Category: Family friendly

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

Stockton Springs Community Library Hosting THE GREAT EVENT Saturday, September 9th

THE GREAT EVENT, hosted by the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will take place on the grounds of the library and town office on Saturday, September 9th from 8 am until 2 pm. The event provides a festive atmosphere with something for everyone.  

THE GREAT EVENT is a celebration of the spirit of community which features a large community yard sale, live music, barbeque, homemade donuts, strawberry shortcake, bake sale, children’s activities, and more. It’s a great opportunity to find some bargains, enjoy great food and music, and have fun connecting with friends and neighbors.

There are still some spaces available in THE GREAT EVENT large community yard sale. Spaces are 10 feet by 15 feet and may be reserved by visiting the library during open hours. Spaces are $30. Crafters and organizations are welcome to reserve spaces. Library hours 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. 

Everyone’s invited to come out and see what’s so great about THE GREAT EVENT!

SSCL is a nonprofit all- volunteer library.  For more information call SSCL at 207-567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

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!

Wildlife Photographer Judith Hain to Speak at Stockton Springs Community Library on July 16

On Sunday, July 16th at 2:OO pm, wildlife photographer and author Judith Hain will speak at Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) about her book Other Lives, Sacred Places and the travels that inspired the book. She will also present images of her stunning wildlife photography.

Other Lives, Sacred Places is a fulsome expression of wildlife photographer Judith Hain’s respect for and love of the wild lives of Africa’s savannah elephants and their companions in that landscape. Judith offers her photographs and her story to communicate her deeply held belief that these beautiful beings have rich family lives, exhibit a wide range of emotions and intelligence, and fully deserve to be granted room to roam and safety on this earth.This belief is revealed in stunning images which draw the viewer into their world.

Other Lives, Sacred Places is at once a compelling portrait of elephants and, an invitation to all who read it to engage fully with the opportunities life offers us to pursue our passions even/especially when it means going beyond our comfort zone. Judith has said that “if my book can convince one person of the moral imperative of creating a world where animals and people can live harmoniously together, I will consider my efforts well spent.”

Judith Hain manifests her lifelong love of elephants and devotion to all animals over 22 years of wildlife photography in Africa. Judith’s work is distinguished by concentrating the power of the lens to eliminate the hierarchy between humans and other animals to capture compelling images of the intimate life of these other beings.

“Going to Africa is a spiritual journey for me. It’s as close as I get to God,” says Hain, whose 12 visits to Africa are chronicled in Other Lives, Sacred Places. Filled with stunning photos, Hains has captured images of the landscape, colorfully-clad villagers and African wildlife on the continent, focusing on elephants and their families.

Other Lives, Sacred Places was created as a charitable contribution to the organizations with whom Judith has engaged over the years that are doing groundbreaking work in conservation, particularly of wild elephant populations in Africa. Books will be available for purchase at the SSCL presentation. Proceeds from the book sales will be donated to these organizations.

Baby Elephant photo copyright Judith Hain.

For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

STOCKTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM “ALL TOGETHER NOW” BEGINS JULY 11TH  

Stockton Springs Community Library’s Summer Reading Program, “All Together Now” will take place on Tuesdays starting on Tuesday, July 11th from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

This year’s theme, “All Together Now,” has a focus on kindness, friendship, and unity. There will be stories, activities, crafts, and snacks.

The program is free and open to all ages.

SSCL is located at 6 Station St. in the heart of Stockton Springs. For more information contact the library at 207-567-4147.