Silent auction of painting by William Landmesser to benefit Stockton Springs Community Library will end December 21

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is currently presenting works by artist William Landmesser in an Art in the Stacks exhibition through Thursday, December 21st. One painting, “Endangered Species” is featured in a silent auction as a fundraiser for this all-volunteer library. The silent auction ends on December 21st at noon. Winning bidder will be notified on that day.

The Art in the Stacks exhibit may be viewed and silent auction bids may be placed during regular library hours: Mon. & Wed. 3 – 5 pm, Tues. 4 – 7 pm, Thurs. 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. SSCL is located in the heart of downtown Stockton Springs. For more information phone 567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

William Landmesser Art in the Stacks Exhibition at Stockton Springs Community Library

Please note the change in date. The Meet and Greet with William Landmesser has been rescheduled to be held Sunday, October 8, from 1 to 3 pm.

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present works by artist William Landmesser in an Art in the Stacks exhibition beginning Monday, October 2nd through Thursday, December 21st. The library will host a Meet & Greet event with the artist on Sunday, October 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. All are welcome.

    Born in Albany, New York, William Landmesser grew up immersed in the visual beauty of northern New York State and New England.  Childhood summers were spent in Searsport, Maine.   At Dartmouth College Mr. Landmesser studied with Hannes Beckmann, Varujan Boghosian,  Ashley Bryan, and Gary Milek.  For three years following graduation while teaching at private secondary schools, community art classes increased his zeal to pursue visual art.  In 1977 Landmesser enrolled full time at the Art Institute of Boston, studying with Nathan Goldstein and Patricia Cobb.   Eager to learn independently, the student moved to Woodstock, Vermont where the Upper Connecticut River Valley and Dartmouth College environs served as his muse.   

    While spending time in 1980 on Long Island’s East End, Landmesser experienced a spiritual awakening. He also began receiving recognition from Hirschl & Adler Gallery (New York City) and Martha White Gallery (Louisville), where his work was shown with that of Fairfield Porter and Robert Dash. Included in the 1981 exhibit, Sunlight on Leaves, the Impressionist Tradition (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), Mr. Landmesser was referenced as “one of the promising young artists of the next generation.”   Desiring to integrate his faith and work, he entered Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he led the student fine arts committee, continued painting, and received a Master’s degree in Theological Studies.   In 1989 the artist and his wife moved to Stockton Springs, Maine.  A former garage was moved to their land and converted into a studio/gallery.   Another structure was moved onto the property and evolved over time into the home they refer to as Fern Hill.

Alluding to geographical landmarks and spiritual realities, Mr. Landmesser renamed his gallery in 2017. Narrows Art Gallery is situated near the Penobscot River as it cuts through steeply wooded hills before emptying into Penobscot Bay. Spiritually, a “Narrows” has come to denote for the artist those moments when God’s mercy awakens one to ultimate reality. The process of “seeing” is a metaphor for and manifestation of this Mercy. Looking back over his life and work, the artist acknowledges with gratitude a journey which has not been taken alone. Learn more about the artist at www.landmesserfineart.com

The sale of artwork will benefit the library and the artist. One painting will invite bids in a silent auction which will take place throughout the exhibition. The Art in the Stacks exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours: Mon. & Wed. 3 – 5 pm, Tues. 4 – 7 pm, Thurs. 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. SSCL is an all-volunteer library located in the heart of downtown Stockton Springs. For more information phone 567-4147 or visitwww.stocktonspringslibrary.org

10th Annual Pie & Art Festival at Stockton Springs Community Library August 19th

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host its 10th Annual Pie & Art Festival on Saturday, August 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This popular fundraising event provides an opportunity to bring home delicious homemade pies and to purchase quality contemporary art created by outstanding local artists.

Participating artists are Judy Belasco, Deborah Bergman, Sarah Faragher, Scott Moore, Donna Newall, Mark Quigley, Betty Schopmeyer, Harriet Seekins, Martha Shaw, Dawn Staples-Knox, Jo Swift, Peter Walls, Jacob Walls, and Anne Marie Welsh.

On that day at 2:00 pm a raffle winner will be drawn for a $100 gift certificate for Sweet Cheeks Bakery of Verona Island. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the library during open hours and at the event.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of art will benefit the SSCL Endowment Fund, which is held by the Maine Community Foundation.

SSCL is an all-volunteer community library. For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org or phone 207-567-4147.

