Music wraps around the Wiscasset Art Walk on July 31

Guest artists showcased throughout the village
Thu, 07/31/2014 - 10:45am

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, July 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The 20-piece, all-brass Breakers Jazz Band features musicians from Maine's Midcoast that will bring a big and joyous sound to the Creamery Pier at 5 p.m.

At the other end of the Village, on the Wiscasset Common, Lynn Deeves, with a full band playing folk and blues for the Alive on the River concert from 6 to 8 p.m. You’ll see families with blankets, bikers and folks with picnic dinners.

In between these two music events, stroll the Village streets for fine art, music in the galleries, antiques, specialty shops, and other special events. What a chance for residents and visitors to explore some of the unique places and meet some of the local artists who make Wiscasset Village such a satisfying destination.

While on the Pier, clapping and dancing to Breakers Jazz Band, take a look at the art work of guest artist Elaine Niemi of Friendship. Niemi works in acrylics and uses a technique she calls erasing.

After applying color, Niemi uses a brush to erase the color around the object she sees in the painting. Her work has been referred to as spontaneous and “outsider” art. Niemi says her art is always upbeat and never that “dark broody stuff.”

Classical guitarist Jonathan Waldo is being hosted by Wiscasset Bay Gallery. In addition to his fine playing, the local musician is a master of stringed instrument making, including the guitar he’ll be playing during Art Walk.

In John Sideli Fine Art, accomplished musician (and retired local dentist) Jeff Grosser plays continental accordion for the pleasure of gallery visitors.

Mac’s Place hosts rug hooker Diane Langley of Westport Island. Langley is a third generation rug hooker who grew up surrounded by beautiful rugs made by her mother and grandmother. Langley's grandfather made several original patterns for her grandmother, including “Hollyhocks,” which she will have at Mac's. In addition to rugs, take a look at the all-original “Paint By Numbers” exhibit curated by collector John Sideli.

Sarah’s Café becomes a gallery displaying the encaustic paintings of Ken Eason. His paintings express abstract thought, emotion, and mood and are heavily influenced by the nature around him. He lives on the water, which inspires him to integrate the blues and greens of the lake, ocean, and woods — seen abstractly in his paintings.

“I am interested in the relationships between color and texture and use techniques that incorporate the use of brushes, pallet knives, spatulas, rags and many other tools to bring out the expressive point that I am looking for,” Eason said.

Wiscasset artist Mat O’Donnell will be at Treats to show his art and talk with guests. O'Donnell began painting as a child. Since the 1980s, he’s been painting iconic Maine images like cows in pastures, dwellings, and figures from Maine folklore. (After talking with Mat, be sure to step into the back room for Treats’ excellent selection of wines to taste.)

Alna sculptor and board game designer Aaron Weissblum exhibits his rustic tables and other wood carvings at 106 Main. While some of Alan’s work is practical and useful, he also creates the odd, whimsical and fanciful.

The sidewalks will be pulsing with art as well. Guest artists and artisans will be exhibiting throughout the Village.

Plein air artist Erik Minzner sets up his easel to paint a Village scene.

William Paul, creator of custom-made jewelry using elegant Swarovski crystals, will be demonstrating his skills under a tent at 106 Main.

Earlier in the day, pastel artist Anne Heywood’s summer retreat students paint throughout the town.

The Wiscasset Art Walk celebrates the community’s history, too. Take a peek inside the fabulous Nickels-Sortwell House to see the gorgeous winding staircase, the wood moldings hand-carved to look like rope, the skylight directing natural light into the center of the mansion.

Wiscasset Museum in the Street plaques throughout the town illustrate the local shipping industry, the 18th century architecture, and the nuances of town life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Is it Christmas in July at Butterstamp Workshop? Owners Lois and David Kwantz are offering selections from their life-long Santa collection for sale.

Undecided where to go first? Pick up a map listing this month’s Art Walk participants, all within a comfortable strolling distance, at any of the Village shops marked with colorful balloons. Guest artists and musicians are showcased on the map, as are the evening’s special events.

Wiscasset Art Walk is held on the last Thursday of the summer months. Still to come are August 28 and September 25.