Strange Maine, It's all in a name

This is Gallery Talk WMPG radio's window into the Portland, Maine world of Art

Do you remember your dreams, your nightmares?
Are they in Color or Black and White?
Do you understand what the terms VHS & BETA mean to movies?
What was the first scary movie you can remember?

For me there were two the 1st was the old black and white thriller "Invisible Invaders" (the original body snatchers movie) and the 2nd a similar vintage B&W film titled "THEM".
That's the one with the giant ants they were exposed to nuclear radiation and mutated into the size of houses.  Nothing can stop themmmmmmm! 

What about GOD- ZILLA!

Godzilla vs Gigan
Godzilla vs Mothera
Godzilla vs Megalon
Godzilla vs Zero
Son of Godzilla
Curse of Frankenstein
House of Frankenstein
Frankenstein & Me Staring Burt Reynolds (really no kidding Burt Reynolds stars in a Frank Stein Movie)
What about Hulk vs Wolfman, or
Wolfman vs Thor,
or the Captain, Wolfey vs Capt America.
These titles and more available at...
STRANGE MAINE located at the intersection of Forest and Congress street is the 
VHS vs Beta max  horror monster movie specialty house, Eclectic vinyl record store, Hoarders paradise for Scifi memorabilia. Honestly perusing the movie selections is like traveling in time machine
the cover art on the VHS boxes is trick & a treat all in one.  

Hey If you need a VHS player they will sell one of those to you too!


What does this have to do with Art  Galleries?


Strange Maine also has an Art Gallery
Once inside the store of many weird things,
look behind and above the door.
Yeah up there,  those 8 paintings that's the Art gallery!
This month featuring the works of painter Michael Connor
Vivid Colors & freak show like scenes ,
Michael's nightmares & dreams are for sure in color
with painting themes perfect for viewing this Halloween week , the week where freaks, Zombies and the ghoulishly strange rule.  My Fav is the "Subterranean Shaman" a 10" X 10" format bold ghoul image in a subway passage.  A $40.00 price tag makes this weirdly affordable art. 

Strange Maine lives up to is name, some stuff is down right weird, don't stop in here if your in a rush, take some time to get into the eccentricity of weirdness and the incredible collection of horror-creature feature VHS & Betamax Movies, and don't forget to check up and behind the door for the Art Gallery and works of Michael Connor. 

Why go to Strange Maine ?

Because Your good mind needs a dose of pre-Halloween weirdness and good art! 

 The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am , 5 & 9:30pm  On WMPG Radio 90.9 FM , 104.1 FM and streaming 24/7 at http://www.wmpg.org/

Addison Woolley Gallery Surprises Me again

This is Gallery Talk WMPG radio's window into the Portland, Maine world of Art

Do you know Susan Porter? Dan Dow or Andrea Van Voorst Van Beest,
I don't know about you but I love saying Van Voorst Van Beest!

Susan is the founder and curator of the Addison Woolley Gallery on  132 Washington Street .
Susan is cool.

Susan Loves art, but more than that she has passion.
You can't teach passion

Passion leads you down a path, it never follows
Passion picks you up if you are down
Bouys you if you are sinking.
It charts your course.
Susan has Passion

Susan has curated the current Exhibit with works of a Photographer and a Painter.
Susan is herself a Photographer, so she knows good composition and content when she sees it!
Dan Dow is a Photographer his works of the Irish Landscape are beholden, they reek of time, conveying a tale of an age long ago...
Sometimes Photos bore me,  Dan's Photos surprised me, I liked them more than I thought. My favorite is of the Glendalough Church and Cross, they were built a long long time ago and it shows...  Dan captured that.

Now the Painter,  VanVoorst Van Beest,  Susan Says she's got a touch of Gauguin in her painting.   I'm no Post-impressionist expert but I think she's right.  Gauguin's technique was good and he could convey through a painted picture a story.  VanVoorst Van Beest has that grounding and solid technique with a believable, likable quality,  her works tell a story.  You could rail on and on for hours with out really describing it any better than saying "I get it" .  

The Current Exhibit of New Works has got the ability to tell a story , explain a time gone by and perhaps provide a surprise.