Lots of Activities and Events Scheduled at Stockton Springs Community Library

What’s happening at the library this summer? Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is in the midst of a very busy summer, with numerous activities and events on the calendar. SSCL is an all-volunteer library located in the heart of downtown Stockton Springs.

“All Together Now” is the theme for this summer’s reading program every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The free program for children of all ages offers stories, crafts, activities, and snacks.

The library hosts Tai Chi at Stockton Springs Harbor Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. In case of bad weather, this takes place at the town hall. Sponsored by the library and the Town of Stockton Springs.

SSCL is now reserving rental spaces for the giant yard sale at The Great Event, an annual event that brings the community together for the yard sale, food, entertainment, children’s events, and more. The Great Event is scheduled for September 9th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Yard Sale spaces are $30 and may be reserved by visiting the library during open hours. Hours are Mon & Wed 3 – 5 pm, Tues 4 – 7 pm, Thurs 9 am – Noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm.

Annual Pie & Art Festival is scheduled for August 19th from 9 am to 2 pm. A great opportunity to bring home a pie or two and add to your collection of contemporary art by local artists! 

SSCL is currently holding a raffle fundraiser for a $100 gift certificate to Sweet Cheeks Bakery on Verona Island. Tickets are $1 each and are available at the library during open hours. Drawing for the winner will take place at SSCL’s annual Pie & Art Festival on August 19th at 1:00. Proceeds will benefit the SSCL Endowment Fund.

Thanks to SSCL’s “Basil’s Bottles for Books” ongoing returnables collection, the library is always up to date with purchasing all the latest books and DVD’s. Stop in to check them out!

SSCL has a new, upgraded wi-fi service which is great for streaming.

SSCL also has two books groups, a garden group, a knitters & crafters evening, and much more! For details on all of the library’s programs and events visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org. See the new garden while sitting in the Gazebo reading a new book!

Anne Spencer Art in the Stacks Exhibition at Stockton Springs Community Library

Stockton Springs Community Library will present works by artist Anne Spencer in an Art in the Stacks exhibition beginning Monday, October 31st through Thursday, December 22nd.

Spencer moved to Maine in 1972. While working as an occupational therapist at EMMC in Bangor, she also painted and exhibited with the Bangor Art Society. She received a degree in Fine Arts at Wilson College and an MA in the Interdisciplinary Program of Liberal Studies at University of Maine, Orono. Along with her painting career she has taught classes in watercolor and art history at Belfast Senior College.

Glen Cove Tide, a watercolor by Anne Spencer

Anne Spencer’s art has had a strong connection to SSCL as she was a longtime member of the weekly painting group at the library. She was the first artist to exhibit her work to help support the SSCL endowment fund and she helped to launch the library’s Pie & Art Festival, which will celebrate its 10th year in 2023. A percentage of any sales in the exhibition will benefit the SSCL endowment fund.

The exhibition will be on view during regular library open hours, which are Monday 3 – 5 pm, Tuesday 4 – 7 pm, Wednesday 3 – 5 pm, Thursday 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm.

The library will host a Meet & Greet with the artist on Saturday, November 5th from 11 am to 1 pm. All are welcome.

Stockton Springs Community Library is an all volunteer library located in the historic Colcord House at the corner of Main and Station Streets in downtown Stockton Springs. For more information phone 567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org.

Art in the Stacks at Stockton Springs Community Library Features Binders Keepers Altered Books

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present a special Holiday Art in the Stacks exhibition featuring altered books by Stockton Springs artist and entrepreneur Chelsea Porter from Monday, November 29th until Thursday, December 23rd.

Porter’s business, Binders Keepers, features books cut and folded into intricate designs. She started using this art form in 2017 when she learned the basic technique from her mother and aunt. Each book is measured, marked, and then folded page by page to make the design. Porter is able to create nearly any design imaginable and is able to personalize the artwork by folding in names or special dates.

Crafting an image or word into the book can take between four and twenty hours to complete. Porter acknowledges that it is time consuming yet therapeutic. Though each design varies, each requires a hardcover book with a minimum of 500 pages. She mainly uses books that are poised to be thrown away. 

Porter markets her work through an Etsy site: www.etsy.com/shop/BindersKeepersArt

Despite the pandemic, Porter has seen her online sales increase, and since joining the platform in 2017 she has shipped her creations to customers in 43 states.

Holiday Art in the Stacks will be open for viewing during library hours: Monday 3 – 5 pm, Tuesday 4 – 7 pm, Wednesday 3 – 5 pm, Thursday 9 am – Noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm.

