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

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.


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-Kathryn

Biddeford Chalk on the Walk 2009

Photo by Samantha Milliken

Saturday, September 26 was the 2009 Chalk on the Walk Festival in Biddeford. Jim was featured in the Portland Press Herald. Here are the photos they took:

Jim's photo is also in the album up at Maine Today

Photo by Caraslifka

Dan Adam's (Buzz) robot won the contest, this is his picture:

Art Classes in the Saco Bay Area

If you're interested in learning to paint or draw there are a number of classes in the area. We hear about these classes when art students come in to gather supplies (we offer a 10% discount on art supplies to art students and artists).

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Judith Kinsman's "Watercolor: Beginners & Beyond" class starting this Wednesday, September 16th through the Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult Education. Classes are held at Old Orchard Beach High School.

Judith also has a watercolor class coming up at the Saco Museum. Beginning October 7, Wednesdays from 9a-noon, the class will go for 4 sessions. You can go for all 4 sessions or just drop-in when you can.

Students rave about Judith's classes and take them over and over. She makes painting an art anybody can enjoy. She's had work in several solo and juried exhibitions. We try and keep all her supplies in stock so let us know if there's anything else you need!

Judith Kinsman's Watercolor, Hydrangeas

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Russel Whitten's "Inspirations in Drawing" begins October 19th continuing for 6 sessions and is also through the Adult Ed. The class will emphasize tonal drawing, the perception and composition of the appearance of nature, and form drawing.

Russel studied at MECA and in NY among other places and is a member of the Art Guild of the Kennebunks and The Ogunquit Art Association.

Russel Whitten's Self-portrait

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Biddeford Adult Education is offering "Hue Can Do It" by Priscille Verrier, an introducation to watercolor for those who might be a little nervous about it. No need, just sign up for this 12 week class starting Tuesday, September 15 from 3-5pm. Classes are held at the Learning Center in Biddeford.

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If you know of any art classes, please let us know!
-Jenna

Review: Open House & Artist Reception at Bay View Company, August 20, 2009

Yesterday evening, Phil Grime held an open house for his new Bay View Company. There wasn’t a trace of the former tenant, Rosebud Tattoo Shop, anywhere. Phil has appointed his gallery space with the art of many talented local artists in various mediums, as well as some fine antique pieces. People were smiling over cheerfully appointed mirrors, and vibrant land and seascapes. There were scattered signs everywhere instructing, “please touch” the glazed pottery. One whimsical folk art piece constructed out of an umbrella, a haying scythe and some open-toed shoes encouraged lively discussion. When not taking in the sights, gallery goers reconnected with each other and sampled some stellar refreshments. If you’re in Saco, Phil’s at 5 Elm Street is worth a stop.

Bay View Company

5 Elm Street, Saco, Maine 04072

207-283-0074

-Kathryn