Spring Blog: Things that Rock

Saco Bay Trails is holding its annual meeting at the Dyer Library Meeting Room, this coming Saturday, May 15th at 9:30AM.

The trails committee recently installed a memorial bench to honor Horace Wood, in a mid-trail location that showcases much of the Rachel Carson Nation Wildlife Refuge. The bench will be dedicated at the Annual Meeting.

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The Master Gardeners of the Saco Community Garden will offer a gardening workshop Sunday, May 22nd at the Saco Museum to support SBGC's donations to libraries, gardening education programs and horticultural scholarships. Most plants sell for $4.00 and further information can be obtained at sacobaygardenclub.com or call Cathleen at 286-2711.

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The Saco Museum opens a new show, Making History: Art & Industry in the Saco River Valley, May 29th. Email museum@sacomuseum.org or call Jessica at 283-3861 for details

-Kathryn

Intro to Drawing

The University of Maine System at Saco Island will be offering an Intro to Drawing (Art 115) through the University of Maine System. The class will meet Thursdays from 12 noon-5:00pm beginning May 20th through August 19th. Call 282-4111 or 1-800-696-3391 to sign up for this exciting course that satisfies 3 fine art credits toward most core curriculum requirements.

The talented Augusta faculty member Pat Chandler will instruct. Visit her website to enjoy the touching portraits, brilliant still life work and the accurate visual medium she has chosen to communicate through.

Registration is painless if you call the helpful counselors to walk you through the process. Call now, registration began April 12th.

Father and Daughter

Portrait by Pat Chandler

-Kath

The Arts Now

The talented Thornton Academy Players will perform "Into the Woods", this Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets sell for $8. For more info email cathy.murray@thorntonacademy.org

If you just want to experience the history and humor of Red Soucy and Roland Bergeron at their farewell performance, Cornerstone United Methodist Church is the place to see them one last time. The performance is Saturday night at 7pm and tickets sell for $5. For more info call 207-282-2755

If Franco is your interest, the McArthur Library is featuring renown artist Lucie Therrien in concert Sunday at 3pm. For more info about ongoing programs and concerts call 207-284-4181 or visit www.mcarthurpublicelibrary.org

The OOB/Saco Adult Ed is offering a class called Tips for Decoration on a Budget next Tuesday, April 13th frp, 6-8:30p. Cost is $29. For more info call 934-7922 or visit their web site.

The Saco Spirit Merchants are planning the Annual Fashion Show for Thursday April 29th at the Ramada. The $35 tickets get attendees dinner, the runway show, celebrity waiters and gift bags. Go to Saco Spirit's website or buy tickets from participating merchants downtown.

In Vino Veritas*

2010 Mill-ennial Memories

Last night marked the gala opening of the long awaited Mill-ennial Show. There was a great turn-out (I stopped counting at 150). From the wine table it was a wonderful sight. Passing red or white, I got to see all the artists whose work hung inside. There were so many talented people representing so many different media. The things they all had in common were a connection to the area and a love of their craft. Respected evergreen artisans rubbed elbows with a younger blooming set. It was like a garden of the mature experiences and new hybrids talking and sharing knowledge.

Newer artists like Assemblage Robin Puleio and Photographer Nick Anagnostis, a Thornton Academy Alumni, showed with well-known Fiber Artist Kathy Angel Lee. Lee's work "Saco Mills" was chosen for the Mill-ennial publicity.

George Hughes' Intelligent Design

This show had it all: witty art from Peter Bennett and George Hughes to social commentary from Omer Gagnon. Well received Encaustic Artists Laura Dunn and Diane Bowie Zaitlin both proved again that their medium continues to engage in fresh surprisingly new ways.

Anastasia Weigle's Zoological Curiosities

The galleries diversified by presenting works in the Mill and in the Museum. Large works world-class sculptor Celeste Roberge, whose current works are a sentimental favorite and small scale works by Assemblage Artist Anastasia Weigle broaden the scope of work. The former's works, dedicated to her cherished parents, tugged at the heart in a big way while the latter's miniatures stirred up a collective cultural memory in an enclosed intimate setting. This is just another example of the Museum's attention to detail - how they showcase a narrative versus simply collecting.

Donna Caron's Upright Figures III

Once relieved from wine pouring, I wandered the gallery and enjoyed the work in both locations. Sculptor Donna Caron's Upright Figures III referenced the past and the organic and still elicited a brave stance towards an uncertain future. It was astonishing to see Painter Tammy Charles' acrylic Crows full scale after admiring it so long as a thumbnail sized work on her website. With the size of the work, the painting appeared to glow.

