Biddeford Art Walk

The Biddeford Art Walk is almost upon us. That's why we have had a flurry of artists (like a flock of birds or a gaggle of geese) in Sam's Place. (editors note: we do not intentionally allow birds or geese in the shop) We have supplied artists with hanging wire, "s" hooks and various small brads for their frames. Someone's been in for core board, another for tape. All these excited preparations remind one of the hours before a much anticipated wedding.

Art shows and weddings are both days of commitment, fear and celebration. Expectations scatter in the brain like confetti. The public will love it. The public will hate it. Does this gown make me look like the back end of a milk truck?

There's the inevitable moment of panic before the ceremony. Does he have the ring? Is the paint dry? I should have gone into short stories.

Finally, there is the eventual pride and peace when it all comes together like a well-catered affair. So too, the art show arrives and artists' work is waiting for you to fall in love enough to carry them off and hang them in your home (another editor's note: think I'll stick with art shows and avoid the whole wedding thing).

Following the commitment there is the reception and here is where the wedding and the art show usually diverge. Receptions can be fraught with corny DJs and rambling drunken toasts delivered by your emotional college buddy. Art shows as lively as the Mill installations provide the opportunities for live music, dancing dogs, yummy foods for purchase and the fabulous company of like-minded art-makers and art-lovers; feels like a party!