Artscape-July '07

Artspeak:Mildred Johnson

For anyone with a creative impulse, sparks fly upon walking into Mildred Johnson’s studio in Fort Andross overlooking the Androscoggin River. There is something for everyone in Mildred’s luminous space; the collector, the organizer, the treasure hunter, the yard sale fanatic, and the aspiring artist will each find inspiration in her buffet of carefully organized raw materials.

Trained as an architect at a time when most of her peers were men, Mildred freelanced for several years in New York and San Francisco before marrying and moving to Massachusetts where she gave birth to her daughter. She chose to be a full time mom but began to paint.  Over the years Mildred built her repertoire quite on her own, to include weaving, collage, papermaking, bookmaking, and most recently assemblage. Despite her wide variety of media the core sensibilities of an architect remain; Structure is pervasive in her work, like a quiet rhythm, whether it appears an abstract color study in collage, a wooden and metal assemblage, or her extensively organized storage systems. However, her process has changed. Mildred does not structure her creative flow and declares: “I don’t plan. I don’t sit down and sketch an idea first.” It is the unknown that seems to inspire her now, not something with a forgone conclusion. The materials and process tell her what to do, and there seems to be no lack of ideas or stimulation. Everything inspires Mildred.  The natural world does yet, “I am easily inspired by a pile of dirty dishes”.

Both humble and welcoming, Mildred opens her doors to visitors during Brunswick’s Friday Art Walks, yet her process is a relatively private one. Driven by the journey, Mildred prefers to work “to please myself”. Commissions and exhibition schedules create an uncomfortable pressure in an otherwise idyllic creative environment. Recently, the sheer pressure of making a piece for a 2-year long traveling exhibit: “Re-imagining the Distaff Toolkit” caused her to want to drop out of the project, but the curator would not have it. For this show Mildred is working on an assemblage featuring an elegant shredding of the Joy of Cooking, ready to be served up on a giant slotted spoon.
 
Spending time with this humble yet amazingly prolific self taught artist is a treat. She is one of the cultural riches --though imported --that this region can boast of. “I’d like to retire from cooking, but never from art making. Artists never retire”.

Heritage Highlights

Wondering what to do for your Independence Day vacation? Bath Heritage Days will take place from June 29-July 1 and July 4 this year in Downtown Bath. Heritage Days brings people together from all over the region to celebrate with music, food, and festivities.  Saturday is Kid’s Day and the Triathlon; Sunday brings the Heritage Days Parade (biggest parade in the State!) and a new and improved Kennebec River Boat Parade.  As always, the weekend will also hold the Arts in the Park craft show, the Library book sale, pie eating contests, Carnival rides, lots of live entertainment, and TWO nights of Fireworks (July 1st and July 4th). Contact: Main St. Bath, 442-7291, www.bathheritagedays.com.

Richmond Days is a new take on a classic small town event.  There are the local standbys: parade, vendors, face painting, artists and craftsmen, an archery demonstration, live local musicians at the waterfront gazebo, and fireworks to finish off the weekend.  And then there are the new twists throwbacks: the pig scramble, a duct tape fashion show, and belt sander, lawnmower and lobster crate races.  Get it on your calendar now: July 20-21, in downtown Richmond. You just can’t miss this. Contact: Nick Noble at 737-8196 or Donald Jarvi at 737-8196.

69th Annual Bailey Island Fishing Tournament will be the week of July 23-28 this year.  This tournament is the oldest continuous fishing tournament on the Atlantic Coast and ‘round here, that kind of history counts for something.  Originally a tuna fishing tourney, it now involves all sport fishing including cod, pollock, bluefin, striper, mackerel, and shark.  Watch from the shore of Bailey Island, see the catch come in and the awards ceremonies at Cook’s Lobster House, or enter the contest yourself and fish off the rocks or on the water.  Free for observers, Entry fee for participants.  Kids under 12 can enter into a variety of children’s categories for the reduced of $5.00, in hope of sparking a love of fishing in the next generation!  Applications are at the Kennebec Angler in Bath or Johnson Sporting Goods in Brunswick.  Variety of prizes in both kids and adult categories; 1st place tuna wins $3,000, an engraved trophy, and (more importantly) Island bragging rights for life. Contact: Casco Bay Tuna Club, Peter Curtis, 845-283-8894.