Tammy Charles' Crows in the Cornfield

Once one saw the scale and diversity of the works, it made perfect sense to use two sights for the show. The experience had the feel of a scavenger hunt once the Stone Soup Artisans Spring Fling was thrown in for good measure.

The show runs until June 13th. Even better, the Museum intends to present a Mill-ennial every two years. Raise a glass, because we can expect to see this event grow in richness and complexity, in much the same way the artists grow and change. We can hardly wait!

*With wine comes truth. Cheers!

-Kathryn

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!

Saco Community Garden

So the SCG (Saco Community Garden) held an interesting meeting recently. They are the nonprofit that displayed a small garden next to the Saco Museum/Library. The success of that small demonstration has led them on to the Community Garden that will start this Spring. Saco residents get first dibs on a 10x10 plot.

The really interesting part was to hear how it is all coming together. They have mapped out the garden, contracted out the building of the tool shed to a local high-school class and are deciding on fencing materials. Their laughter and know-how are powerful draws. Most of the committee members are master gardeners through extension courses so there will be lots of talented people who have the answers for us first-time gardeners.

After an evening with these excited volunteers, I am ready to grow monster crops. You can too if you rent a plot soon!

-Kathryn

Monday, Monday

This is my third and final Monday night of OOB/Saco Adult Education Encaustic Painting tonight. The teacher, Chris Reed, graduated from Bowdoin with a degree in Visual Arts. Chris has exhibited in Portland Galleries and taught at The New School in Kennebunk.

If I thought that encaustics were anything like Batik (yeah, we did that in the 70's), I was wrong. But encaustics has been good, worth bundling up for on winter evenings for sure.

So what makes a Monday night worth going out for? Chris has a pleasant, relaxed teaching style and encourages a playful curiosity in his students. The tuition covers the use of encaustics, resin, pigment and chip brushes. Initially, Chris was going to have the students use fiber board but eventually decided on birch board.

Chris arrives early to set up the electric grills, heat gun and to make sure the wax is melted before students arrive. The class is small so the students can share what works (or doesn't) with each other as they test their new skills and enjoy the camaraderie. Someone realized in the course of this class that it is not a craft. Encaustics is an art.

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Saco River Yoga in Pepperell Square announced Beginner Yoga Classes: six classes for $60. Drop round and hear about the various styles of Yoga offered, the free drum circle evenings and the very qualified teachers. You will be happy you did.

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Busy artist Diane Bowie Zaitlin is exhibiting at the Toby Rosenberg Pottery Show "Some Like It Hot" now through February 28th at 293 Reed Street, Portland, Sunday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-5pm, and Saturday by appointment or chance. 878-4590

Diane is also exhibiting in a mixed media exhibition February 1-March 12th at 25 Exchange Street in Lynn, MA in the Lynn Arts Center.

If that wasn't enough, Diane is offering her Encaustic Workshops in her Saco Studio. The dates are March 27th and 28th, April 17th and 18th and May 15th and 16th. Call 282-7240 or email for details on how you can learn from one of Saco's finest artists.

Cool Things

Wandering through the shop with my dust-cloth in hand, this cool book jumped into my hand: "Rite-in-the-Rain Birder's Journal". The American company that manufactures it has the following slogan: "Outdoor writing products for outdoor writing people."

Field researchers call it a Birder's Journal as the paper is made so you can write or sketch on the pages in inclement weather. As it is a nearly indestructible little notebook, it would be excellent for any journaling outdoors. Apparently this company has been making these adorable recycled notebooks for recording field data worldwide for ages but the "Rite-in-the-Rain" all-weather writing paper is still new to me.

The inside front cover presents two distinct bird diagrams along with body parts and feathers carefully labeled. It is exciting to know the lesser coverts from the median or the greater coverts! Inside there is plenty of room for sketches, photos and notes (weather, location and time slots too). The back cover has a cheat sheet for the American Birding Association's Principles of Birding Ethics (think Geneva Convention with feathers). It is even covered in a cheery yellow so it's easy to find in the tall grass! Now that is wicked cool.

What's Going On?

The Southern Maine Potter's Guild is having a show, dates to be determined. They are going to participate in the Empty Bowls event in February or March, at the York Art Association. More details to follow.

Thursday, January 28th, the Second Congregational Church will host the Biddeford Adult Poetry Project featuring biker poet K. Peddlar Bridge's "Ever Changing Line" lecture. All are encouraged to bring their own work for peer review, followed by a performance. All are welcome and the fun begins at 3:45pm.

