Sandifer's swinging party

Photographer Richard Sandifer threw a jumping party Friday night at his Newbury Street studio, where he unveiled an impressive new body of work and accepted donations in support of Safe Passage. At first the party was like any gallery reception. The music was low, people were chatting in small groups and everyone was checking out the work. Adam and I talked with friends and enjoyed the delicious wine, tasty Shipyard beer, yummy Portland Pie and spicy Mexico Lindo tapas.

But as the evening wore on, the music grew louder, the rooms grew more crowded and then the dancing began. And not just a little hip swaying. This was full on swing dance.

Friday night was an absolute downpour here in Portland, but this didn't keep the revelers out of the Zen garden, which offers a series of seating areas, a bubbling fountain and a winding brick walkway. Thankfully Richard (who's in the far left of this snapshot) had the foresight to install an elaborate tarp system over his walled garden. This kept the crowds dry and in high spirits all night long.

Politicians + vegan chili in Bayside

At last night's annual Bayside community dinner held at the Boys & Girls Club, Alex Landry (left) was elected chair of the neighborhood association's steering committee. He takes over from Ron Spinella (right), who owns 3 Fish Gallery and has been a tireless champion of Bayside and our downtown neighborhood for a number of years.

Chris Danse (left) made a delicious vegan chili, plus a chili con carne for the omnivores. Other wonderful offerings included mac and cheese (which Susan McCloskey is serving), corn bread, gluten-free corn bread and salad.

Rep. Herb Adams (left) and Justin Alfond (right), who's running for state Senate, both joined us for dinner. Our City Councilor Kevin Donoghue was there too, but he had to catch the 7:15 ferry for a meeting on Peaks Island and left before I could get a snapshot of him.

Not only did I enjoy good food and good company at last night's dinner, I was able to do a little shopping. I purchased a few spring bulbs and supported Nathan Clifford School all at the same time. That's what I call a sweet dessert!

Gettin' artsy at the market

Not only is the Portland Farmers' Market the place to score the best tasting eats, it's also a prime spot for scoping out the local artistic talent. One artist you can always count on seeing at the market is David Marshall, who's at the far left in the above photo. His neon-colored works depict Portland street scenes and local landscapes. And not only is he a DAM fine artist, but he's also a city councilor. Which means should you want to gripe about city government, he's right there at the market ready to lend an ear.

Here are a few other artists you're likely to run into at the market:

Paula Collier runs Funky Designs with her daughter Katherine Evans. Today she had some really cool found object pendants that she tells me have been a hot item.

Jeffree Lerner paints these fun panels that have a mystical, tribal feel.

Kimberly Wilder (who is camera shy) runs Wilder Designs and creates lovely necklaces and bracelets with a primary focus on pearls and semi-precious stones.

I'm so thankful for all these creative people who make Portland a more interesting city just by setting up shop on the street.

Chestnut Street Church headed for Grace

This lovely old church is tucked behind City Hall on Chestnut Street. A former Methodist house of worship (not so creatively named Chestnut Street Church), it was recently purchased by Anne and Peter Verrill, who own the Foreside Tavern in Falmouth. When I spotted the dumpster outside and a building permit by the door, I had to investigate.

Kate Tozier, the GM of the Foreside Tavern, tells me the aim is to create a casual fine dining establishment named Grace.

"Anne and Pete have bought the church and are renovating it to become a restaurant and a bar with a function area downstairs," Tozier says.

They hope to open in Feb. or March of next year. (Of course, with the way restaurant openings go, we probably shouldn't get our hopes up until May.)

Toizer says the menu and concept are far from complete, but tells me there won't be white cloths on the tables or nachos and wings on the menu. Instead they want the atmosphere to mimic the comfortable, welcoming vibe that Foreside Tavern has been so successful in cultivating.

The PMA's awesome 25th

Last night at the Portland Museum of Art's Totally 25 b-day party celebrating the anniversary of the Charles Shipman Payson Building everything was a flashback to the '80s. Down in the glass gallery there were tons of desserts and '80s music by DJ Kyle Downs. I heard there was break dancing going on down there too, but we didn't catch it.