Lobsterboat racing in Harpswell!? How much more “Maine” can you get? If you want to savor some local flavor, grab a picnic basket and head down to Land’s End or cozy up on the rocks anywhere on Harpswell Sound where you can get a good view of the race.  For the adrenaline lovers among us - brave the waves and anchor your boat on either side of the course or join in the race (just don’t try to fake a Maine accent if you don’t have real one)!  Free for observers, cost of boat and gas for participants.  Races are scheduled for July 29, weather permitting and the races begin at 10am. Contact: Roy Knight, 833-6332,  www.lobsterboatracing.com.

From swift-coming storms and lost loves, to pirates and Davy Jones, chanteys of the sea tell all types of tales.  Alison Freeman is a master storyteller and singer who brings nautical culture to life. See her at any of the shows listed below, and every Friday night from May 25th to October 5th at 7pm in Downtown Bath at her “Singing our History in the City of Ships” series, held at the Chocolate Church Arts Center on August 10, 17, 24, 31, September 14, 21, 28, and at other locations TBA.  Additional performances: July 22 Georgetown’s Celebration of the Arts, 12:00 noon. July 28 Maine Maritime Museum, 7:30 pm, Bonvun Sea Music Endowment Benefit Concert with Alison Freeman, Bob Webb, Castle Bay, & Roll & Go. Cost is $10-12 average for adults, less for children. Contact: www.chantey.net or 371-2402.

Performing Arts Spotlight

Bowdoin International Music Festival, June 23-Aug 4, Brunswick. Daily chamber music concerts are part of this internationally acclaimed school. Series include: MusicFest, celebrating “The Great Romantics;” Upbeat; Artists of Tomorrow; Eurofest concerts July 18-22 weekend; and the Gamper Festival featuring contemporary American composers at the new Studzinski Recital Hall, Bowdoin College. Contact: 373-1400, www.summermusic.org.

Maine State Music Theatre, Pickard Theater, Brunswick, June 23-Aug 25. Season offers four musicals made famous as movies and renewed on the stage. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” plays through July 14th; “Grande Hotel,” opens July 18th.    Shows Tues.-Sun. Contact:  725-8769 or www.msmt.org for tickets.

The Theater Project, 14 School St, Brunswick. “Sylvia,” Romantic comedy by A.R. Gurney runs July 13-29, 8 pm. $15. See website for kids theater camps. Contact: 729-8485, www.theaterproject.org.

"The 5"

• Open Garden Day, July 8, 1-5pm, Eartheart Gardens, Rt. 123, Harpswell. Enjoy lemonade, gingersnaps, and art as Nancy Marstaller shows her paintings in the Iris Garden that inspired them. Contact: www.eartheartgardens.com, 833-6905.
• Friday Art Walks, Second Friday, July 13, 5-8pm, in Downtown Brunswick and Topsham, Third Friday July 20, 5-8pm, in Downtown Bath. Enjoy art and live music in two historic downtowns.
• Georgetown Celebration of the Arts, July 22, noon-4pm, Mooring Bed & Breakfast, 132 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown. Rain or shine! Features Georgetown visual and performing artists. Free. 371-2934 or www.georgetownhistoricalsociety.org.
• Harpswell Festival, George J. Mitchell Field, Rte 123, Harpswell. July 22, noon – 9pm. Old-fashioned, family-oriented celebration, providing entertainment and activities for all ages. Artists, nonprofits, great food!  www.harpswellfestival.org, 833-0562.
• Summer Salsa Dance, July 27, 7:30-11pm, Elks Lodge, 179 Park Row, Brunswick. Instruction 7:30-8pm.Everyone welcome. Fundraiser for Cuba Mural project. $10/person, $5 children.729-4930, tlphillips@suscom-maine.net.

