Cutting-edge contemporary at PMA's Biennial

Every two years, the Portland Museum of Art treats us to a snapshot of the Maine contemporary art scene in the form of the much-anticipated Biennial exhibition. This is one of those delightful years. The show opens to the public tomorrow and is sure to generate a lot of excitement.

Today I was one of the lucky few who had the chance to tour the exhibition during the press preview with Director Mark Bessire and curators Susan Danly and Sage Lewis. Here you can see some of the fine folks who work their magic at local media outlets, including the Portland Press Herald, the Lewiston Sun Journal, Portland Magazine, The Bollard and WCSH-6.

Susan called this show a "radical change" from past year's Biennials. Why? Because of the number of artists and works in the show. The 2009 exhibition includes 29 works by 17 artists. In contrast, the 2007 Biennial included 98 works by 61 artists.

Jurors for this year's show were Elizabeth Burke, an art consultant and former co-director of the Clementine Gallery in New York, Denise Markonish, curator at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and Dan Graham, a video, installation and performance artist who lives in New York.

Susan credited Dan Graham with steering the jurors to a number of excellent installation works. After the jurors selected the installations, they then looked for a number of smaller works that would relate to the installations. These works generally provide a new way of looking at landscapes, such as Mary Aro's Ashcan-style paintings of a Maine dump and Melissa A. Calderon's chromogenic prints of a gold-plated chicken traveling through an urban environment.

Here are just a few of the installations sure to wow museum visitors:

This is "Thumper," by Sam van Aken. The work is composed of 50 subwoofers and when turned on emits a loud thumping bass, reminiscent of the noise that comes from the cars of teenage boys. Sam won the Jurors' Prize at the 2007 Biennial.

This is just part of Sean Foley's installation "Menace." His work was featured in a recent show at Whitney Art Works, and he won a Jurors' Prize at the 2003 Biennial.

This massive installation, "Falsework" by Wade Kavanaugh, fills the entrance to the main gallery and forms a wall that guides visitors into the space before it spills out in undulating waves. You can see a satellite installation of this work in the window of the Port City Music Hall.

And here's the result of Ethan Hayes-Chute's construction project, which I blogged about a couple weeks ago. It's called "Hermitage" and reminds me of a shack my uncle built in the woods behind my grandfather's dairy farm when he was a teenager.

The really cool think about Ethan's piece is you can actually walk around inside it. As you explore, you'll find the belongings of an imaginary hermit, including his liquor cabinet. The work feels so real, down to the ashes on the stove and the pinecones on the roof. This realism extends to the nearby outhouse, where you'll want to be sure to check out what lies beneath the seat.

The Portland Museum of Art's 2009 Biennial opens April 8 and remains on view through June 7. Tickets cost $10 and admission is free on Friday nights.

Icy art carved up for Portland's WinteRush

Inside the tents and tarps currently housed in Lincoln Park is an eye-catching assortment of snow and ice sculptures. Organized by the Maine Snow & Ice Sculpting Foundation, the International Snow & Ice Art Expo features the chilly work of artisans from around the country. It's all part of the city's WinteRush festival, which goes on all week.

The crowning glory of this show is the 35-foot sculpture of a humpback whale and her calf.

Here's another view of the whales. One of the sculptors (right), who hails from Wisconsin as part of the award-winning Team USA, is explaining carving techniques to a visitor.

An all-woman's sculpting team is behind the creation of the yellow submarine snow sculpture. It's hollowed out, allowing visitors to get inside and peek out through the windows.

There are a few ice sculptures sprinkled throughout the tent too.

Fans of President Abraham Lincoln will want to check out this replica of his boyhood home. By Thursday, which is the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, a sculpture of Lincoln as a child reading a book in front of the fireplace will be added inside the cabin. There will be a dedication at 10 am on Thursday morning, and visitors will be able to walk inside the cabin.

Each day of the week will bring new sights to see. According to Ed Jarrett, president of the Maine Snow & Ice Sculpting Foundation, "it's sort of like an ice museum over here, we keep adding to the exhibits."

And should you be wondering when to go, Jarrett says "viewing it at night is when we get the biggest wow factor."