Why go see the art of Dan Dow & Andrea Van Voorst Van Beest at the Addison Woolley Gallery?

Because Your good mind needs good art! 

 The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am , 5 & 9:30pm  On WMPG Radio 90.9 FM , 104.1 FM and streaming 24/7 at http://www.wmpg.org/

Majestry of Trees , a tribute to the mighty Herbie 1793-2010 & friends

This is gallery Talk WMPG's Window into the Portland Maine world of Art with your host Lars

North of the city of Portland there are several smaller communities, None suffered more of a loss this year than the town of Yarmouth .  The Mighty Herbie , The Mighty Elm , the largest Elm in New England , estimated to have been a we sapling in the 1790's, over 200years old with height of over 125' & a crown close to 200' across,  Herbie was one impressive tree.   After a fifty year battle with Dutch Elm disease Herbie was cut down , you could say Euthanize.  Now the love of trees grows deep (sorry about pun) in Yarmouth and a new Gallery show has opened in the Yarmouth Town Library Galleries, yes galleries as in 2 galleries. The Main Gallery hosts a Group exhibit dedicated to celebrating trees.  Works in print, paint (Oils, acrylics & watercolors),graphite, collage, fabric and book show case the talents of over 30 artists.   What I like about group shows is the diversity of medium and ideas,  this show does not disappoint as it celebrates the life, form and being of trees in more ways than one could imagine.

In the New Gallery 2, the library has been transformed with an installation art piece that takes you inside into the canopy of the elm tree and shares information about the little know reproductive structures of the Elm "The pods".  Strings of pods and a huge block print canopy of branches make this gallery space a 3 dimensional wonder that beckons you to enter in and mingle. Once in the vibe is calming & almost meditative. Project Director Mardie Weldon  coordinated the talents of artist Sue Hammerland, Lars Lindgren, school students and the towns senior citizens to construct over 400 elm seed pods and print 600 yards of fabric.  The exhibit is inspiring in many ways; First the organization of the towns people is an art many politicians would envy, secondly the installation art piece for me is what art is about ! It's a 360 degree visual display that provides the opportunity to enter into a seldom seen or experienced wonderland.   

To view a video of the exhibit click here

Why Go to Yarmouth's Merrill Library to see the Group show & the installation art piece the Majesty of Trees?

Because Your good mind needs good art! 

 The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am , 5 & 8:30pm  On WMPG Radio 90.9 FM , 104.1 FM and streaming 24/7 at http://www.wmpg.org/

Sculpture in Garden Westcoast to Eastcoast

This is Gallery Talk your window into the world of art w/host Lars




SD Bot Gardens Succulent Waitress

  Gallery Talk hits the road this week and comes to you from the west coast of North America.

Traveling in Southern California It was not an option to drive by the "Sculpture in the Garden" event in the  San Diego Botanical Garden  . The 36 acre setting is in the coastal town of Encinitas about half way between LA & San Diego, it is this area that possesses a unique climate found only in a few regions around the globe; southern Mediterranean Coast, Western Australia and South Coastal California all have a combination of Coastal Marine Moisture, FOG and Arid desert like precipitation (less than 2" rain per year).   These conditions lead to the success of many plants; Palm, Succulents, Cacti and strangely in the coastal canyon valleys bamboo.   It was the Sculpture that brought me here, 20 Local California artists works have been assembled from polished stainless steel, bronze, mosaic to scuplture with native live plant materials.  The gardens are extensive and cover a coastal hillside with small canyon and stream with 40" waterfall.  An extensive grid of private pathways and trails offer many a quiet nook and hidden place for sculpture art.  This variety of backdrops effectively provide the sculptural forms a private setting and opportunity to surprise.  A divine experience indeed.