Outside people were making these giant building blocks.

The PMA staff members all had really amazing costumes on. Even acting Director Tom Denenberg was decked out in a totally '80s preppy look that included Bean boots. Here are the party-goers who participated in the costume contest. The girl standing second from left was the winner.

Outside in the sculpture garden, '80s tribute band The Awesome got the crowd moving, even though the temperature was nowhere near the 80s.

Tonight's totally awesome party

Last night over a totally radical dinner at the Green Elephant (you've got to like totally try the tempura asparagus salad off the specials menu - it's like, oh my god, seriously fresh), my sister and I had a blast reminiscing about the gag me with a spoon world that was '80s fashion. Of course we like totally talked about the '80s obsession with peg-legging pants, the use of socks and leg warmers with pumps (that's what we called high heels in the '80s) and the strange trend of acid-washed denim. But mostly we like laughed out loud about '80s hair. My own personal '80s do included a spiral perm with my bangs and the sides teased out and up as high as possible. Like can you believe it? Today it just sounds grody to the max, but back then it was totally rad.

For those of us who didn't get enough of the Material Girl era, we can relive it all again tonight at the Totally 25 Party at the Portland Museum of Art. The fun starts at 5 pm and includes a costume contest, music by '80s tribute band The Awesome and a screening of the '80s classic "The Breakfast Club." I'm stoked that there will be a cash bar. But best of all, it's totally free. Party hearty dudes!

Inside the Baxter Building

Since 1889, the Baxter Building has been a landmark of upper Congress Street. It began its life as the city's library after being donated to our fair town by six-term mayor and philanthropist James Baxter. The library moved down the street in 1979 and in 1983 the Maine College of Art took over the space.

Now MECA has put the building up for sale and the prospective buyer is interested in turning it into office space for creative types. MECA plans to consolidate its offices and classrooms at the Porteous Building, which will surely make life much easier for its students.

Even though I've lived in Portland for a decade, I'd never been inside the Baxter Building, until this weekend. I took a class at MECA that just happened to be held in the Baxter Building. From my brief peek inside, it's clear this building has wonderful architectural potential.

According to a story in the current edition of the "Landmarks Observer" (published by Greater Portland Landmarks), "The structure retains much of its original integrity, though large statues representing History, Literature and Art that once stood on the roof peak and cornice eaves were removed in 1929. The original front doors have been replaced and windows have been modified. Inside, many architectural details remain intact, though MECA installed partitions to divide the former reading room into offices and a mezzanine under the second floor peaked ceiling for its New Media lab."

Here's some of what I saw inside:

This is the lovely stairway that welcomes visitors inside from the street.

And here's the soaring ceiling of what I'm assuming is the former reading room. Below (and out of the frame) are partitions that block off whatever is going on at ground level.

Fall comes to the market

The crisp feel of autumn was in the air this morning when I made my way over to the Portland Farmers' Market in Monument Square around 8 am. For anyone unable to feel that cool Canadian air, the sight of pumpkins at many stands proved that fall is right around the corner.

Squash was in abundance too, in a range of varieties.

With truly cold weather only a month or so away, it's a good time to start eating apples to keep doctor's visits at bay. Personally, I always try to go for the organic ones because my mouth feels all tingly when I eat the ones that have been sprayed. Look for the organic apples from Ricker Hill Farm.

Another wonderful vegetable to enjoy in the fall is farm fresh celery. Once you've tasted the amazing flavor of locally grown celery there's just no going back to those anemic, plastic-wrapped stalks you can buy in a supermarket. The other night I cooked up a super tasty Market vegetable & amaranth soup using this Fishbowl Farm celery.

In case you're wondering what in the world amaranth is, here's one variety. Here in Maine we tend to see these as ornamental flowers. But the plant has been prized throughout human history for its seeds.

On the eco island

Last night was the monthly Greendrinks gathering. In the past, we Greendrinkers have hob-nobbed it up at a business on the peninsula. But last night we went much further afield. Actually, I'm not even sure we were still in Portland.

