Artists tell us who we are as a people. They reflect our spirit and define our soul. Maine is very unique, we are not like anywhere else. As governor, I identified and supported our creative economy, which linked this talent to our economic engine. Maine has world-renowned writers, photographers, painters, poets, builders, basket makers and many, many more. We have a storied history, amazing present-day craft artists and an unfolding future of people coming to Maine to create.
Personally, we try to seek out and support our Maine artists. We celebrate holidays, anniversaries, birthdays and sometimes simply support what inspires us.
Our family holiday card comes to mind. The holidays have always been a time for us to share a family photo, taken by professional Maine photographers, to connect with family and friends. It was a way to follow us — especially Jack, as he grew up throughout the years.
In our Blaine House years, in addition to the annual photo, we added original holiday commemoratives made by Mainers to celebrate the season. These included many different designs, creations, artwork and unique gifts. We showcased Maine artists and craftsmen at our two Inaugurals, many trade missions, meetings, retreats and Maine Day at The Big E Agricultural Fair.
I encourage everyone to shop locally. Invest in Maine artists and craftsmen.
Governor John E. Baldacci served two terms as the governor of the State of Maine from 2003 to 2011. Prior public service included serving as U.S. Representative for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District from 1995-2003. Governor Baldacci joined Pierce Atwood in 2012, following an appointment as the Director of the Department of Defense’s Military Health Care Reform Initiative, working for the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Clifford L. Stanley, where he was tasked with a full-scale review and evaluation of military health care and wellness.
What Maine Craft Means to Me Essay Series invites you to explore the many intersections and layers of craft, people and time in Maine through the words of those with deep connections to our state and our field. Each week, a new essay will be shared.
Art Agent Maine is the state’s dedicated art agency, founded and run by Aurora Winkler, who has spent more than fifteen years in Maine’s art world as a gallery manager, director, and curator. The agency represents working artists across Maine and New England, handling gallery submissions, outreach, catalogs, promotion, and exhibition curation so that artists […]
Shop Maine Craft presents “Stopping & Staring: New Works by Lisa Houck,” on view through Nov. 10 at the Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner. The exhibition brings together linoleum block prints, mosaics and watercolors inspired by birds, trees, landscapes and the interconnected rhythms of nature. Across these media, Houck transforms familiar elements of […]
Triangle Gallery in Rockland will feature three exhibitions during the First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2. An artist talk with Carter Wentworth at 3 p.m. will begin the day’s festivities. Wentworth’s solo exhibition, “Sound of Rain Crossing the Lake,” has been extended through Oct. 31 in the upstairs gallery. In […]
The Kittery Art Association presents “Shifting Colors,” on view through Oct. 25 at its gallery in Kittery. The exhibition celebrates the beauty of change while exploring impermanence, memory and the cycles of life. Autumn serves as a season of reflection, transition and renewal. An opening reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. […]
Cynthia Winings Gallery in Blue Hill will host an informal artist talk with Elizabeth Adams at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2, with the gallery remaining open until 7 p.m. Adams will discuss her work, her ideas about color and the ways textiles enter her process. The talk will allow time for questions, conversation and discussion with […]
The Union of Maine Visual Artists, based in Harpswell, will hold its statewide annual meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 via Zoom, with possible local gatherings for members who want to share lunch and watch together. Members interested in hosting a gathering can add it to the UMVA Members Calendar for inclusion […]
The Deer Isle Artists Association presents “Transitions,” on view through Oct. 18 at its gallery in Deer Isle Village. The exhibition explores changing seasons, evolving forms and shifting moods through painting, ceramics, glass, photography and metalwork. Featured artists are Christopher Brumfield, Ethan Cohen, Jean Gresham, Jill Finsen, Susan Keating, June Kellogg, Jadyn LaDeau, BC Martin, […]
Rockport artist Carol L. Douglas has work in fall exhibitions and charity auctions in Maine and California, and her latest “Monday Morning Art School” article offers a drawing exercise focused on close observation. FALL EXHIBITIONS “Drawn to Creation: Two Views,” featuring Douglas and Naomi Aho, remains on view through Oct. 9 at Carol L. Douglas […]
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