 Visit the Garden & Art on line : http://www.sdbgarden.org/sculpture.htm

Closer to home in Portland, Maine is the "Sculpture in the Garden" at the "Little Jewel"  The University of New England Art Gallery.  Located off Stevens avenue in Portland's Deering neighborhood The matchbox size gallery was constructed in 1977 and has a permanent collection of selected works and revolving exhibits.  In the Garden and Pine grove that surround the gallery is the 2010 Sculpture in garden.   The Works of 25 Artists  express themselves in a variety of mediums; from classic carved Maine Granite& Basault rock to Vermont Marble, also there are works in metal, fiber and ceramics.  The current exhibits diversity of material and form presents the viewer with a surprising number of grand ideas and choices.  Not surprising was the fact that I found several pieces enlightening and several alternatively disappointing. Do not let that stop you from experiencing the Sculpture in the garden, because thats art for ya, Ones lust is an others disgust.

Go See the Sculpture in the Garden at the University of New England Art Gallery because,

Your good mind needs good art! 

 The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am , 5 & 8:30pm  On WMPG Radio 90.9 FM , 104.1 FM and streaming 24/7 at http://www.wmpg.org/

Portland Maine Photo Exhibit , Art Benefit & Mombo dance party of the Month

This is Gallery Talk your window into Portland, Maine's world of art with host Lars


When I heard that Photographer Richard Sandifer was combining a new photo exhibit opening, gallery open house tour, a benefit for Safe passage and a Mambo dance party on Friday September 17th all I was thinking was:
pinch me I'm dreaming, I love all that stuff.

I received an invite to tour the Sandifer studio gallery prior to the Friday night opening.  I do not know much about photography but I have taken some photographs,  I have even taken a few with my camera phone.  So you could say I'm a photographer. Right?  After viewing Richards work I'd say not,  we are not in the same league.  I wouldn't even call Richard a photographer, he's much more.
He is a Visual Artist,  he merely employs the camera as an assistant to aid him in capturing that moment in time, that "Mojo Moment" that makes the image uniquely special and for many magical.  The Sandifer body of work is varied from portraits of Families, corporate executives, landscapes, luminaries, commercial advertising and local magazines.  Sandifer's studio space provides a cozy backdrop for the portraits and landscape images.  It features wide pine floors, warm lighting, a cool garden and patio space that Sandifer says
"when you are there time loses all meaning".


The Open Studio event features photos the artist recorded on a journey through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the California coastline.  Whether it's viewing Big Sur's jagged raw beauty through a haze of yellow California Mustard seed flowers or the Mars like landscape of the high altitude Sierra Nevada range,  Sandifer and camera have captured some special moments.  I am thankful he chose to share them with us. 

Portrait by Jen Joaquin

I would be remiss to not comment on Sandifer's commitment to  Safe Passage . The open Studio event raises awareness and funds for the Safe Passage School this is the 10th anniversary open studio event. Last Year $1200 was generated and donated to the Safe Passage School . The School is located on the fringe of Guatemala's 2000 acre city trash dump the Safe Passage School was the brain child of the late Hanley Denning , Maine resident and Bowdoin College Grad.  Known as the "Angel" Hanley's founding the school and volunteer work has allowed many of Guatemala's children to become educated and have opportunities their parents never had.  To support that Safe Passage Latin theme Sandifer has DJ Johnny Mambo coming in to spin salsa flavored beats. Also in addition to an at the door donation for Safe Passage,  portrait artist Jen Joaquin http://www.vibrantartstudios.com/  has created two paintings which will be sold and a portion of the proceeds going to the Safe Passage fund.
 

A celebration of Art, Culture and the Creative Energy it's the Richard Sandifer Open Studio Event,  151 Newbury St on Portland's east end
Friday night 5:30 - Midnight.
For more information go to the Richard Sandifer web site http://www.rgsphoto.com/#/open-studio-2010
 

 

Why go to the Sandifer open Studio Event?

Because your good mind needs some good  art!



The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am, 5 & 8:30pm on WMPG college and community radio
90.9 , 104.1 FM  and streaming on the web at http://www.wmpg.org/

What's bigger than a art gallery and potentially MONSTER FUN?

IT'S THE SEPTEMBER 11th GIANT ARTS DISTRICT WIDE BLOCK PARTY! 

I LEARNED TO LOVE BLOCK PARTIES IN COLLEGE.

