DISCOVERLOCAL ART & EVENTS

EASTPORT & LUEBEC ARTWALKS BRINGING FUN EVENTS TO DOWN EAST MAINE • BY KATIE BINGHAM-SMITH

READY TO EXPLORE one of the two easternmost cities in Maine this summer? Mark your calendar for the Eastport & Luebec ArtWalks. For years, Eastport has played host to a traditional artwalk on the first Friday of each month. The mission is to explore life on the creative edge — way Down East.

“The Eastport & Lubec ArtWalks celebrate our region’s rich cultural heritage with all ages, all-inclusive, interactive art activities, gallery receptions, live music, film, dance, storytelling, puppetry, parades, and more,” said ArtWalks organizer Joan Lowden. These events are for all ages in various locations throughout Eastport and a great way to explore eastern Maine with the entire family. Many local arts and community organizers get together to coordinate a series of events that will be fun for everyone — most of which are outdoors and completely free of charge.

“What makes these events unique is that it’s a truly collaborative effort that brings together various community organizations,” Lowden said. “Our ‘Partners in Art’ are Tides Institute & Museum of Art, Eastport Arts Center, Peavey Memorial Library, Sipayik Museum, Lamps (Lubec Area Musicians Philanthropic Society), and Downeast Rainbow Alliance.”

For more information, visit basslady.com/artwalk.

DON’T MISS THESE EASTPORT AND LUBEC ARTWALK SPECIAL EVENTS

JUNE 23: Contra dance under the stars in Eastport. Bring the entire family or come solo. No partner nor experience is needed, and all are welcome.

JUNE 24-25: Portland’s Curbside Queens drag show in Eastport and Lubec for Pride Weekend.

JUNE 22-25: Check out “Velas” — an installation of full-size painted sails located around downtown Eastport by Eastport/Italian artist Vittoria Chierici.

AUGUST 3-6: Enjoy the Mermaid Festival! Luebec Artist Chuck Kniffen will present beach trash and sea-junk sculptures installed around downtown Eastport. And don’t miss a puppet-making workshop and an interactive scavenger hunt. On August 5, the second annual Mermaid Parade takes place, with local artists available to help you create your unique mermaid look. Also, the “Tales of Quaddy Bay” puppet theater and Stage East Canned Sardine Story Slam will return.