Greendrinks packs the house

Last night earth-loving Portlanders turned out in droves for the monthly Greendrinks networking party. Switch/MaineToday.com co-hosted the get-together with the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, which provided the top-notch venue. Salt moved this summer from the Old Port to the Arts District and its new home is super-chic and modern. This was the first-ever public event held at the new Salt, and we certainly tested the capacity of the gallery and screening room.

I was super psyched about the art exhibition we curated specifically for Greendrinks. We asked six local artists to carve, paint and/or adorn pumpkins for the show. The resulting works came from Clint Fulkerson, David A. Marshall, Michael Rich, Christina St. Cyr, Willa Wirth and Jeff Woodbury. Here Tim Greenway is photographing each of the works, which means we'll have much better photos along with info about the artists in the Oct. 30 edition of Switch magazine.

Another great addition to this month's Greendrinks was the awesome donation of food from Green Elephant. This all-vegetarian, eco-friendly restaurant on Congress Street is always packed, and it was easy to see why with the way people quickly gobbled up the selection of fresh rolls, spring rolls, crispy wontons and soy nuggets that the eatery so generously donated. The offerings also included donated coffee from Coffee By Design, donated apples from Randall's Orchard and donated cider from Thompson's Orchard.

Of course the always popular Geoff Masland of Peak Organic was swamped with Greendrinkers eager to try the latest brew: Espresso Amber Ale. You may have seen my post about this new beer the other day, and now that I've tried it I must say I'm a huge fan. It had a hearty feel - perfect for a winter brew - and a wonderful coffee flavor. (Plus a little kick of caffeine!) Geoff says they plan to dial back the coffee by about 20% in the recipe before they bottle it. Because there were so many thirsty people there, we managed to kick two kegs in about an hour and a half. Now that's what I call a sign of a hot party!

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.