All 110 of us hopped a charted boat and cruised out to Cow Island, home of Rippleffect. The night's festivities were co-sponsored by the organizers of the Kindle Bioneers conference coming to USM Portland in October. (The connection comes from Kindle organizer Ted Regan, who is one of the original founders of Rippleffect.)

The first order of business was to divide us up into five groups for a tour around the island. This turned out to be more difficult than you'd think. I took this shot right after the group leaders (in the center) proposed that we count off by five to split into groups. Boy, was that an unpopular suggestion! The reaction may have seemed a little odd, considering the fact that Greendrinks is a social networking group, but I think it had more to do with us urbanites finding ourselves on a very rustic island and not wanting to abandon the time honored code of the buddy system. (Motto: No friend left behind.)

Our group had the good fortune of being led by singer/songwriter Emilia Dahlin, who happens to be Rippleffect's Duchess of Discovery for Fort Lyon. (Note to self: I really need to get a better title!) Here she is showing off the new composting toilets.

And here are the older composting toilets. I admit I didn't try them out, but I heard that they were quite nice. The newer toilets have a solar array that powers a fan to ward off any smells.

Located next to Great Diamond Island and Long Island, the 26 acre Cow Island is the home of Fort Lyons, which was built in 1907. The hub of the island is located here, where the former officer barracks are being fixed up for re-use. Isn't it amazing what a little lime green paint, a string of Tibetan prayer flags and some potted plants can do for an abandoned building? This section of the island also features a brand new commercial kitchen. Other green highlights here include:

A rainwater collection system

A solar panel to power the kitchen and a few lights

And an artsy cobb oven

Rippleffect has plans for many of the old fort structures that are hidden across the island under the fast-growing bittersweet. Here's a little bunker which will someday be the Cow Island library. This inspired my friends Kate and Shannon to strike a proper bibliophile pose.

Our tour ended at an old watch tower with a stellar view. This shot shows Great Diamond Island and Peaks Island, in the distance.

After hiking across the island, we were ready for some Peak Organic beer, organic wine from Rosemont Market & Bakery and food donated by Flatbread, Amato's and Norm's.

Instead of our typical citified networking, we got to mingle under the wide open skies.

All too soon it was time to board the boat and head back to Portland. As you may be able to tell from my crazy grin, I've had a few glasses of wine at this point. It probably didn't help that the boat's liquor license rules forced me and a bunch of other people to chug our drinks dockside (good thing I took that course in college). Because everything was organic, I didn't wake up with a hangover this morning. Thanks Greendrinks for an organic good time!

Weekend report: Black Frames & Picnic

Friday night may have been rainy, but that didn't keep serious art lovers from standing in line waiting for the doors to open at the Black Frame Art Sale. This line started forming about 45 minutes before the doors opened.

Here I am inside the show before the doors opened with fellow organizers Tom Blackburn and Gael May McKibben. You can see some of the artwork on the walls behind us. My dad, who's a photographer, very generously volunteered to take these shots.

Once the doors opened, hordes of people flooded inside. As always, it was a mad rush, with collectors frantically searching out their favorite artists and quickly scooping up paintings. Fellow committee members are still tallying the total number of pieces sold, but at the close of the show on Saturday, I heard there were roughly 100 sold. Which is pretty impressive, especially when you consider the state of the economy.

Portland's artsy vibe continued on Saturday with the Picnic Music + Arts Festival. Adam and I walked over around the dinner hour and were really impressed. Here's a shot from the Honey Clouds' awesome performance.

This wasn't a typically craft fair type event with knitted Santas and Styrofoam snowman. Instead there were tons of slightly funky but totally creative vendors.

You could even have your tarot cards read. Beyond the event's inherent coolness, I was psyched to see the very under-utilized Lincoln Park filled with a crowd. Let's hope this great downtown venue sees more events like this in the future.

Sneak peek at Friday's art bargains

A work by Justin Richel awaits its signature black frame.

