City ready for October’s First Friday Art Walk
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Wintergreen hosts local artist
PRESQUE ISLE — Artist and Presque Isle native Rachel Smith Maher is returning to Wintergreen Arts Center with her watercolor exhibit entitled “Colors of the County” this October, just in time for the First Friday Art Walk. The opening reception for her show coincides with the monthly event — one of several offerings in the city for the public to enjoy this week.
The collection of artwork is described by the artist as “a variety of landscapes, florals and still-life paintings created with vibrant hues depicting what one might see here in Aroostook.”
Center Director Wendy Gilman-Zubrick said Maher has generously offered to provide one of her works to serve as a fundraiser for the organization.
“Rachel will again be donating an original watercolor to Wintergreen Arts Center for a raffle, the proceeds of which will benefit children who attend the Center,” said Gilman-Zubrick.
Maher stressed the importance of promoting a child’s artistic interests, citing her own experience.
“It is essential to support community art programs such as Wintergreen Arts Center. I discovered my love for creating art at Presque Isle’s Summer Recreation Program when I was 9 years old,” said Maher. “After two summers in the program, my parents found an art instructor in Caribou who furthered my knowledge through acrylics. These were the humble beginnings of a lifelong passion for art.”
“As a former educator,” continued Maher, “I can see how tapping into my creative mind as a youngster fostered skills in problem solving, analysis and project management. These are skills every child needs for success, and nurturing creative minds outside the classroom benefits everyone.”
Maher, who’s been painting with watercolors for 20 years, has — in the past five years — put her full attention toward following her passion. She said she finds inspiration in her garden, at the rocky Maine coast, and in the quiet of the pine forests. She indicated her mission is to “interpret and reflect God’s creation, bringing a sense of peace to the beholder.”
Maher’s artwork is displayed in several Maine corporate offices and in private collections throughout the U.S. and Canada. She lives in southern Maine with her husband, David.
The exhibit “Colors of the County” will be on display in the Barresi Financial Gallery at WAC from Oct. 3 -29. Raffle tickets for the original watercolor will be sold during the First Friday Art Walk and through the duration of the exhibit. Music for the evening will be provided by Jo and the Moonlighters.
Bokwa fitness demonstration
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or are just looking for a way to get off the couch and get moving this fall, Theresa Bonner will be offering a free demonstration Friday — as part of the First Friday Art Walk — of a program guaranteed to get your feet moving.
Bonner is a certified Bokwa fitness and licensed Zumba fitness instructor, with an M.Ed in counseling from Keene State University where she minored in dance. She’s also attended the Harvard University Summer Dance Intensive programs and furthers her dance interests with various workshops.
“Bokwa is a group exercise program that has origins in African dance. Participants draw letters and numbers with their feet, while performing an energizing and addictive cardio workout routine,” said Bonner.
“Moving together to today’s most popular music, participants of all ages draw the Bokwa ‘L,’ ‘J,’ and dozens of other steps,” noted Bonner.
Bokwa was developed by international fitness instructor Paul Mavi.
“Tapping into his native South African roots as a dancer and musician, he developed Bokwa for his own classes over an eight-year period,” explained Bonner.
“Bokwa uses Universal Sign Language, a combo of American Sign Language and Bokwa Sign Language, so the instructor and participant can signal the next move,” Bonner said.
Bonner will host a demonstration on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. at her studio, located on State Street. Entrance is via the door to the immediate left of the Bike, Board and Ski Shop, with the studio at the top of the stairs.
Bonner has had a life-long passion for dance and enjoys bringing that passion to others. She is the married mother of four and resides in Easton.
FMI, visit her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FitnessFunwithTheresa.
Reed Gallery exhibit
The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Fine Art Gallery will host a reception on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5-7 p.m. in conjunction with the Presque Isle First Friday Art Walk. On display will be “Wise Women: A Celebration of their Insights, Courage, and Beauty” by Joyce Tenneson. Her photographic exhibition is presented through Canon USA’s Explorer of Light program. Tenneson’s “Wise Women” exhibition features selected photographs on metal from her series and book of the same name.
Internationally lauded as one of the leading photographers of her generation, Tenneson ranks among the most respected photographers of our time. Her images have been displayed in exhibitions worldwide and are part of numerous private and museum collections. Her portraits appear frequently on covers for magazines such as Time, Life, Newsweek, Premiere, Esquire and The New York Times Magazine. Light refreshments will be served. The Reed Fine Art Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and University holidays. FMI, call Rowena Forbes at 227-3236 or e-mail rowena.forbes@maine.edu.
