Friday Art Walk will feature
modeling, stories and more
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Downtown will be the place to be Dec. 6, as the First Friday Art Walk continues, featuring modeling, storytelling and more.
Photo courtesy of Kim Smith
People react to Kim Smith, far right, freeze modeling at Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The lady in shorts is gasping while the gentleman in the dark shirt applauds.
Among the unique offerings will be Kim Smith, a Presque Isle resident, who will serve as a live mannequin in Hand Me Down Antiques’ front window, located at 477 Main St.
Smith, perhaps best known to the community in her capacity with the Presque Isle Historical Society, will be “freeze” (mannequin) modeling at the antique store window from 6-8 p.m. She has had a long career as a professional model in south Florida and Virginia. Although her modeling resume includes a wide variety of styles, including tea room, catalog, informal and more, her specialties were runway and freeze modeling.
She is also a long-standing member of MENSA, the high IQ society. In fact, her skill at freeze modeling was highlighted in Mensa’s national magazine, the “MENSA Bulletin,” in December 2007, with an article entitled “She’s No Dummy!”
Smith modeled for various designers in shows in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as in retail settings for designers in Florida. In addition to being in front of the camera or on a runway, she has coordinated fashion shows, competed in state and national pageants, directed pageants, and done both radio and television announcing. Kim also taught fashion modeling for model agencies in south Florida and Virginia.
She had to give up her modeling activities after injuring her back in 2003, but tries to keep her hand in the arena at least a couple of times a year.
“I miss it terribly. Although it was hard work, it was also a lot of fun. I came home from every event with stories to tell. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to do this for Eva (Kirk, owner) at Hand Me Down Antiques,” said Smith.
Smith will be modeling four costumes during the two hours in the store’s window: a Victorian caroler, two Victorian ladies’ outfits; and, of course, Mrs. Claus. Each outfit will be modeled for approximately 25 minutes, during which time she will move subtly only about five times. There will be a short break after the 25 minutes to change into the next outfit.
For more information, contact Hand Me Down Antiques at 540-1444.
Another first for the evening will be what is being billed as “Prognostications in Poetry and Prose,” or more simply stated, “Tell Me a Story,” held at KMH Music, located at 412 Main St., near the Braden Theater.
Owner Chris Morton, a published author, describes it as, “a simple gathering to enjoy the oratory presentation of poems, writings and storytelling.”
Anyone is welcome to read something they’ve been working on, read a poem or tell a funny story that happened to them.
“We only ask that you keep it PG-rated, as this is a family-friendly place,” said Morton, noting you might even catch him telling one of his own tales.
He encourages the presentation of original material, but participants may share their favorite piece by someone else, “as long as you make it clear who the originator is.”
This is a free event, beginning at 7 p.m., and is BYOC times two (bring your own chair and coffee).
“Come hang out, have a laugh, have a cry. Enjoy one of the best things about being human: expression,” said Morton, on the store’s Facebook page.
Various other locations also have activities planned, including Wintergreen Arts Center and the Reed Fine Art Gallery at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