The expo is open from 10 am-10 pm daily, through Valentine's Day. Tickets cost $3 for adults, $1 for kids under 18 and are free for kids 3 and under. It's definitely a cool show you won't want to miss.

Find the First Friday after party at Corduroy

After being closed for a month to refine the product selection and revamp the art space, Corduroy Surf Boutique & Gallery plans a re-opening celebration during tomorrow night's First Friday Art Walk. Actually, Tyler Briggs (the shop's art & event director) tells me the party tends to start late and go much beyond the official 8 pm end to Art Walk. She says the drinks will start flowing around 7 pm and the party probably won't wind down until 11 pm, which makes Corduroy the perfect spot to hit after the other galleries close their doors for the night.

I stopped by this morning to check out the new space and the new art, and found Tyler (left) and owner Jim McGinley unpacking a few boxes of art.

The work in the boxes came from Northern California artist Jamie E. Watson. I'm pretty sure this particular piece spells out the recipe for world peace (or at least life long happiness).

The four artists/surfers of The Pine Haven Collective helped spruce up the space with art galore. They created the shop's new window installations (see photo at the top) that feature ships in a bottle. Here's a gorgeous mural installation by member Katrine Hildebrandt that enlivens the wall space between the shop below and the gallery above.

Member Peter Jackson Hussey created these sweet surf-inspired letter press notecards.

And member Joe Conway silk screened these T-shirts with an image reminiscent of a Picasso drawing.

Upstairs in the gallery, Collective member Jenny McGee Doughtery shows a body of new work called "From Rags to Rust."

Doughtery's work is rendered in a range of media, including watercolor, acrylic, graphite and even coffee. Ttitled "Lot," this is the work that incorporates the java. It's priced at $400 framed, which is on the high side price-wise for this show. Many of the smaller works are going for only $20 or $30.

Reasonably priced art aside, one of the absolutely coolest things about the whole Pine Haven Collective exhibition has to be this "Driftwood Shack." Not only is it an amazing construction (which is reportedly held together by just a couple screws), but anyone is invited to crawl inside, lounge on the pillows and crank up the turntable. I wonder how many surfers can fit in that shack?

You can find the laid-back art, surfer vibe and live music from The Mosquitos at 59 Market St. in the Old Port, next to Sebago Brewing Company. Let me know if you find out how many people the shack can hold.

More window art on Free Street

After discovering Randy Regier's out-of-this-world window exhibition on Congress Street, I set out to see the other two pieces of this sidewalk show. I found them on Free Street near Cross Jewelers' back entrance and across the street from the Dogfish Bar & Grille.

In two previously vacant windows, artists Andy Rosen and Lydia Badger have created works with the feel of old-school museum dioramas. Each is part of SPACE Gallery's Windowkammers public art show. Since opening in 2002, SPACE has offered a wonderful community service to the pedestrians of Portland in the form of its always eye-catching and thought-provoking window displays in its Congress Street storefront. The Windowkammers project seeks to spread this visual love around town.

Rosen presents a piece titled "Dear, Old Master." It features a man stuck inside a log. The man's two dogs remain close by, with one, for some unexplained reason, wearing his master's boots.

Here's a closer view of Rosen's work.

Lydia Badger's piece "In an Instant" is a classic, albeit a bit whimsical, wildlife diorama, with a lovely array of cute and cuddly creatures.

Here's a closer view of Badger's work.

This street-side exhibition is a wonderful addition to Portland's downtown, and I hope it's an artistic tradition we'll see more of.

Art House in Bakery & a Spacecraft on Congress

Movement is afoot in Portland's gallery scene. The Jameson Gallery has spun off its framing business and Drew Wilen and Graham Wood from the Jameson frame shop have turned it into Art House Picture Frames. Jameson owner Michael Rancourt has moved his gallery to the Bayside space most recently occupied by 3 Fish, and Art House has set up shop in the very cool Bakery Building on Pleasant Street.

I stopped by yesterday and chatted with Drew, who's shown here in front of just some of the frame samples they've moved over from Jameson's Commercial Street space.