The Dyer Library is pleased to announce award winning artist Timothy Parks will be teaching Pastels and Drawing, in the Deering Room of the Dyer Library on Tuesdays from 1-4pm. Classes begin February 2nd. Cost is $40 for the four-week session.

by Timothy Parks

The Biddeford Art Walk will be housed at the North Dam Mill during the months of January, February, March and April to avoid dancing with Old Man Winter. There will be food vendors, artisans and other interesting things happening. Would-be participants are encouraged to contact info@biddefordartwalk.com or call 229-3560 to get involved. The deadline is January 24th and it's free. This month's art walk is Friday, January 29th from 5-8pm.

Check out lovinganvil and Hog Farm Studio for other fun things to do like the Lovefest 2010 on February 13th. There will be champaign and treats at lovinganvil at 5pm followed by a parade over to hog farm studio down the street for some music by The David Wax Museum and Friends at 6pm. Sounds like a lot of Saint Valentines Day fun!

-Kathryn

From the Saco Community Garden to Manatees

The human mind is an interesting thing. You can start out thinking about the Saco Community Garden, which can lead you to thoughts of how lovely and lively the color green looks, in the dead of snowy winter, which can bring up general musings on the color green. From there it's a simple jump to California Paint's Colors of America. As your eyes wander over the historical green shades, your hand chooses coral springs. Before you know it, you are remembering the name of a place in Florida the Weather Channel mentioned: Homasassa Springs, where manatees graze on soft green river grass. Now this grass image leads you to think of green lovely things in general, that you can grow this Spring in the Saco Community Garden!

The mind is an interesting thing!

Editor's note: Trivia ---> Kathryn's favorite animal is the manatee!

Artists' Survey

We mailed 15 surveys to the art group Uncommon Threads & want to share with you responses from the 4 returned to us. We could wait for the others, but Artists are busy people and we cannot wait. Here is what we have learned about the creative process from these Artists, so far.

The first questions asked were, “Where did you study, or are you self-taught? How has that informed your art?” Each answer was as unique as the Artists answering the questions.

One Artist took life drawing sessions, attended Leighton Studio in San Francisco and credited self-study for a number of years with art being a big part of life, always. This Artist finds that good art is heartfelt and inspires emotion in the viewer. New Artists should enjoy the process because art is about self expression, beauty and sharing.

Another Artist attended the University of Southern Maine to learn self-expression, to create things that have never existed before and in response to a life threatening disease, creates every day. Art saved a life. This Artist finds good art in the strong, uninhibited natural art of children and advises new Artists to “just do it” and watch the magic begin.

The third Artist developed an expansive vision through studying at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the University of Southern Maine. This Artist expressed art was always part of life and good art challenges norms, pushing the limits of work to express passion. New Artists should know there is a world to explore, always there for everyone to discover!

The final Artist was informed by her mother’s style and earned an Art History Degree in Maryland. While striving to become an Art Educator at Hirshhorn Museum, this Artist continued to evolve artistically. Good art is a sense of wonder: color, a balance of shapes, and the essence of design without becoming faddish and with the intent to keep on learning. New Artists should keep looking and inquire without judgment.

-Kathryn

Talented, Caring Women

Last week, volunteers from nonprofit corporation Designing Women exhibited work in Freeport. Donations at the door benefited the Coastal Studies for Girls Organization, a science and leadership semester school for 10th grade girls. The artisans and crafters presented an astounding array of gift items for giving to loved ones of gifting yourself.


December 12th, at Woodford's Church in Portland the Designing Women are at it again. The $2.00 donation at the door will benefit Women Unlimited, a nonprofit providing technical training and resources for Maine women, minorities and disadvantaged workers. There will also be a luncheon offer if you work up an appetite shopping. It promises to be a fun "girls day out".


The designing women, as you will see on their website, work in many mediums: soft sculpture, glass, note cards, jewelry, paper, soaps, pottery, wearable art, porcelain and fine art. The wonderful part is that their work is so individual. When you give a gift from Designing Women you know you are giving something original from a Maine Artisan. Not only do you gift with pride, you are also helping the Designing Women give back, with the donations made at the door to very worthy organizations.


Visit the Designing Women show December 12, 2009 from 9am-4pm at Woodfords Church at 202 Woodford Street.


View Larger Map

-Kathryn

Priscille Verrier's Saturday Class

You may know Priscille Verrier is teaching a "Hue Can Do It" class, for the Biddeford Adult Education. You may know she taught a "Learning to "See" Like an Artist" Watercolor Workshop recently, but did you know she is offering continuous Saturday watercolor classes at Highland Home Gallery? Highland Home Gallery is right across from Aquaboggin on route 1. The idea at Highland is for artists to learn tips and tricks to jump-start their creativity. If you've always wanted to try watercolor, this is a perfect way to get started with a teacher-artist who wants your imagination to soar.

