Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Whether you’re looking for something to do this summer, want to plan a fall outing or are looking for a way to escape the inevitable case of cabin fever that comes with winter, a county-wide listing of what’s happening in the art world – be it a musical event or art exhibit – can now be found in one place, thanks to the creation of a Web site that lists activities throughout Aroostook.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle and members of the regional arts community unveiled the first-of-its-kind cultural events Web portal for northern Maine during a press conference earlier this year.
“The site allows artists of all kinds to share their exhibits, performances and more with the local community and the world through the use of the Internet,” said Don Zillman, president of UMPI.
Zillman said this was “exciting news not just for UMPI but Aroostook as a whole.”
Also present for the announcement were Linda Zillman, Don’s wife and a member of the Cultural Advisory Council; Carol Ayoob, director of cultural affairs at UMPI; and Cheryl LaFrance, a member of the Cultural Advisory Council.
Ayoob said the idea for the Web site first took root in late 2007.
“In December 2007 we invited a group of people together – forming the Cultural Affairs Advisory Council – and discussed some of the bigger issues like bookings, ticket prices. We decided to start with something basic – the use of a Web site. The Council determined a Web site was our best option,” said Ayoob.
With the help of Eric Brissette, the group determined the look and content for the Web site, which showcases events in a listing and a calendar format.
“This is the first stage of our vision from the portal, with a home page, a monthly calendar and contact pages,” Ayoob said. “Eventually, we hope to be able to add other pages that list local artists and links to their Web pages.”
With the click of a mouse, visitors can call up a specific calendar listing and have all the details in view, including date, time and place of the event.
LaFrance noted the convenience such a Web site will provide.
“I love the arts. Other listings make it easy to find where a pig roast will be or which church is holding a supper. But before, it was hard to find where cultural events were taking place,” said LaFrance.
“This is great for people who live here and those who visit,” LaFrance said. “It’s a great way to showcase what the County has to offer,” said LaFrance.
“This will appeal to a larger audience through the use of a comprehensive Web Site,” added Linda Zillman. “Right now it’s pretty basic but as time goes by it will grow and improve.”
Whether it’s a listing for a local coffee house or a jam session, Ayoob said any art event that wants to draw an audience is welcome to submit a listing.
“This will give us all a little better idea of what’s going on so things aren’t double-booked,” said Ayoob.
“If you’re wanting to put an event on, check the calendar. It will help individuals plan events so they don’t overlap,” said Zillman, adding, “It also allows people to schedule their time to be able to attend consecutive events.”
Ayoob is looking forward to working with individuals of all ages, listing events for adults as well as children.
“We want young people to use this too. We’re excited to work with Wintergreen Arts to post their events too,” said Ayoob.
Zillman said he’s pleased UMPI can offer this service to the community of Aroostook and beyond through the use of the Internet.
“This is exactly the kind of thing I want to see more of – the campus providing services for the community,” said Don.
The site will exclusively showcase the region’s art, musical and cultural events, both allowing artists to submit their events to a wider audience and giving the community a one-step location to learn about what’s available in Aroostook.
“We’re pleased to be able to provide this forum for the area’s artists and musicians, as well as the area’s art lovers and music fans,” said Ayoob.
“This area has such a rich cultural arts scene and Arts Aroostook will allow a greater number of people to discover all that is available to them, from coffeehouse performances, outdoor music events to art workshops and independent film showings in the region,” said Ayoob.
The University designed and will host the Web site on its server.
Volunteers will maintain the site.
All are encouraged to submit arts and cultural events taking place in the region so they can be listed on the new Web site.
To make a submission, visit www.artsaroostook.org, click on ‘submit an event,’ fill out the information and click ‘submit.’
For more information about the Arts Aroostook Web portal, contact Ayoob at 768-9462.
