First Friday Art Walk
On the first Friday evening of every month, the city’s artists, galleries, and arts venues open up their doors for Portland’s thriving First Friday Art Walk.
Upcoming First Friday Art Walk
Friday, August 6, 2021
JUNE 19 - SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | David Driskell: Icons of Nature and History represents a landmark moment in American art: a major exhibition of artist, curator, and scholar David Driskell’s remarkable career as a painter. Driskell’s legacy in the history of American art is unparalleled: through his curatorial work, his writing, and his teaching, he pushed audiences to consider the American story inclusive of the art of Black people. Learn more here. Pictured: David C. Driskell, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, 1972, acrylic on canvas.
It was for several years that certain staff members and volunteers of the Activities Department that were interested in art of all forms attracted residents together to explore varied interests in art. Some different types of painting, some drawing and sketching. A few of these residents came with backgrounds in art including years of painting or teaching others. Most others had an interest in art but little experience. Out of this nucleus of staff and residents grew a program of art education and experience. Exhibits created in our studio, Studio75, became very popular including our involvement in Portland’s First Friday Art Walk. Art is now an important part of life at 75 State Street.
Through July 31, 2021 | Bealtaine means “Bright Fire” and ritualizes the “well”-coming of Summer. Bealtaine welcomes the Light Half of the year – a concept we here in Maine can really understand! Were we in Ireland, we might ascend the Hill of Uisneach in Co. Westmeath recently featured on the St. Patrick’s Festival broadcast from Dublin; or, we might build two bonfires through which to pass for health and protection. Instead of real bonfires, we welcome you to our two virtual, metaphorical bonfires through which we hope you will pass, safe and well. The Bealtaine Exhibit is comprised of two galleries each featuring three artists. Additionally, you will find one featurette. Gallery One features Sara Weldon, Joe Kelly, and Vincent Crotty. Gallery Two features Syra Larkin, Mary O’Connor, and Paul Mac Cormaic. Like our St. Brigid’s/Imbolc Exhibit, you will find Curator’s Notes for each Gallery in addition to the artworks. The featurette is Norah McGuinness, a 20th-century landscape painter, designer, and illustrator. Curator Robin Savage offers notes on her work and we welcome you to link to numerous websites where you can view and study her work and life. View the exhibition. Image: Joe Kelly
Through December 2021 | Maine Historical Society's powerful new initiative BEGIN AGAIN: reckoning with intolerance in Maine examines the roots of social justice topics and aims to stimulate civic engagement and foster dialogue among Mainers. Learn more here.
Grant Wahlquist Gallery proudly announces “Jamboree,” Henri Paul Broyard’s third solo exhibition with the gallery. The show will run from July 7 through August 14, 2021. The gallery will host an opening reception with the artist Friday, July 9, from 5 – 7 pm. Learn more.
Richard Boyd Art Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of a solo exhibition of paintings by noted Maine artist Jane Herbert on August 1st at 10:00 a.m. A year-round resident of Damariscotta, Maine Jane’s traditional style paintings capture the stunning landscape and seaside charm of her village community. Her current series of paintings are a visual expression of life along the coast and reveal her observations of the picturesque but rugged coast of Maine. A gifted fine and commercial artist, Jane’s paintings capture the ever changing colors, life, and mood of coastal Maine. Her unstructured approach to art and life has served her well. “Instead of earning a formal education I gathered my paint brushes and toured Europe in a micro-bus, painting and learning as I went. Through the years, I’ve been inspired by the beauty I find in nature. There is wild beauty all around in coastal villages in Maine. Paintings like, River Glow, are my response to the beauty of a particular place. I often drive past these scenes, catching nothing more than a flash of landscape in a break of roadside trees. Upon reflection, I wonder if this is my work- to witness changing light, rising mist, flowers blooming, a pair of mallards feeding, - not a slower pace, but a timeless one. There is something sacred in the untamed life that endures amid the structures of progress. These paintings exhibit my respect for the ways of nature and personal affinity for tranquility and beauty, where I see it.” If you love paintings depicting the beauty of Maine’s coastal communities don’t miss this exhibit. Jane’s paintings are widely collected and held in numerous private and public collections. The exhibit is on view free of charge between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily from August 1st through August 30th, 2021. For more information about the exhibit contact the gallery by phone (207)-712-1097, email mailto:info@richardboydartgallery.com or visit the gallery’s website www.richardboydartgallery.com . For exhibit updates like the gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardBoydArtGallery and follow it on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/richardboydartgallery9327 . Image: ‘River Glow’ ~ Acrylic on Canvas 15” x 30” by Jane Herbert
Thanks to everyone who has already sent us work to include on the MFA's Made in Maine collection on Vimeo! Check out your colleagues' music videos, documentary shorts, feature films and their trailers, commercials, narrative films of all lengths – you name it – at vimeo.com/showcase/madeinmaine. Have a made-in-Maine film/video/commercial you'd like us to include? Upload your work that was made in Maine to VIMEO and send the link to info@mainefilm.org.
