Children’s artwork featured at Wintergreen
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — With Christmas just weeks away, it’s only fitting that the featured artists for the First Friday Art Walk at Wintergreen Arts Center at 149 State St. will be area children who are students at the facility.
“Headlining the Dec. 7 First Friday Art Walk at Wintergreen will be the students of the Presque Isle Arts & Parks After-School Art Program, from grades 1-7. Please support our young artists by attending their opening reception and participating in a silent auction which will include pieces of their beautiful work,” said Wendy Gilman-Zubrick, the center’s director.
She said also included in the auction will be original artwork and homemade crafts donated by the ladies’ group.
“Proceeds will benefit WGAC’s after-school art program,” she said.
The opening reception and party will begin at 6 p.m. and run through 8 p.m. Bidding will remain open through Wednesday, Dec. 19, during regular business hours.
“Special musical fare for the evening will be offered by the Presque Isle Bossa Quartet. This group of local musicians — consisting of Rod Thompson on keyboard, Martha Grant on congas, Kelly Green on saxamophone and Brien Sandstrom on bass — play a mix of jazz with a Latin flair and are sure to make this opening reception extra special,” Gilman-Zubrick said.
First Friday activities at Morning Star Art & Framing at 422 Main St. will feature artwork by Janet and Haruhiko Murakami of Framed Gardens, for the month of December.
“Janet and ‘Harry’ vacuum seal pressed flowers under glass using special materials from Japan. These award-winning artists have artwork displayed from Maine to Japan and many countries in-between,” said Gilman-Zubrick.
Gilman-Zubrick encourages folks to stop in and view the artwork — which make great Christmas gifts — and listen to the music of Peter Parker and crew. Morning Star offers extended hours from 6-9 p.m. during the Art Walk.
Other activities planned in Presque Isle as part of the First Friday Art Walk include:
• Cafe Sorpreso, 415 Main St., where David Putnam, UMPI faculty member and archaeologist, will speak on his recent trip to Bhutan;
• Bou’s Brew Pub, 431 Main St., will feature musician Kris LeVasseur;
• Merchants on the Corner, 431 Main St., will host a wine tasting event;
• The Whole Potato Cafe & Commons, 428 Main St., will feature paintings by Christopher Pelletier, with music provided by Travis Cyr;
• Catholic Charities, 11 Davis St., will have Sharon Morneault’s herbal products, Gwen’s Gourmet and music by Frank Marmanak; and
• The Reed Art Gallery, 181 Main St., at the Campus Center at UMPI, has an exhibit entitled “Crafted: Fine Craft of Northern Maine,” which offers an array of works by local artisans, from sculptures to woodworking and more.
