Sidewalks and galleries become stages at the Wiscasset Art Walk

Fri, 08/22/2014 - 4:15pm

The village of Wiscasset will become a performance venue with plein air painting, live sidewalk music, and street performance during the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Artist Robert Noreika will set up his easel in front of Sylvan Gallery to capture the atmosphere and mood of our classic Maine village. Sidewalk artist Erik Minzner will establish his outdoor studio on Main Street to observe and paint the comings and goings of Wiscasset street life. Strolling minstrels, Married with Chitlins, will delight visitors with their country, blues-y tunes.

Luminarium Dance Co., fresh from their 24-hour choreofest in Boston, will bring street performance to the village. According to co-founder and choreographer Kimberleigh Holman, “The dancers really enjoy working in situ. We won’t be doing a dance performance; instead, we’re exploring unexpected ways to move on the sidewalk and interact with people. We’re preparing for the creative challenges of the doorways, porches, and small outdoor spaces throughout Wiscasset Village.”

The beating heart of the art walk is the fine collection of artist-owned studios and galleries, their guest artists and musicians they invite to enrich the cultural experience:

Sarah’s Café will host the acrylic works of Brunswick artist Ed McCarten.

French & Co. at 55 Main will exhibit 28 new paintings by well known Maine artist Ralf Feyl.

Treats will feature paintings by Wiscasset artist Mat O’Donnell, who will be on hand for the event.

Illustrator Sean Closson will inhabit the front window at Mac’s Place where he’ll gladly take requests for on-the-spot caricature portraits — become your favorite action hero!

Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts will display the work of students and instructors in the window of 106 Main Street.

Jewelry maker William Paul’s tent invites strollers to come in and look. Paul learned traditional beading while growing up on a reservation and now works with Swarovski crystals.

Music in the galleries has become an intrinsic part of Wiscasset Art Walk. Listen for classical, baroque, and contemporary works by the duo, Jubilee, at Wiscasset Bay Gallery; Jeff Grosser and Spike Hyssong will transform Mac’s Place into a jazz café, and classical guitarist Jonathan Waldo will be at Sideli Fine Art.

Wiscasset’s remarkable collection of unique shops and historical sites also plays an important part in the art walk. For shoppers, In the Clover is hosting a NEESH trunk show, “whimsical clothing for the “grown up girl,” featuring the line’s fall 2014 collection.

And not to be missed is wine tasting at Treats, another Wiscasset Art Walk tradition. The prominent Nickels-Sortwell House towers above the Village and is open for tours. Wiscasset’s Museum in the Streets is open 24/7 for the historically-minded and curious.

Strolling maps are available at participating locations in the village — look for the green and blue balloons — and highlight all the special events.

For more information about participating in Wiscasset Art Walk as an artist, performer, volunteer, or sponsor, please contact event coordinators Lucia Droby (ludroby@verizon.net) or Ann Scanlan (207-882-8290).