 04578
image: The Boat Show by Elizabeth Reed
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!
image: Underground Beets
Home Decor with Paper
Join us for a series of three classes, Sept. 9, 16, and 23 (all Tuesdays) that focus on how to brighten our homes with hand decorated paper. On the first evening we will learn to make our paste papers for the following classes. The second night, 9-16, we will create our pendant lights and learn how to hang them or set them on a desk top light fixture. Finally, on 9-23, we will assemble our cone flower wreaths, which can be hung on any wall.
Instructor Joelle Webber has spent 40 years collecting book arts techniques in college and workshop settings. At Mermaid Bindery, she binds books and boxes for others as well as writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up and paper sculpting to illustrate her own artist books and craft work. Building on these creative techniques, she designs workshops for many different communities of makers.
FMI: (207) 729-7323 or https://merrymeeting.coursestorm.com/course/home-decor-w-paper
location: Merrymeeting Adult Education, 35 Republic Ave, Topsham, ME 04086
Call to Artists for "Artist's Choice at River Arts
River Arts in Damariscotta invites artists to submit work for an upcoming juried show, “Artist’s Choice.” Submissions are now open through Saturday, September 27 at 4pm.
River Arts is pleased to announce the juror will be well known artist, America Martin. Martin’s art is bold in scale and vibrant in spirit. Martin cites her Colombian heritage as a vital source of inspiration.
“Artist’s Choice” invites artists to enter their most recent work or work they feel best represents their personal style. This show is open to members and nonmembers alike."Artist's Choice" is open to all media. All work must be gallery ready and clean. For more submission details and entry form, please visit www.riverartsme.org.
An opening reception for “Artist’s Choice” will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2pm to 4pm. The exhibit runs from Sept. 30 through Nov. 15. FMI: www.riverartsme.org or call 207-563-6868.
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.
image: painting by America Martin
Working Angles: Landscape Perspective class (register by 8-3-25)
Do you avoid buildings in your landscapes because you are unsure of drawing perspective, or once drawn, do your buildings have something that feels “off" about them? This can often be remedied with a better understanding of perceiving angles and proportion in drawing with linear perspective. Join instructor, Jude Valentine, for a refresher or practice session in getting it right and creating convincing buildings in your work.
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate. Adults only. Dress appropriately as we’ll venture outside as weather permits. Capacity: 10 students. Members: $85; non-members, $95.
FMI: www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org/2025-classes; 207-687-8143; info@maineaertgallerywiscasset.org .
location: Maine Art Gallery, 5 Warren St., Wiscasset, ME 04578
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!
image: Carlisle Oysters
Creations in Cushing
This is the last community show in Arts in the Barn, Cushing, ME, and ANYTHING GOES! Featuring arts and crafts of all kinds by local Cushing and midcoast artists!
FMI: Karin Strong, cushingaitb@gmail.com
location: Arts in the Barn, 17 Hathorne Point Rd., Cushing, ME 04563
image: Anything Goes, 2024
Artists Reception, Arts in the Barn
Meet the artists of Creations in Cushing, the last Arts in the Barn exhibit of 2025. View the art, enjoy refreshments, and get an early view of the fanciful artwork.
FMI: Karin Strong, cushingaitb@gmail.com
location: Arts in the Barn, 17 Hathorne Point Rd., Cushing, ME, 04563.
image: Arts in the Barn’s Creations in Cushing 2024.
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!
image: summer vegetables
BOOKENDS: Bringing Writers and Readers Together
Join us as we welcome writer/screenwriter Ron Currie, author of The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne. Set in Waterville, Maine, this novel will hook you from the first page.
“. . . A crime saga like no other, with a ferocious woman at its bruised, beating heart.” Currie’s novel explores the pull of ancestral roots, love, and retribution. Now in development with Netflix.
Visit or call Fiction Bookshop to reserve your seat. $10. admission. Light refreshments and book-loving community provided. 207-687-8120. www.fictionbookshop.com .
location: FICTION: a Novel Bookshop, 49 Water St., Wiscasset, ME
image: Ron Currie
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! Under the tent: learn to juggle and other circus arts! Featured musical trio, Long Branch, plays on the sidewalk - next to the garden club’s flower cart with fresh bouquets.
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 during and after this visitor-friendly evening. Park once in one of the many Village parking lots and stroll the night away!
Kate Buehner in River Room
River Arts is delighted to showcase the artwork of Kate Buehner in a solo show, “Activation of Shapes, Color and Design.” Buehner’s vibrant and fresh approach to painting is sure to delight. Meet the artist at an opening reception on Saturday, August 30, from 1-4.
“Painting both excites and frustrates me. I get lost in the process, often baffled by what I have created and puzzled as to how to move forward. Design, composition, color and lively mark-making energize me. I paint intuitively; ideas develop as I experiment on the canvas by layering color, drawing, scribbling and creating shapes.”
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. FMI: 563-6868, www.riverartsme.org or email riverartsme.org
location: River Arts, 36 Elm St., Damariscotta, ME.
image: painting by Kate Buehner
BOOKENDS: Bringing Writers and Readers Together
Join us for a reading and lively conversation with Carrie Etter, an American-born poet, critic, and academic. Etter, author of Grief’s Alphabet, the Weather in Normal, and Scar among other titles, is also the editor of two anthologies, a visiting lecturer at several UK universities, and the founder of Fox and Star Books, which focuses on underrepresented poets.
Visit or call Fiction Bookshop to sign up and reserve your spot. $10. admission. Light refreshments and book-loving community provided. 207-687-8120. www.fictionbookshop.com .
location: FICTION: a Novel Bookshop, 49 Water St., Wiscasset, ME
image: Carrie Etter
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!
image: Underground Beets
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!
image: Freshly Baked Goods
Alive on the Common: Pan Fried Steele
Listen to the Caribbean sounds of Pan Fried Steele on Wiscasset Common (Rte. 1)! Bring your lawn chair and picnic dinner for an evening of music under the sky! Free concert.
Sponsored by Sky & Michelle Wentworth and Sprague’s Lobster.
SoWA Open Studios
SoWA Open Studios is a self-guided driving tour showcasing the wonderful art and scenic views in this beautiful part of midcoast Maine. Meander around South Waldoboro and Friendship and visit artists’ studios featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, and textiles. Meet the SoWA artists during this very special, once-a-year weekend. The rural backroads and stunning waterfront views are a bonus feature!
The tour is on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10, from noon to 4pm each day. To find a printable map of the Friendship peninsula with artist sites, go HERE.
image: Hatchet Cove Storm by Jeremy Barnard