‘Encounters’ is an immersive, multi-sensory art experience for all ages

Mysterious visitors have come to Portland from another world … or time … or dimension … we’re really not sure. They have left behind wondrous pieces of art and technology for us to experience. Come encounter this otherworldly collection of interactive art pieces and learn more about these visitors at “Encounters,” an immersive pop-up art event coming to Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood in August.

Visitors will “encounter” an otherworldly exhibit of art, technology and unique live performances through the even, which is a combination theme park, art gallery and performance space.

“Encounters” arrives during the First Friday art walk on Aug. 4. This otherworldly art experience will captivate visitors throughout the entire month, culminating on Sept. 1.

“Encounters” is an experience for all ages, with family friendly daytime programming, as well as evening performances for ages 16 and up with (21+) bar services by Maine Craft Distilling.

The 6,000-square-foot gallery space will provide an intimate venue for live performances by Firefly the Hybrid, MF Dynamics, Iam2.Us and Viva. For an updated list of performances, visit Chroma2four.com/encounters.

“Working with my partner Cindy Thompson of Transformt and our collective of artists, we are thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking art experience,” said James LaPlante, of Chroma2four and Sputnik Animation. “This unique art experience is created by a growing community of artists passionate about experimenting with technology and art to bring new and wonderful experiences to Maine.” 

Throughout July, otherworldly art objects will begin to appear throughout Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood for Encounters Art Mystery. Explore the neighborhood’s art galleries, bars, and other businesses and seek out these unique pieces of art in a thrilling scavenger hunt. Secret rewards may await you at some select locations. The first 25 individuals to find all the artifacts will be rewarded with a complimentary general admission ticket to the “Encounters” experience. For more information about the scavenger hunt, visit chroma2four.com/artifacts.

“Encounters” is at Maine Studio Works, 170 Anderson St., Portland. Tickets are available at the door or online at www.chroma2four.com/encounters. A portion of the proceeds from “Encounters” will be donated to Creative Portland. Call 207-289-7986 for more information.