Harpswell Driving Tour

HARPSWELL is a breathtakingly beautiful costal community.  Artists in Harpswell invite you into their galleries and homes; art is a way of life out here, and it’s no mystery why.  Harpswell is an artists dream, and this tour will give you unique insight into the creative lifestyle here.

Sites on the road from Brunswick to Harpswell

As you drive down Rt. 123 from Brunswick to Harpswell, make sure to appreciate your surroundings.  You will pass sites of historic importance and natural beauty.  Note the flower gardens, nurseries, and horse farm. 

As you enter Harpswell, note the Skolfeild Family’s historic MERRiCONEGAN FARM, an institution that has supported farming and shipbuilding since the 1700.  Skolfeild’s lands are protected by the Harpswell Land Trust and encompass wide fields on both sides of the highway lead down to tidal marshes and open water.  The importance of these lands dates back to the Native Americans, who would carry their canoes over the narrow isthmus. 

If you are interested in a hike through the lands, visitors are welcome to hike the trails of the SKOLFEILD SHORES PRESERVE adjacent to the farm. FMI: https://www.maine.gov/spo/lmf/projects/project_detail.php?project=1572

Entering Harpswell

Your tour of Harpswell begins at the intersection of Rt. 123 and Mountain Road at the recently opened BLACKBIRD CAFÉ (a house up the hill on your right), a chic local eatery and coffee house with exhibition space. You could also opt to stop at the ever-popular VEGETABLE CORNER (on your left) and pick up some fresh, local produce for the ride down Harpswell’s lush and abundant coast.

Widgeon Cove Gallery

     

A mile or two down the road on your left is the light blue sign alerting you to the turn for WIDGEON COVE GALLERY.  The Gallery is a minute off Rt. 123 down a charming unpaved road littered with out of commission buoys.  The Widgeon Cove Gallery is a professional, well kept, and impressive exhibition space nestled in a beautiful wooded cove.  It features work by its owners, Georganne and Condon Kuhl, a papermaker/painter and sculptor/jeweler respectively.  There is work available for all price ranges and aesthetic tastes. Address: 31 Widgeon Cove Lane Phone: 207 833 6081 Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am – 5pm

Lookout Point Road

   

A minute or so up on Rt. 123 on your right is the turn off on to Lookout Point Road, which proves a worthy detour.  It is on side roads like this that you are able to really experience the unique qualities of Harpswell.  The road is dotted with lobster boats and buoys at every turn, which is striking sight.  On your right, you will encounter the historic HARPSWELL INN, which usually has some artwork hanging and is always a great place for lodging if you need somewhere to stay.  At the end of Lookout Point Road, you can enjoy the breathtaking views at Lookout Point and enjoy a bite to eat or pick up some raw seafood at Allen’s Seafood, a casual eatery on the shore.

Info Center

As you continue down Rt. 123, you will pass Kellogg Church on your left and the old town cemetery on your right.  Soon after on your left, you will see the HARPSWELL ANCHOR’s Info Center.  The Anchor is the local paper, and these people know all there is to know about Harpswell.  They are open Monday through Friday from 9am – 2pm and are available for information, maps, and advice. 

Christina Bebee

    

Continue down Rt. 123 past the Post Office, Moe’s Country Store, and, later, Mitchell Feild.  A couple of minutes from Mitchell Field on Rt. 123 is Ash Point Road, which you should make a right on to.  Pass the grade school on the corner and continue to make a right onto Basin Point Road (marked by a sign leading to the Dolphin Marina Restaurant).  Further down on Basin Point Road you will find Christina Beebe and her studio (on your left), where she houses her fine art, note cards, and handcrafted gifts. Address: 285 Basin Point Road Phone: 207 833 6721 Hours: M,W,F, Sat, Sun (excluding July 4) 12pm – 4pm.

