Faces and Stories of Lubec: The 2009 Portrait Project opens at the Lubec Memorial Library April 14th, 2010

Portrait of Ron Pesha, Acrylic by Richard Brown Lethem

Portraits from the summer 2009 Lubec Arts Alive will be on exhibit in April 2010.
to view all portraits that were created during the 2009 event, follow this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42255573@N02/sets/72157622221346375/

Faces and Stories of Lubec
The Lubec Arts Alive 2009 Portrait Project

Portraits in acrylic, oil, charcoal, photography, and pencil by:
Robert Shetterly, Richard Brown Lethem,
Diane Dahlke, Alan Crichton, Rose Marasco, and Jill lavetsky

April 7 - June 2, 2010
Lubec Memorial Library
Lubec, Maine

Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 14th
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Open to the Public • Refreshments will be served

The Portrait Project was a component of Lubec Arts Alive 2009. Over twenty Lubec townspeople (past and present) were either painted or drawn by artists-in-residence from the Union of Maine Visual Artists. Through artistic and written documentation, this project tells a story about our town and some of the people who live here.

Lubec Arts Alive 2010

Check back for updates on this summer's upcoming event!

Lubec Arts Alive 2009 A Huge Success!

The finished mural mounted at the Lubec Historical Society

It was a great week!
Check out our flicker site to see lots of photos from the event! Thanks to all the artists, volunteers, and sponsors for making our first Lubec Arts Alive a huge success!

Click here to visit our Flicker site with 200 photos!

Lubec Alive with Art
By Karen Burke 8/22/09

Alive with Art was the theme last week in Lubec. Billed as a Downeast Community Art Event, and envisioned by local Lubec art teacher Shanna Wheelock, with the help of Maine artist Natasha Mayers, a virtual explosion of creativity was unleashed in this small community. “Lubec Arts Alive 2009” came about as a result of collaboration between the two and the Lubec Historical Society, in particular Ron Pesha .

A mural, 8' x 12' feet consisting of three panels, was designed by artists with input from community members. The creative depiction of Lubec, includes historical images, past and current industries, wildlife, boats, plants, trees and even a blueberry pie. The colorful graphic depiction of lively Lubec was drawn and painted in five days by member of the Union of Maine Visual Arts (UMVA) and local community members. The mural project, situated in the Grange Hall, was open to the public. High School students, long time elderly residents, local artists and many others participated in painting the impressive mural which will be mounted on the Lubec Historical Society building.

The portrait project, which now includes over 30 portraits of those who have made a contribution to Lubec past or present was conducted by UMVA members including nationally known artist Robert Shetterly, Diane Dahlke, Alan Crichton, Rose Marasco and Richard Brown Lethem. Jill Lavetsky, artist-in- residence composed a stunning portrait of long time resident Barney Rier who recently passed away. It is hoped that the images will be maintained by various organizations in Lubec, who nominated many of the subjects and the collection brought out from time to time for public display.

Installations of doorway art on Water Street took place during the week. Whimsical and colorful sea creatures, creative sardine can displays and expressionist painting now decorate three buildings on Water Street, including Annabells, Lubec Landmarks and Diane’s Glass at the Peacock Factory.Thursday afternoon many folks gathered to generate sculptures at Hamilton Cove, made from natural found objects. Led by local artist Jean Bookman Fincke a labyrinth was built as well as fantastic birds and goddess like creatures.

The public was invited to participate in Iconic sign making at the Grange Hall each day. All ages participated in designing and painting signs, which range from the abstract to reproductions of sardine can labels. Many of the signs were on display and sold at Flatiron Corner on Friday. The proceeds will be used to cover expenses of Lubec Arts Alive.

Other UMVA artists participating in the week included Kenneth Cole, Karen Adrienne, Barbara Sullivan, Sienna Mayers and also Harlan Crichton Mary Bernstein from Amherst Massachusetts.
A team of six committee members, including Jean DeVeber, Jean Bookman Fincke, Claudia Mahlman , Karen Burke, Ann Rosebrooks, and Shanna Wheelock organized the event including the many volunteers who worked to cut and prime boards, provided space, tours,supplies and food, interviewed portrait subjects and donated funds. Volunteer photographers and film makers documented the week-long event. Local hosts provided housing for the artists who volunteered to come to Lubec and share their talents.

