By Carol McCracken (Post # 2,397)
The 50th Annual WCSH-TV Sidewalk Art Show drew a large crowd of viewers and perhaps not spenders so much as some would have liked. What was expected to be a weather wash-out turned to be anything but that. Partly sunny skies and a breeze attracted people to the show which was a mix of photography and paintings. It did provide excellent exposure to artists looking for that because it is considered a major show in the area. If there are a lot of tourists attending, it can be quite successful said Jean Andrew a painter, who has been in the show for the past twenty (20) years.
Kevin Brown, of Studio-Nine-Photography, said his best-selling photograph is this colorful one (see below right) of fishing shacks, taken near Cape Town, South Africa. It was taken at sunrise a number of years ago. He believes the shacks have since been repainted and are rented as bath houses. Brown said that in the last ten (10) years digital photography has exploded. Now these pigment prints will last seventy-five (75) years to one-hundred (100) years. (See bottom right photo.)
Erick Minzner, Minzner Fine Art, of Newcastle, showed this well-known scene of Monhegan with the red house that Jamie Wyeth made famous in his painting. “Monhegan is the east coast mecca for artists,” said Erick. He paints in mostly oil and does about twenty-five (25) shows a year from Maine to Boston. His favorite painting is: “The one you are about to buy,” he said laughing. (See below left photo.)
Chris Lawrence, owner of Maine Photography is another amazing artist who hails from Scarborough. Chris works all over Maine photographing people’s’ homes and business related material. Chris, said there are so many photographers in this art show because digital opens up the window for more people to get involved in photography and it is less expensive than film – which helps considerably. Check out Chris’ web page to get a much better view of his work than this photo shows. You’ll be glad you did. www.mainephotography.com (207) 632-0562, (See photo right.)
Artist Chelsea Johnson, returned home to Portland from Boston, to appear in her first Sidewalk Art Show. Chelesa majored in chemistry with an art minor at Connecticut College. She paints in both oils and acrylics. Painting is a hobby for her now Chelsea says; a/k/a Johnson Design. Chelsea is studying to be a physical therapist. She said of her boyfriend doing cancer research in Boston: “He’s going to save the world and I’ll make it beautiful,” Chelsea said laughing. (See above left photo.)
Dale J. Martin, Massapoag Pond Photography, featured this photo of a great gray owl in flight. The owl was about 125 feet away from Dale and five feet off the ground when it was taken. Dale’s web page is http://massapoag.com or (508)849-7730, or dale@massapoag.org. (See above right photo.)
Ann McFarren, a painter of oil and watercolor, said this typical Vermont scene is one she enjoys because it reminds of her home state: Vermont. Ann has been in this art show for over forty-five (45) years she said with her retired husband Don at her side; he just turned 85 years old. However, this could be their last trip from Rutland – it’s a long drive. webpage: www.annmcfarren.com or (802)773-2197. (See photo above left.)