Arts Alive shines a light on Lubec history and people

Alive with Art was the theme in Lubec during the week of August 17 through 22. Billed as a Downeast community art event and envisioned by Lubec art teacher Shanna Wheelock with the help of Maine artist Natasha Mayers, the event unleashed a virtual explosion of creativity in this small community. Lubec Arts Alive 2009 came about as a result of collaboration between the two and the Lubec Historical Society, in particular Ron Pesha.

An 8' x 12' mural consisting of three panels was designed by artists with input from community members. The creative depiction of Lubec includes historical images, past and current industries, wildlife, boats, plants, trees and even a blueberry pie. The colorful graphic depiction of lively Lubec was drawn and painted in five days by member of the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA) and local community members. The mural project, situated in the Grange Hall, was open to the public. High school students, elderly residents, local artists and many others participated in painting the impressive mural, which will be mounted on the Lubec Historical Society building.

The portrait project, which now includes over 30 portraits of those who have made a contribution to Lubec past or present, was conducted by UMVA members, including nationally known artist Robert Shetterly, Diane Dahlke, Alan Crichton, Rose Marasco and Richard Brown Lethem. Jill Lavetsky, artist-in-residence, composed a stunning portrait of long-time resident Barney Rier, who recently passed away. It is hoped that the images will be maintained by organizations in Lubec, who nominated many of the subjects, with the collection brought out from time to time for public display.

Installations of doorway art on Water Street took place during the week. Whimsical and colorful sea creatures, creative sardine can displays and expressionist painting now decorate three buildings on Water Street, including Annabell's, Lubec Landmarks and Dianne's Glass Gallery at the Peacock factory. On Thursday afternoon, August 20, many folks gathered at Hamilton Cove to generate sculptures made from natural found objects. Led by local artist Jean Bookman Fincke, they built a labyrinth as well as fantastic birds and goddess-like creatures.

The public was invited to participate in iconic sign-making at the Grange Hall each day. All ages participated in designing and painting signs, which range from the abstract to reproductions of sardine can labels. Many of the signs were on display and sold at Flat Iron Corner on August 21. The proceeds will be used to cover expenses of Lubec Arts Alive.

Other UMVA artists participating in the week included Kenneth Cole, Karen Adrienne, Barbara Sullivan, Sienna Mayers, Harlan Crichton and also Mary Bernstein from Amherst, Mass.

A team of six committee members, including Jean DeVeber, Jean Bookman Fincke, Claudia Mahlman, Karen Burke, Anne Rosebrooks and Shanna Wheelock, organized the event. Many volunteers worked to cut and prime boards and provide space, tours, supplies and food, interviewed portrait subjects and donated funds. Volunteer photographers and filmmakers documented the week-long event. Oral histories and interviews with artists were collected. Local hosts provided housing for the artists who volunteered to come to Lubec and share their talents.

Concerning the role the event had in the community, Shanna Wheelock states, "Lubec Arts Alive documented and celebrated our community's rich history and people through the arts. It has been a true grassroots effort with everyone pitching in to make it a success, from the artists who volunteered their talents, to the businesses who provided food, local individuals who donated time, lodging and financial support. We had a dedicated committee here in Lubec and an all-star cast of artists from all over the state and beyond. This year's event will no doubt provide a model for future community art projects for the UMVA as well as our own town. It has truly been a pleasure to work with everyone involved."