Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A reception Dec. 6, hosted by the Presque Isle Historical Society at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library, gave the public an opportunity to purchase and have signed a 2009 calendar featuring reprints of artwork by various local artists.
“We held a reception to introduce some of the artists who contributed paintings to the 2009 Keepsake Calendar. Artists in attendance included John Holub and his daughter, Lisa Desjardins,” said Kim Smith, treasurer of the Historical Society and chairperson of the Sesquicentennial Committee.
Smith said Holub contributed a total of three paintings, while Desjardins contributed four.
“A total of 25 paintings depicting historic scenes around Presque Isle are showcased in the 2009 calendar. Other artists who contributed paintings include: Bessie Higgins, Marguerite Foster, Richard Ellery, Mark Edgecomb, Tim Finnemore and Mark Matson,” she said.
According to Smith, a few of the paintings were actually created specifically for inclusion in this calendar.
“One such painting by John Holub shows the State Theatre at night with a well-lit marquis and moviegoers approaching the theatre. This painting was created from an old black and white photo of the theatre taken during the day with no moviegoers visible and no lights on the marquis,” said Smith.
Desjardins created another painting for the calendar showing Vincent Barresi’s Barber Shop on Main St.
“Vincent was the original tenant in the Northeastland Hotel. This painting was also created from an old black and white photograph,” she said.
The event gave interested individuals an opportunity to chat with some of the artists and/or purchase a piece of local history – in calendar form.
“Several area residents took the opportunity to purchase their copies of the calendars and have them autographed by the artists,” said Smith, noting some interesting side stories emerged during the two-hour reception.
“The family that is currently living in the ‘Daniel Gilman’ Homestead, one of the paintings featured in the calendar, stopped in to meet the artist. Well-known area photographer Voscar was also in attendance. Some of the paintings were actually done from photos originally taken by Voscar,” she said.
Calendars are still available and can be purchased at the Star-Herald office at 40 North St. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
“Northeast Publishing helped us create the calendar, from beginning to end,” said Smith. “Proceeds from the sale of the calendars go to the historic fire station restoration project.”
In years past, said Smith, the annual calendar project featured photographs of days gone by here in Presque Isle. The 2009 calendar is a special endeavor to commemorate Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial in 2009.
The Presque Isle Historical Society was founded in 1963. Its mission is to study, promote and preserve the history, culture, heritage and physical artifacts of Presque Isle for future generations. For more information on the Historical Society, please write: Presque Isle Historical Society, PO Box 285, Presque Isle, ME 04769, phone 762-1151 or e-mail pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.
Photo courtesy of Richard Rand
CALENDARS honoring Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial Celebration were being signed and sold at a Dec. 6 reception, held at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library. The 2009 calendars feature reproductions of local artists’ work, from farm scenes to area businesses. Several of the artists were on hand to sign their respective artwork. Pictured at the event, seated, from left: Edith Park, Judy Rowe, Larry Park, John Holub and Lisa Desjardins. Standing: Audrey Thibodeau, Ann Wight and Peter Hilton.
