Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A number of activities and exhibitions are planned later this week, as area businesses welcome visitors to take part in the city’s monthly First Friday Art Walk.
“GRANDMA’S HOUSE,” a painting by Rachel M. Smith Maher, will be raffled off this month, with proceeds benefiting Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Wintergreen during regular business hours.
A watercolor art exhibit by Rachel M. Smith Maher, entitled “Seasons of Maine,” will be featured at Wintergreen Arts Center on State Street.
“Rachel is a Maine native who has been painting with watercolors for over 10 years,” said Wendy Gilman-Zubrick, center director.
Maher is “amazed and inspired by splashing oceans, trees in winter, blaze orange sunsets and the deep purples and greens in her flower garden,” said the director.
“Witnessing and documenting God’s creation is a treasure and holds eternal value for the artist, as well as an opportunity for the observer to experience the peace that artwork can elicit,” said Gilman-Zubrick.
Primarily self-taught, Maher has nonetheless been guided by several beloved Maine artists including Judith Kinsman, Hollis Jacobs, Jan Kilburn and Evelyn Dunphy, said Gilman-Zubrick.
Maher’s painting, “Grandma’s House,” has been donated by the artist to Wintergreen and will be raffled off, with proceeds benefiting the center’s children’s music programming.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at Wintergreen, 149 State Street, during regular hours.
“The winner will be drawn at the conclusion of Rachel’s show in Wintergreen’s Barresi Art Gallery in late October. You will not need to be present to win,” she said. Music at will be provided by local musician Doug Drew.
Also taking part in Friday’s walk will be Morning Star Art & Framing on Main Street.
Barbara Binotto is the featured artist for October. She is an award-winning quilter working with fiber art since 1986. Binotto studied with internationally-recognized quilters and has taught fiber art classes at her studio in Island Falls.
Binotto is known for her amazing thread-worked fabric landscapes which strike a chord with the viewer, often sparking memories of favorite places. Stop in to view her work and enjoy music performed by Peter Parker and the crew. Sweet treats from Nilda’s Bakery will also be available.
Morning Star hours are extended for the Art Walk, from 6-9 p.m.
The Northeastland Hotel will feature a Pottery Slam, made possible by Shelby Wilcox, Jessica Carpenter, the UMPI Art Department, Aroostook Common and the Northeastland Hotel. Visitors are invited to try their hand at creating with clay. Hot apple cider will be available. Donations are welcome and funds collected benefit Wintergreen Arts Center.
Catholic Charities on Davis Street, TAMC and UMPI are also taking part in the First Friday festivities, as are several other venues.