I use to think it was about the beer, the unknown people, the friends, the games.  Now when I look back on the righteously goodtimes had,
I realize it was about the vibe!
It was the collective experience of people, time, activities and the blending of these factors that reached some unknown potential that was far greater than the sum of the parts.  Every Block Party had it's own mystique, it's own legend, and could be potentially the best time of your life?
Would you miss a Block Party in College?

I think not!
 
Well fast forward a few years...

To Portland's Space gallery , that's the place where Art meets Science talks about philosophy and has a cold adult beverage. It's been Portland's alternative go to host for many a unique and memorable good time.  This round they take a swing at hosting the mackdaddy party,  the PORTLAND BLOCK PARTY, an all day and evening  12 nopon to Midnight affair with the help of many of Portlands finest business' and art establishments.  

Here is a list of the Players Space Gallery Portland Ovations, The Portland Museum of Art, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Pickwick Independent Press, Portland Symphony Orchestra, and numerous neighbors on Congress Street. Also involved the shops, galleries and venues from One Longfellow Square & Genos down to Port City Music Hall , all the local business's will transform their “front yards" with the help of local artists. 

Pickwick Press Steamroller Art & Dancers

Here's a quick snapshot on a few events: Oak Street will be blocked off to car traffic as the the giant steamroller dominates the scene rolling out art prints from huge woodblock creations by the artists of Pickwick Press! Sections of  Congress and Free Streets  in the Arts District will be closed to car traffic so you can take the kids down the street for hands-on activities and performances provided by the Children's Museum & Theater of Maine, plus giant street grid games, giant building blocks of cardboard and a host of surprises.
What is a block party without dancing? At 7pm we'll be treated to a special outdoor performance by Sao Paulo, Brazil's Garotas Suecas  Think of them as a mix of : Sergio Mendes meets Portuguese speaking Greenday-U2 hybrid,  they are making waves all over the world and they bring their best tropicalia and soul to the far northern reaches, yes our beloved Portland, the outdoor concert starts at 7 pm.  Saturday September 11th noon to midnight,  now that's a block party...    

To hear Garotas Suecas Click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX7E9mGSfVg&feature=player_embedded


For more information on all the Block Party activities ago to the space gallery web site:
http://www.space538.org/event_details.php?id=545


Why go to the Portland  Art--Dancing-Positive-Vibe Block Party?

Because your good mind needs some good ol'impromptu art!

The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am, 5 & 8:30pm on WMPG college and community radio
90.9 , 104.1 FM  and streaming on the web at http://www.wmpg.org/

Cermamics Maven Allison Evans preserves our legacy

Greek Amphora

Welcome to Gallery Talk your window into greater Portland, Maine's art world.

   Pottery and Ceramics when you think about it the Greeks and the Romans left us with some great sculpture, great architecture, incredible glazed mosaic art and fantastic pottery bowls, ceramic wine vessels, truly the legacy of an advanced civilization. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery_of_ancient_Greece

   Well fear not humanity we have ceramic artist Allison Evans working for us and the beauty of her work will make future civilizations look back at this age with true envy!   A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design  http://www.risd.edu/ Allison Evans takes the natural form of coastal life and transforms it into dinnerware and tabletop accessories.  Custom created glazes adorn each piece forming a cool crystalline topography that makes each piece uniquely magnificent and captivating. Such works of function and beauty are destined for Museums not my dishwasher.  Allison's work commands your attention, boasting beauty and function simultaneously. Seriously you will not know if you should hang'm on the wall and display them or use them as food bearing vessels and set them on the table.

If you would like to experience the work in 3D The Allison Evans Gallery is located at 359 Main street in the Town of Yarmouth, ( about 12 miles north of Portland exit 16 off 295 N ) open Wed to Saturday 12 - 5pm.
If you want to see here work in 2 D travel to the virtual gallery at http://www.aeceramics.com/index.html

Allison Evans Oyster Serving Dish

Why go to see the Allison Evan Ceramics Gallery the potential legacy of our generation ,

       
because your good mind needs good art!

The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am, 5 & 8:30pm on WMPG college and community radio
90.9 , 104.1 and streaming on the web at http://www.wmpg.org/