Henning Porcelain, Ash Cove Potter, and Eartheart Gardens

Retrace your steps back to Rt. 123 and make a right onto the main road.  Just before you reach the clearly labeled turn for Ash Cove Pottery, you will find Henning Porcelain on your right on Rt. 123 (otherwise known as Harpswell Neck Road).  Keep alert because this studio is easy to zoom past.  Michelle Henning shows her beautiful jewelry in a gallery attached to her home, a warm place where you are invited to view sometimes sculptural/ sometimes simple work. Address: 1686 Harpswell Neck Road (Rt. 123) Phone: 207 833 5556 Hours: Open Studio 2-5 Friday or call ahead FMI: http://www.henningporcelain.com/

 

A few minutes further down the road, you will see a sign for a right side turn off for ASH COVE POTTERY.  It is down an unpaved road, but clearly labeled and accessible.  The small shop is right next to their working pottery studio, which is a treat to see in itself.  Ash Cove Pottery is celebrating its 22nd year at this beautiful location, selling and creating their handthown functional stoneware pottery and judaica. Address: 75 Ash Cove Road Phone: 207 833 6004 Hours: daily 10am – 6pm.

On the left, directly across from the turn off for Ash Cove Pottery, is the site for Eartheart Gardens, a family owned garden specializing in the Japanese Iris.  If you call ahead, you are welcome to visit the gardens.  If you plan to be in the area on July 8, stop in for the open garden day (1pm to 5pm) with paintings by Nancy Marstaller. Address: 1709 Harpswell Neck Road (Rt. 123) Phone: 207 833 6905 Hours: by appt. FMI: http://www.eartheartgardens.com

To the end of the strip

  

If you choose to continue down Rt. 123 until its end, you will see some beautiful, old, weather beaten houses and Estes Lobster House, a popular local seafood restaurant with an unbeatable location.

Artists Cooperative, Fine Furniture and a scenic route back inland

To explore another one of Harpswell’s strips, turn around and follow Rt. 123 going back towards Brunswick.  At the intersection of Rt 123 and Mountain Road, turn right onto Mountain Road.  A few miles down, you will reach Rt. 24 and should turn left onto it, going towards Brunswick.  Soon after you turn, you will see scenic Card Cove and on your left in an old church building you’ll find the SEBASCODEGAN ARTISTS COOPERATIVE GALLERY.  This seasonal cooperative has lived in the former Harpswell Church for almost a quarter century and features a wide array of work by 20 Maine artists. Address: 4 Old Orr’s Island Road Phone: 207 833 5018 Hours: daily 10am – 5pm

Continue down Rt. 24 towards Brunswick and make a right  at a large intersection towards Cundy’s Harbor and onto Cundy’s Harbor Road. About two minutes later, make a left onto Oakledge Road, and about a mile down, you will find Lynette Breton’s Fine Furniture.  She features beautiful handmade furniture and her studio serves as a pleasant detour of the main road. Address: 187 Oakledge Rd     Phone: 725 9802   Hours: By Appointment Only

Trace your way back to Rt. 24 and follow its winding path back towards Brunswick and into Cook’s Corner.

Find more artists studios to visit in the Five Rivers Arts Alliance Directory.

July 2007 ARTSCAPE CALENDAR

WEEKLY

• Bowdoinham Concert Series. Date: Sundays 6:30-8pm.  Location: Mailly Waterfront Park, Bowdoinham.  Contact:  666-5531
• Brunswick Music on the Mall Concerts.  Date: Wednesdays 7-8:30pm. 7/5 (Thurs) Pirates of Paradise; 7/11 Little Tonto; 7/18 Kat Logan & Friends; 7/25 Merrymeeting Community Band. Location: Brunswick Gazebo.  Contact:  729-4439
• Live Jazz at Solo Bistro.  Date: Friday Nights 6:30-10pm.  Location: 128 Front Street, Bath. Contact: 443 3373, solobistro.com
• Community Concerts, Library Park, Bath.  Date: Tuesdays & Fridays 7:00 pm. Contact: Main Street Bath, 442-7291.  www.visitbath.com/gazebo-concert-series.html
  