I've been involved with the Black Frame Art Show for the last few years, and I continue to be impressed and amazed by the quality of work this show attracts. This year's event, with its more than 300 pieces of art, will be no different when it opens tomorrow night. The 57 participating artists were vetted by a curatorial committee and include collector favorites such as Marsha Donahue, John Knight, Caren-Marie Michel, Holly Ready, Justin Richel and Matt Welch.

Caren-Marie Michel's (above) and Helene Farrar's (below) works are framed and ready to be hung.

I got to peek at a number of the pieces the other night and now I'm absolutely itching to bring some home. But like everyone else, I have to wait until those doors officially open at 5 pm tomorrow.

Since all the one-of-a-kind works measure 10-inches by 10-inches and sell for only $200, there's always a crazy rush at the start of the show. Every year we have a sizable crowd gathered outside waiting to bust through the doors and get their hands on these affordable works. If you want to have the pick of the show, you'll need to be in that line that starts forming around 4:30. Otherwise come by the Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall anytime between 5-9 pm to check out the show and enjoy a glass a wine. It also continues on Saturday from 10 am-3 pm.

If you're looking for me, I'll be at the raffle table, where $10 will get you a chance to win an October Weekend on Peaks Island. Everyone who shows up will be entered into the free drawing to win a 5'x8' Angela Adams rug in the Scotia design.

Hope to see you there!

Diane Bowie Zaitlin's works await their frames.

Carrots make me laugh

I'm a big fan of humor inserted in unexpected places. Like on this price tag for carrots at the Freedom Farm stand at today's Portland Farmers' Market. These clever farmers have had similar messages on their tags for a few weeks now, but this is the only one I spotted today. I'm not super confident the carrot-for-breakfast trend is going to catch on, but it certainly beats eating a McMuffin.

The rustle of clouds

New this summer to the Portland public art scene are two sensual sculptures created by Maine artist Vivian Beer. Located in Winslow Park next to Back Cove, "Rustle" and "Cloud Bench" replaced "Milkweed Pod" by Clark Fitzgerald, which was installed there in 1975.

Despite my mad skills with a Google search and my insider access to the Press Herald archives, I can't track down much info about the old Fitzgerald piece. However, I recall hearing that the work had been done collaboratively with a group of students and that the artist was never particularly happy with the results. Could this be why it got kicked to the curb?

Not so, according to Sally Struever, a member of the Public Art Committee and co-chair of the Beer installation.

The Fitzgerald piece "was replaced because it fell down in a storm," Struever tells me.

Made of carved wood and concrete, "Milkweed Pod" was destroyed during its unfortunate encounter with Mother Nature. But no feelings were hurt, because, as Struever explains "it was meant to be a temporary piece."

In contrast, the Beer works are constructed of painted steel and are meant to be permanent. Best of all, the abstract pieces exude an organic, modern feel that fits perfectly with Portland's earthy yet up-to-date vibe.

Documenting Salt

With the start of the new school year, the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies has officially moved into its new digs. Work continues on the Congress Street facade, but the inside is bold and bright and teeming with students.

Karen Beaudoin, my editor and a Salt board member, recently scored a behind the scenes tour. She tells me the renovated space (designed by SMRT and built by Zachau Construction) is quite impressive.

If you want to check it out yourself, you can mark you calendar for Tuesday, Oct. 14, when SALT and Switch magazine host that month's Greendrinks.

Until then, here are some shots of the inside, courtesy of Karen:

This is the classroom for radio students.

Here's Donna Galluzzo, executive director, in her new office.

This is the auditorium known as the Red Room, where student films will be screened.

Gone Granny's Gone

It's official, Granny's Burritos is no more. After the unexpected padlocking of its Fore Street doors last December, fans were thrilled to see the cheap eats joint re-open in the spot of the former Uncle Billy's on Congress Street. But the collaboration between Granny's Chris Godin and Uncle Billy's John St. Laurent has come to an end.

But burrito freaks need not despair. The Congress Street spot is now home to Grandes Burritos Taqueria.

According to bartender Chris Wilson, the name change occurred when Godin left the partnership and St. Laurent stayed on to keep the burrito-loving masses fed. (No word on why Godin departed.)