Shanna Wheelock, when asked what role the event had in the community stated, “Lubec Arts Alive documented and celebrated our community's rich history and people through the arts. It has been a true grass-roots effort with everyone pitching-in to make it a success, from the artists who volunteered their talents, to the businesses who provided food, and local individuals who donated time, lodging, and financial support. We had a dedicated committee here in Lubec and an all-star cast of artists from all over the state and beyond. This year’s event will no doubt provide a model for future community art projects for the UMVA as well as our own town. It has truly been a pleasure to work with everyone involved.”

Lubec Arts Alive 2009 a Huge Success!

Lubec Arts Alive 2009 Schedule of Events

Hey all you Artists!
Check out the Schedule of Events - And join us for a whole load of art-making fun!

email: lubecartsalive@yahoo.com

All events take place August 17-22, 2009
All events are rain or shine.

Historical Society Mural Painting
Funded in part by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council.
Led by Artist Natasha Mayers
Location: The Grange, corner of North Lubec Rd. across from McFadden's Market
Dates/Times:
Monday 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Note: Ages 10 and older may work on the mural, and those under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Iconic Sign Painting
Location: The Grange, corner of North Lubec Rd. across from McFadden's Market
Dates/Times:
Monday 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Note: All ages welcome, but those under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian! Signs will be displayed and sold on Friday, proceeds to benefit Lubec Arts Alive.

Sculptural Doorway Installations
Artists: Mary Bernstein, Barbara Sullivan, and Siena Mayers
Location: Water Street, Lubec
#1 Annabell's Pub
#2 Lubec Landmarks/Mullholand Bros. Market
#3 Diane's Glass Gallery
Dates/Times: approximate
Monday 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Note: This is an "artist-specific project", but spectators are welcome!

Portrait Project
Artists: Robert Shetterly, Diane Dahlke, Rose Marasco, Jill Lavetsky, Richard Brown Lethem, and Alan Crichton
Location: The Grange, corner of North Lubec Rd. across from McFadden's Market
Dates/Times: approximate
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Note: Subjects of these portraits were nominated by local organizations. All portraits will be preserved and displayed here in Lubec. There will be an extensive art exhibit of the portraits at a later date, as well as a brief public viewing (see below) of the portraits on August 22nd.

Natural Found-Object Sculpture
Artists: Led by Jean Bookman-Fincke, live Bagpipes by Kara McCrimmon
Location: Hamilton Cove
Dates/Times:
Thursday 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Note: Inspired by the artwork of Andy Golsdworthy? Join us in creating sculptures with natural found objects like stones, kelp, shells, driftwood, etc. Rain or shine.

Artist Slide Show and Discussion
Artists: Participating Resident Artists from the Union of Maine Visual Artists, including a shadow puppet performance!
Location: Lubec Memorial Library
Dates/Times:
Tuesday 5:30 p.m.

Iconic Sign Display and Sale
Proceeds to benefit the Lubec Arts Alive
Location: Flatiron Corner
Dates/Times:
Friday 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Public Viewing of Portraits from the Portrait Project
Location: Lubec Memorial Library
Dates/Times:
Saturday 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Liability Disclaimer: The Lubec Arts Alive Committee, associated volunteers and artists are not responsible or liable for any accident , injury, or death that may occur as a result of any of the Lubec Arts Alive 2009 projects and activities. Organizers, artists and volunteers will not be legally responsible for the children participating in projects and activities. Children under the age of twelve must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Mark your calendars now!

Hamilton Cove, Lubec
Photo by Noah Beuhner

Lubec Arts Alive 2009 is a week-long arts collaboration between Lubec townspeople and the UMVA. The 5 day event includes a series of site-specific art projects that occur simultaneously throughout town. UMVA artists will take residence in Lubec to spearhead the art projects, and local community members (and tourists) will join-in to create art throughout the week.

- Mural Painting at the Lubec Historical Society
- Portrait Project
- Doorway Installations
- Iconic Sign Painting
- Natural Found-object Sculpture
- Artist Slide-Show and Discussion of Work

Mark your calendars now!

August 17-22, 2009
Lubec, Maine

Keep checking back to this website for more details! We expect to have a schedule of events by early July.

Donations/sponsors, housing, food, and volunteers are needed!
Email us at:
lubecartsalive@yahoo.com