Learn more about the "Out of the Blue Livestream Series" and other virtual concerts that occur nightly at Port City Blue!
First Friday Art Walk, August 6, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Carlos Slinger aka Soul Slinger was a founder of Liquid Sky Design, the rave emporium that was one of the center of dance music culture, art and design in the early nineties. A proponent of open source performance, Soul Slinger often collaborates with other DJ’s, musicians and vocalists during improvised sets where multiple artists are performing at once. Although credited with having helped bring Drum and Bass to the US, he incorporates many different styles and genres. Soul Slinger will be joined by locals Nic (Nicotine) Edwards and Hi Tiger. Learn more.
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#BookFaceFriday Exhibit | On Display outside the Main Library in the Elm Street windows | PPL will be exhibiting their photographs from the popular social media #BookFaceFriday series. Although steeped in the analogue world of books, libraries all over world have been bringing their love of books to social media in an art form called BookFaceFriday since around 2015. PPL joined the ranks of these creative librarians years ago and has now amassed a collection of well done photographs that have been posted to Social Media. BookFaceFriday involves the cover of a book with a body on it which is then lined up with a real person to match the cover – confused? Come take a look! The exhibit will be in the Elm Street windows through the month of July!
As the cool days of spring bow to the warm breezes of summer, Casco Bay Artists celebrates the landscape of the state that has been inspiring artists for generations. Summer in the City, Summer by the Sea brings together work by Maine and New England artists honoring the state slogan: The Way Life Should Be. Full Catalogue Image: Beth Dacey 'Boys & Girls' Oil on Canvas 30"x40"
July 8 - July 31, 6:30 PM | Fenix Theatre Company is excited to announce our triumphant return to Deering Oaks Park this summer! Pack your picnic dinner, blanket or chair, and join us at the Bandstand! Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, July 8-31 at 6:30 PM. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS is directed by Hannah Cordes. Starring Robbie Harrison, Kat Moraros, Michela Micalizio, Elliot Nye & Hollie Pryor. It's FREE to attend and donations are accepted at the park.
July 2, 5-8pm | The Mid-Coast Salon opens “Art Matters”at the Union of Maine Visual Artists Gallery at Portland Media Center, 516 Congress Street. The exhibit of 60 drawings, paintings, photographs, pottery and flexforms by 16 diverse artists from the Salon discussion group contends that art is at the forefront of progress. It will be up through July 30 on Mondays, noon to 5pm; Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10am-5pm; and Fridays and Saturdays, 1pm-4pm.
With a passion for color, this is a show of gorgeous light play, collaborative composition and texture. Chong and Judi Lim of Island Designs have worked together for 43 years and currently reside in Scarborough, ME. Come see the beautiful portraits of Maine’s nature embossed in flame-patina painted copper, watercolor on paper and keepsake items at Maine Craft Portland through July 24th.
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