All the Jameson frame choices are still available, and Drew and Graham have added locally-made, eco-friendly frames. Frames like these shown here are being crafted from salvaged material and non-toxic finishes in the back room.

The gallery hosts an opening during the upcoming First Friday Art Walk (Feb. 6, 5-8 pm), with a show of small works by Brita Holmquist, Lisa Dombek, Larinda Meade, Tanya Fletcher, Caren-Marie Michel, Suzanne DeLesseps and Andrew Abbott. Here are some of the works waiting to be hung.

You can find the shop at 61 Pleasant St.

Another neat gallery to check out this upcoming First Friday is Constellation Gallery. The new space shows the work of David A. Marshall, Nathan Broaddus and Matthew Isgro. With limited hours right now, the gallery is doing its part to support public art with a window installation that is part of the Windowkammers project sponsored by SPACE Gallery.

I checked out the installation before 10 am this morning when the light made it virtually impossible to take a picture of this fabulous piece called "Now Your Spacecraft Will Be Your Peace" by Randy Regier. Should you be passing by 511 Congress St., take a detour up into the plaza (right next to Thai Chef Buffet) and have a look for yourself.

Behind-the-scenes peek at 'Backstage Pass'

Yesterday I was treated to a preview of the amazing "Backstage Pass: Rock & Roll Photography" show currently being installed at the Portland Museum of Art. The museum's chief curator Tom Denenberg gave me a tour of the exhibition, which features almost 300 images drawn from the country's largest private collection of rock photographs. The collector, who summers in Maine, generously made his collection available to Denenberg and the museum and only asked in return that he remain anonymous.

Here preparator Kris Kenow is hanging the first grouping of works. This section features images of jazz musicians, such as Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Charlie Bird Parker.

Nearby, these images of Elvis Presley wait to be mounted on the wall.

The Beatles command a whole wall to themselves.

So do the Rolling Stones. In the beautifully produced catalogue accompanying the show, music journalist Greil Marcus writes about Philip Townsend's 1963 image depicting 19-year-old Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham and says "He is going to put them on one side, force the Beatles onto the field on the other, and fight and win a war. He is going to take over the world."

The anonymous collector goes for images of artists taken at the height of their careers and away from the stage. He also prefers works where the musicians look directly into the camera. As a result, an electric energy of youth and the power of stardom practically pulses from the gallery. The show features all the major rock legends from the '60s, '70s and '80s - everyone from Jim Morrison and Led Zeppelin to the B-52s and the Beastie Boys. When the show opens to the public on Jan. 22, it's sure to attract blockbuster crowds.

Because doesn't everyone want to gaze into the eyes of a superstar and try to tease out what kind of mojo makes a rock god stand out from the crowd?

Portland gets mugged

Coffee By Design wants you to drink your java in proper Portland style. To make this easier, they've introduced a limited edition line of mugs created by ceramic artist Megan Walsh. Each of the four mugs depicts a local landmark, including the Portland Museum of Art, the Baxter Library, Monument Square and the building next to WCSH-6. The mugs sell for $20 and can be purchased from any of Coffee By Design's three downtown shops.

Lovely Lauren & her lily pads

Portland-based artist Lauren Fensterstock looked absolutely stunning at the opening of her meticulously executed installation "Parterre" at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art last night. I managed to snap this photo (using - gasp! - a flash) of the artist and her centerpiece work right at the end of opening reception, when the huge crowd had thinned considerably. You can't see it in this photo, but part of her installation involves diamonds embedded into the gallery walls. Her work grabs attention with its compelling surface beauty and then pulls you in with its quiet, contemplative depth. The show remains on view until Jan. 11, and it's definitely worth a trip to Brunswick. I'll offer more details about the show in the Oct. 16 edition of Switch magazine.

On another art-related note, the question of the day is ...

It's Friday, do you know where your art is?

The answer is easy. It's in Portland, of course. Tonight is the First Friday Art Walk and, as usual, there's an overwhelming amount of stellar work to see. If you're having trouble determining what galleries to hit, you can check out my selected mini-tours, download the official map and see the full list of shows on the MaineToday First Friday Art Walk page. Hope to see you tonight!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.