"We've kept some of the old menu and improved on some of the recipes," Wilson says. "We wanted to keep the original style for the customers who wanted Granny's."

The additions include tacos, burrito bowls and an expanded offering of sauces. Wilson also says all the prices have been lowered by about $1.50. Currently, the restaurant is open daily from 11:30-10 pm and may soon expand its hours to midnight (and possibly later on the weekends). Each night there is live music, beginning around 8 pm.

Beer and wine remain on tap, but the service style has reverted back to the way it was on Fore Street. You order at the counter and your meal is delivered to your table. Take-out is available, and delivery may be offered in the future. Call 761-5930 for more info.

I walked up there for lunch on Tuesday, but the place wasn't open. So I can't tell you how the food measures up. If you've had a chance to check it, please chime in and let us know what you think.

Walk the Portland way

"Portland, Maine vs. Skelaxin," by Zachary Howard is on view at the Corduroy Surf Boutique. While you're there you can listen to DJ Mr. Dereloid spin his signature beat.

Portland is blessed with a ton of really cool goings-on. And despite the stiff competition, I'd put the First Friday Art Walk at the top of the list. Not only is it a great opportunity to get some exercise and see some amazing art, it's a civilized way to score free booze. (And who can argue with that?)

The other thing I love about Art Walk is it's so approachable. Admittedly I spend a fair amount of time hanging out in galleries. But I realize they can be a little bit intimidating for many casual browsers. The huge crowds eliminate the barrier of walking into an empty room and then having to make intelligent conversation with the person minding the gallery.

So if you're wondering what to do tomorrow night, head out for the Art Walk from 5-8. There is just an utterly unbelievable amount of shows to check out. If you want some guidance, you can read my selected tour and print the official map.

"Blosson," by Shaio Ping is on view at Susan Maasch Fine Art in the "Landlocked: The Contemporary Landscape" show.

Life in the time of tomatoes

As a dedicated farmers' market groupie, I've learned that you need to go early to get the best eats. The Saturday market in Deering Oaks presents a challenge for me, because I'm not much of a early riser on the weekends. Even so, I thought we were doing pretty good to make it there at 10 am this past Saturday. But since everyone and their brother seems to have figured out that the farmers' market is the secret to eating well, the place was absolutely mobbed and the farmers were moving as fast as they could to keep the bins full and the huge lines moving.

So today, I headed out at 8:30 am for the market. The crowd was steady but not yet overwhelming, and I managed to get lots of tasty veggies and fruits. If you're heading out for today's market in Monument Square (it goes until 2 pm), here's a look at what you can expect to find.

Tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes. Every stand has them in an endless number of colors and varieties.

I'm pretty fond of these fingerling potatoes. You know how the fast food restaurants inject their machine made french fries with artificial flavors to give them that distinctive smell and taste? Well I think they stole the flavor from roasted fingerling potatoes.

Whether you like them scorching hot or sweet and mild, there's no shortage of peppers at the market.

I like to pop into the Public Market House on Wednesdays to grab a loaf of bread from Big Sky Bakery. The price, flavor and freshness can't be beat.

For dessert, there are fruits galore. I found tons of apples and a great assortment of blueberries (the wild ones are pretty much done for the season, but the high bush ones should last through to the first frost), plus raspberries, blackberries, peaches and plums.

What the world needs

One of my favorite pieces of public art in this funky city is the ever-changing sign in the window of the Artist Studio Building on Congress Street. Located next to the Maine College of Art and upstairs from SPACE Gallery, this building provides creative digs to dozens of local artists. A couple times a year, the artists welcome in the public for a tour. Mark you calendars: the next open house coincides with the December First Friday Art Walk on Dec. 5.

Until then, just be sure to look up when you pass this building to get a dose of artistic inspiration or creative humor. When I saw today's message, I wondered if it's a not-so-subtle reminder to MECA's returning students that more lucrative employment can be found elsewhere? And while I appreciate an artistically dug ditch as much as the next person, I hope the art students stick to their guns (er ... paint brushes). Because as far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as too much art. Especially when it's public.