ONGOING

• "Class Act " at Points of View Art Gallery. On View: 7/1-7/31, M-F 9am-5pm.  Location: 18 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Sculptures in clay by Carolyn Judson and her students. Contact:  725-6437
• "U.S.M.A. @ WEST POINT" at Gallery Framing. On View: 7/1-7/31, M-F 9-5, Sat 10-2, Reception: 7/13, 5-8pm. Limited edition and antique prints of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Location: 12 Pleasant St. Brunswick. Contact:  729-9108
• Maine Art Glass Studio: Artwork by Bonnie Faulkner. On View: 7/3-12/31, Location: 51 Maine Street, Lisbon Falls.  Bonnie Faulkner's stained glass, pottery, jewelry, calligraphy and watercolors. Contact:  751-7397
• “Jason Schoener: At Home and Away”. On View: 7/6 – 9/8; Opening: 7/6 12noon-4pm. Location: Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath. An eclectic, striking collection of landscapes, abstracts, and more.  Contact:  442-8455, chocolatechurchart.org
• “Stuart Ross: Recent Paintings” On view: 7/21 – 9/1, Date: Opening: 7/21, 4-6pm.  Location: West Island Gallery, 37 Bay Point Rd. Georgetown.  Contact:  371-9090, westislandgallery.com
• “Patterns and Perseverance” A group show by gallery artists at Spindleworks. On View:  7/6 – 7/31. Opening 7/13, 5-8pm Location: 7 Lincoln St., Brunswick. Contact:  725-8820
• "Americans Who Tell the Truth" paintings by Robert Shetterly. On View: 7/2 – 8/4, Reception: 7/13, 5-8pm.  Location: Curtis Library, Brunswick.  Sponsored by Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks, in conjunction with the Peace Fair.
• "Cherished Views," 5 artists views, spanning 3 generations.  On View: 7/12-8/5.  Opening July 13. Location: Thornton Oaks, Brunswick. Contact:  751-6443

ONE TIME

• "EuroFest" Bowdoin International Music Festival. Date: 7/18-7/22.  A long weekend of music in the style of the great European Festivals.  Location: Brunswick & Bath venues.  Contact:  373-1400, bowdoinfestival.org
• Bowdoinham Contradance. Date: 7/21, 8pm. Location: Bowdoinham Town Hall.  Each dance starts with a beginner’s workshop at 8 pm. No partner needed. Potluck desserts at the break. $8 at the door.  Contact:  666-3090
• "Crazy for You," Midcoast Youth Theater. Date: 7/26-7/28, 7pm.  Location: Mt. Ararat HS, Topsham. Midcoast Youth Theater's teen summer company. Tickets at door: $10 adults, $8 senior/student.  Contact:  233-3899
• Arrowsic Island Pottery Open House. Date: 7/27-7/29, 9am-5pm. Location: 344 Old Stage Road, Arrowic.  Contact:  443 5858, arrowsicislandpottery.com
• Songfest 2007 with Dave Bullard. Date: 7/28, 5-9pm.  Location: Curtis Library, Brunswick.  15 Top New England Songwriters perform in 8th annual Songfest.
• "Toxic Audio" at Maine State Music Theatre. Date: 7/29 and 7/30, 7:30pm.  Location: Pickard Theater, Bowdoin College.  Contact:  725-8769, www.msmt.org

CLASSES

• Dance Classes for Preschoolers & Toddlers w/Parents. Date: 10 week classes begin week of 7/10.  Location: Bath Dance Works, Front St., Bath. Contact:  522-3900.

 

Member News and Events:

OUR NATIONAL SONGWRITER CONCERT, at CAPTAIN CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Brunswick on JULY 28, 2007, 5-9pm with 20 regional and national performers. For more information: wwwdavidbullard.com.

AUGUST 25 7-9PM, ALSO AT THE CAPTAIN CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY, two world class guitarists Dave Bullard and Brian Cullen. For more information: wwwdavidbullard.com.

Five Rivers Arts Alliance News:

Membership and Annual Appeal Drive

Five Rivers Arts Alliance is launching its annual appeal for community support this December. The Appeal, which is the cornerstone of financial support for the Alliance, helps provide essential funding for major arts and cultural events and projects that are free to the public. The Alliance is including its annual report for the most recent fiscal year in conjunction with the Appeal.

