Many Local Talents Contribute to the Evening's Creative Activities
While the highlights of the Wiscasset Art Walk are the resplendent art galleries, owner-owned specialty shops, antique treasures, riverside feasting, and extraordinary music, local community groups bring heart and soul to the evening on Thursday, July 27, 5-8pm, in Wiscasset Village.
The Garden Club of Wiscasset (GCW) has become a Wiscasset Art Walk fixture, on the corner of Main and Middle Sts., since tentatively setting up their first impromptu floral shop in summer 2016. According to GCW member Janice O’Connell, “After a very enjoyable 2016 Art Walk, we’re back this year drawn by the very pleasant job of selling bouquets from the bounty of our members’ gardens, sending locals and visitors off with a smile, and promoting our club.” The GCW, a friendly mix of novice and experienced gardeners, is a community-spirited group. The club’s goal, says O’Connell, is to share the beauty of gardens through their work on many civic projects. O’Connell hopes that visitors to the WAW will stop by the garden club’s pop-up flower stand, learn more about the club, and “take time to smell the flowers.”
For the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset, participating in the Wiscasset Art Walk is a brand new adventure. According to Reverend Josh Fitterling, pastor, the congregation “always wants to support the wider community” and the WAW is an opportunity to do just that. In addition to meeting new neighbors, Congregational Church volunteers want to add to the evening’s fun. During the July 27 WAW, church volunteers will be setting up a ‘photo booth’ with dress-up props and polaroid cameras so that kids, adults, families, and even beloved pets, can go home with a souvenir from the evening (free of charge). Look for the photo booth on the lawn in front of Marston House at 101 Main St.
Another new and local feature of the Wiscasset Art Walk’s 2017 season is Ukes Unite!. Wiscasset Middle High School teachers Prema Long and Kim Andersson started the school’s ukulele club last February in response to students’ interest. During the school year, the new music club, named Ukes Unite!, met weekly with about six people participating with their own instruments. Now, says Andersson, more “interested newbies are waiting in the wings.” The teachers volunteer their time to coach Ukes Unite! and will fundraise to purchase ukuleles for the school to allow for more participation. During the Wiscasset Art Walk, meet teachers Long and Andersson and students in the courtyard behind In the Clover at 85A Main St. Says Andersson, “While Ukes Unite!'s repertoire is small, their style and camaraderie is great!” Rumor has it that ukes will be available for an informal strum!
Wiscasset Art Walks are held on the last Thursday of the summer months, 5-8pm, with July 27, August 31, and September 28 still ahead. Participant sites are marked with colorful streamers and touring maps are available throughout the Village. Major Sponsors for Wiscasset Art Walk 2017 are Donna and Frank Barnako, Ames True Value, Big Barn Coffee, Carl M.P. Larrabee Agency, Carleton Real Estate, Carriage House Gardens, First National Bank, Red’s Eats, and The Maine Real Estate Network/Chris Almasi, broker. Additional sponsors are Cod Cove Inn, Fogg Art Restoration, and In the Clover.