-Kathryn

Why Archival Matters - Part 1

Precious family treasures like Grammy’s Christening Gown, Great Auntie’s Sampler or Grandad’s Medals seem to be appreciated more in these trying times. While we are putting greater value on the links to our past, we realize that we need to preserve these heirlooms for the generations to come. To take the guess work out of that process, we need to know some simple things about protection.

First, you want to learn anything you can about the object: who made it, when, any interesting story that relates to the object, where it fits in historically, if that applies. For example, a 2nd cousin wrote down the story of how a 1st paycheck from the phone company at the St. Louis Worlds’ Fair ended up inside a goat. She illustrated the story with a photo of a 1900’s Switchboard, a Fair Program and a photo of the goat with our great grandfather. So remember to label paper times with a soft pencil. Then you should scan the photo. Take photos of bulky items and store them on CDs. If you make a few extras, relatives can store them too.

Secondly, purchase an inexpensive light meter and hydrometer, to check humidity and the amount of light. Store those treasures away from direct sunlight and in an environment between 40 – 50 % humidity, at 68 degrees. Books within those light and humidity guidelines can be stored on shelving if given generous space. Squeezing too many books in too small a space, can damage the book spines. Avoid basements, attics or outside walls. Use acid-free mats, backboards, acid-free albums and boxes.

Every six months, examine your heirlooms for holes and sawdust. Wear cotton gloves or handle as little as possible with clean hands. Never store your treasures in wooden chests, because the sap they exude can stain and spoil. Never store in plastic drycleaner's bags because they trap moisture. Remove all pins, paper clips and staples, to avoid rust. These Archival tips matter because your family’s story should be preserved. It matters to your generation and the ones to come.

-Kathryn

Feng Shui Bagua

This blog is continuing the conversation about color, specifically Feng Shui Bagua. You know Feng Shui, but the Bagua component makes it easier to color your own home. The Bagua is a map for decorating, using a nine-panel grid breaking up your home into sections. These sections correspond to desirable aspects of life.

For example: the "front-middle" is the entrance of the house and it is also the "career & life journey" aspect of your life. So, if you want to enhance your life within a certain aspect, you color that area to attract that. The ideal Bagua is as follows:

The 9 Sections of Bagua in your Home

"Front-Left"

Wisdom & Knowledge

Add Calming Blue

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"Front-Middle"

Career & Life Journey

Add Sophisticated Black

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"Front-Right"

Helpful People

Add Universal Gray

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"Middle-Left"

Community & Family Harmony

Add Peaceful Green

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"Middle-Middle"

Health & Well-being

Add Sunshiney Yellow

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"Middle-Right"

Creativity & Children

Add Centered White

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"Rear-Left"

Prosperity & Abundance

Add Royal Purple

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"Rear-Middle"

Fame & Reputation

Add Passionate Red

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"Rear-Right"

Love & Relationships

Add Romantic Pink

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So if you are feeling adventurous, or are just plain bored with your surroundings and cannot move house, do try this at home.

-Kathryn

Frame Enhancement

Last time I blogged, I was learning about preservation of work. Now I’ve learned about the choices that have to be made, to get the optimum appearance for your art.



Jim our resident framer, meets clients over his consulting table, to choose the type of glass, the matts (and how many), the molding (which we typically think of as the frame), the fillet or other specialized applications (more on that later).



Glass is just glass, right? Surprisingly, besides regular picture glass, there’s uv clear, uv non-glare types. (Plexiglas comes in uv clear and uv non glare too.) Then there’s museum glass which pulls you eye right into the artwork.


Matt choices enhance a piece of art through different texture (like suede, print…) or color (maybe a contrasting color on the bevel, which is the edge of the mat). Multi mats can be staggered over each other to bring out the colors in the art.


Another specialized application, the fillet can add depth to a work. It is a thin bead metal that rests between the image and the other layers, or matts. Think of fillet as a mini frame within the frame, as it is very thin.



If a piece has various sized items that need to be displayed, Jim can create a shadow box effect by building windows with in the matts. This particular application is good with family heirlooms and personal treasures.


Another specialized option is aptly called, “floating” an item. This is great for displaying team jerseys and memorabilia. Recently a customer had Jim create a frame for his girlfriend with a window for tickets, a double matt of the play’s program and float a prop newspaper headline from the play.


We at Sam’s were impressed with the customer’s choices and thoughtfulness towards his girlfriend and her gift. But not nearly as impressed as SHE WAS when he presented his framed memory to her.

-Kathryn