By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — In addition to the World Cup Biathlon activities, Presque Isle businesses and organizations have a number of artistic festivities in line for anyone visiting the Star City on Friday, Feb. 4, in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk.
“We invite visitors to take a self-guided stroll through the downtown and University galleries to hear live music, meet local authors and artists, and experience the heart of our community. The First Friday Art Walk is designed to be an event where people can meet, unwind and enjoy the arts on the first Friday of every month between 5-9 p.m. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/PresqueIsleFirstFriday,” said Renee Felini, event organizer.
Festivities stretch from the University of Maine at Presque Isle to downtown businesses and the library.
“UMPI’s Reed Gallery will present a Fine Art Faculty Group Exhibition. A reception with the artists will be held on Friday from 5-7 p.m.,” said Felini.
The exhibition will be on view Tuesday, Jan. 18, through Saturday, Feb. 19.
Local artists will also have works on display at various locations downtown.
“The Wintergreen Arts Center will be displaying the paintings of Lyndsey Michaud in February. The artist will talk about her work at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served,” Felini said.
Morning Star Art & Framing will display oil and watercolor paintings by Cheryl Lovely and also some pen and ink work as well.
“Cheryl will be at Morningstar from 6-8 p.m. Friday. Stop by and see her work and maybe enjoy some live music and treats from Nilda’s Bakery,” she said.
Freddy P’s Bar & Grill will be displaying the work of fine art photographer John David Kennedy from Bancroft.
“Feel free to stop in to view the work and enjoy some of the free snacks,” continued Felini.
The library is lending a technological twist to the art walk.
“The Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library, located at 39 Second Street, will hold a Computer/WI-FI Center Cafe and will serve cookies on Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. as part of the First Friday Downtown Art Walk. Bring your laptop or mobile device to connect to WI-FI. On site we’ll have the Apple iPad, Kindle and types of Sony Reader devices available to use,” said Felini.
Hair care can also be an art form. One local salon is gearing up for bridal season and welcomes visitors during the art walk.
“Oasis Salon will be hosting a preview of the artisans who will exhibit at the Northern Maine Bridal Expo on Saturday, Feb. 19. Hours Feb. 4 will be 6-8 p.m.,” said Felini.
Food and film lovers can take part in both at Cafe Sorpreso.
“Cafe Sorpreso will be showing “The Red Balloon,” the 1956 short 34-minute film, filmed in Paris by Director/Writer Albert Lamorisse and winner of an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1956 and the Palme d’Or for short films at Cannes. Our screening will commence at 8:45 p.m. and will be accompanied by Parisian desserts,” she said.
Local artists and Maine-made items will also be on exhibit at Merchants on the Corner.
“Merchants on the Corner will be displaying art from Presque Isle’s very own Voscar, Lisa Holub Desjardins, Dick Graves and Oliver Graves. We will be displaying them all day until 9 p.m. We will also be sampling some of the Made-In-Maine products,” said Felini.
