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.