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

Special Holiday Film Screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Stockton Springs Community Library 

Everyone’s invited to the Stockton Springs Community Library for a holiday screening of the original animated film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Friday, November 24th at 6:00 PM.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a classic 1966 animated film based on the children’s book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. It is the story of The Grinch trying to take away Christmas from the townsfolk of Whoville below his mountain hideaway. Boris Karloff, in one of his final roles, narrates the film and also provides the speaking voice of The Grinch. 

In addition to the film screening there will be snacks and an activity.

The event is free and all are welcome.

For more information call 567-4147

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

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.

Knitting/Craft Group August Schedule

The Knitters & Crafters Group will NOT be meeting on August 2nd or 9th. The group will be meeting on August 16th, 23rd and 30th. Time is 6-8 at the Stockton Springs Community Library. All are welcome. Just stop in.

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!

Annual Book, Bake, and Plant Sale at Stockton Springs Community Library June 3rd

On Saturday, June 3rd from 9 am to 1 pm the Stockton Springs Community Library will host its very popular Annual Book, Bake, and Plant Sale at the library on Main Street in Stockton Springs.

Library volunteers are busy dividing perennials for this popular fundraiser. There will be a wide variety of flowers and herbs to brighten your gardens. You can stock up on books for summer reading while snacking on delicious homemade baked goods. There’s always a great variety of sweet and savory baked goods available. A wide range of books, both hardcover and paperback, fiction and non-fiction, will be available for purchase.

The Stockton Springs Community Library was founded in 2001 and is located in the historic Colcord House, which is owned by the Stockton Springs Historical Society. The library is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and new volunteers are always welcome. For more information visit www.stockstonspringslibrary.org