Board Chair Kathy Durgin-Leighton said: “Community support from the Annual Appeal will help Five Rivers better serve our mission through improving our core programs and expanding promotion of the region’s art, culture and heritage.” She added: “We also look forward to expanding our membership and fundraising for the organization.”  New membership benefits have been developed to enhance visibility on the Five Rivers Arts Alliance website for artists, organizations, business members and project sponsors.  The appeal has a goal total of  $7500.

The Annual Report highlights accomplishments of the last year, including renaming of the eight year old organization to Five Rivers Arts Alliance, redesign of the organization’s website at www.fiveriversartsalliance.org, expansion of programming including Bath’s Third Friday Art Walk, Creative Community Forums and implementation of a Strategic Plan.

Five Rivers Arts Alliance mission is to connect regional arts, culture and heritage through advocacy, education, promotion and celebration. Major projects include the Arts Around Us regional bimonthly arts calendar, monthly Art Walks in Brunswick and Bath, Family Arts Festival, Arts Downtown and All Around, May Arts in the Park. The Alliance also works closely with other Arts, Cultural and Civic entities to advance their mission advocating for Arts and Culture. 

Artscape:

Member input sought for Artscape

In July Artscape, the guide to arts, culture and heritage discoveries in midcoast Maine, will roll off the presses.  This dynamic new publication will replace the Arts Around Us calendar as an insert in The Times Record. Each issue will have a comprehensive Calendar section as well as an artist profile, event or destination profile, break-out sections with brief performing arts listings, heritage listings, "top 5 picks" and an art tour or driving tour of one of our regions.

Help make this a true membership publication; we are collecting calendar content and working on features and invite you to send in your ideas. Perhaps there is a local event we don't know about, details of our history or landscape to include in a driving tour, or an artist you think we should profile.  If you have a great photo of an annual event, artist or artwork, let us know as we are including more photos and graphics in Artscape. 

Would you like to write for Artscape or conduct an interview? Let us know. We will need volunteer help in several areas. As with the former Arts Around Us calendar, to be featured in this publication you must be a Five Rivers member.  Why? This is an ambitious publication, with more time dedicated to writing, editing, designing and less space dedicated to advertising income.  To create and sustain it, Artscape will need business, grant and member support.  For more information about Artscape, see details at www.fiveriversartsalliance.org

We appreciate your input.  Send your ideas right away to info@fiveriversartsalliance.org.  Deadlines for our first three issues are: July (deadline May 31); August (deadline June 30), Sept-November (Deadline July 31).

Five Rivers Arts Alliance receives grant to support Artscape publication

Five Rivers Arts Alliance has received a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to partially fund start up costs of Artscape: the guide to midcoast arts, cultural and heritage discoveries.  Community and business support is needed to match this grant funding and make possible this valuable publication. 

A Maine Community Foundation grant of $6,000 will support design and editorial content of the new publication that will replace the Arts Around Us calendar.  The new and timely guide will incorporate the best aspects of the calendar by showcasing the wealth and variety of cultural activities in our region.  The calendar will be complemented by editorial features including profiles of local artists, driving tours and a highlight section on performing arts, heritage and family activities.  Artscape will also be available on the web.  Complete calendar listings will be online at the Southern Midcoast Chamber of Commerce website, www.midcoastmaine.com, and greater depth of content will be online at www.fiveriversartsalliance.org and other websites.

Artscape will be an important tool for promoting our region to visitors, businesses and residents.  “The success of projects like Artscape, and the arts in general, are vital to our local economy.  When individuals and businesses move to an area, they evaluate what a region has to offer, and search for things like quality healthcare, first rate education, and quality of life.  A thriving arts community contributes greatly to this last area,” adds Heather Collins, President/Executive Director of Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber.

Artscape will reach an expanded circulation of more than 100,000 annually and an insert in The Times Record, as a free flyer available locally and at visitors centers. Summer issues will be monthly and other seasons will be published quarterly.  Six issues are planned for the year beginning in July.

To find out how you or your business can support this publication, please contact Harriet Mosher, Five Rivers Arts Alliance, 108 Maine St., Brunswick at 798-6964, or info@fiveriversartsalliance.org.