Sale of Porter’s work will benefit the library and the artist.

SSCL is an all volunteer library located in the heart of Stockton Springs. For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org or phone 207-567-4147.

8th Annual Pie and Art Festival at Stockton Springs Community Library August 21st

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host its 8th Annual Pie and Art Festival on Saturday, August 21st from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. This popular fundraising event provides an opportunity to feed your body and soul, offering a variety of homemade pies and fine art from outstanding Maine artists.

Participating artists are Judy Belasco, Mary Braun, Sarah Faragher, Sue Garrett, Bill Landmesser, Scott Moore, Chelsea Porter (aka Binders Keepers), Betty Schopmeyer, Anne Spencer, Dawn Staples-Knox, Jo Swift, Peter Walls, and Anne Marie Welsh.

Following the event, remaining artwork will be displayed in the library’s non-fiction room for “Art in the Stacks.” It will be available for viewing and purchase during the library’s open hours through August 28th. Sale of artwork will benefit both the library and the artists.

2021 Copyright Judy Belasco. Painting. Stockton Springs Maine

SSCL is an all-volunteer community library. For more information call 207-567-4147.

“Art in the Stacks” artist Anne Spencer

Anne was named the Featured Artist for the 2020 Senior College Art Festival, held at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast each year.  She had an early interest in drawing, painting, and lettering. She received a BA in Fine Arts from Wilson College including courses in art history, aesthetics, oil painting, and graphic design. She received professional competency in Occupational Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania. 

During her 45 years of OT practice, 26 years in Maine, Anne continued painting and exhibiting, as well as traveling extensively. She received an MA from the University of Maine, at Orono in Liberal Studies, in areas of art, history, and health. 

“I continue to exhibit paintings and enjoy teaching watercolor classes to students who are interested in drawing and painting yet fearful to begin.”

Anne Spencer

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is please to be partnering with Anne Spencer in presenting her work at the upcoming “Art in the Stacks” event, which is to be held during SSCL’s open hours: Monday and Wednesday 3-5; Tuesday 4-7; Thursday 9-12 and 6:30-8:30; and Saturday 9-3 from September 3 through October 8. For more information contact the library at 207-567-4147.

“Art in the Stacks” artist Peter Walls

Peter Walls has a BFA from NYSSC at Alfred University and an MFA from Louisiana State University, where he taught printmaking, design and digital art until moving back to New England. He is a full time studio and decorative artist and shows regularly throughout Maine. 

In 2016 he moved to Stockton Springs where he lives and maintain his studio. You can see more of his work at www.peterwallsstudio.com.

“My work is the manifestations of the beauty and mystery I find in my interactions with the natural world here in Mid Coast Maine through the process of experimentation with pigments, found materials, color and texture. My images are “built” to reveal a narrative for: fish, birds, and other living organisms.These ethereal images are creations, composites of my many years of being involved with the decorative arts and my printmaking training; this series is a true marriage of my love of nature, sense of place, and my artistic background.”

Peter Walls

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is please to be partnering with Peter Walls in presenting his work at the upcoming “Art in the Stacks” event, which is to be held during SSCL’s open hours: Monday and Wednesday 3-5; Tuesday 4-7; Thursday 9-12 and 6:30-8:30; and Saturday 9-3 from September 3 through October 8. For more information contact the library at 207-567-4147.

“Art in the Stacks” artist Betty Schopmeyer

Betty Schopmeyer moved to Maine from the Wash, D.C. area in 2001. Her painting life began in 2013, after retiring from a long career as a speech pathologist, followed by a second career of 11 years at the Penobscot Marine Museum, as grants writer and education director. 

“I began to take classes in Color Theory from master teacher, Kris Engman, to whom I owe a great deal. Color Theory was an eye opener, in so many ways.

In 2018, a group of fellow artists and I opened Local Color Gallery, in Belfast, Maine, an exciting step in my journey as an artist. Art has been a source of discovery and delight! And, it continues…I have learned that as painters we never arrive, we just keep experimenting, taking classes, practicing and most of all looking and seeing the world in new ways.”

Betty Schopmeyer

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is please to be partnering with Betty Schopmeyer in presenting her work at the upcoming “Art in the Stacks” event, which is to be held during SSCL’s open hours: Monday and Wednesday 3-5; Tuesday 4-7; Thursday 9-12 and 6:30-8:30; and Saturday 9-3 from September 3 through October 8. For more information contact the library at 207-567-4147.