Join us for a sweet summer day of gardening-hopping in Cape! The 2016 Garden Tour will feature 12 properties and private gardens in Cape Elizabeth & Scarborough. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Arboretum projects in Fort Williams Park. Tickets can be purchased online through July 15, 2016 at: http://bit.ly/29yTxrr. Image by Emma Caroline FitzGerald of The Brand Company

Talking Art in Maine at the Lincoln Theater along with host and artist Jane M Dahmen will speak with American artist William Wegmen, best known for creating series of compositions involving dogs, primarily his own Weimaraner. The show will be Thursday July 14hth at 7pm. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/29qHKMw

A Usable Past: American Folk Art brings together paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by self-trained artists working in the eastern part of what is now the United States during the long nineteenth century. The exhibition will run July 9, 2016 - January 8, 2017 at the Colby College Museum of Art
Image from the Jetté Galleries

The 2016 Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon & 5K is Portland’s premier summertime running event that cuts through the heart of the Old Port district and West End neighborhood. Run past Casco Bay islands, ferries, tug boats, the City of Portland skyline and more. For more information and to sign up go to: http://bit.ly/1pHmIwA

Cape Elizabeth Land Trust will hold their ninth annual Wet Paint Auction on Sunday July 10 from 5pm-8pm at Spurwink Farm. During the weekend of the event, selected artists will paint en plain air throughout Cape Elizabeth and those paintings will then be auctioned off at a live auction and cocktail receptions. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/29tTJez. Photo by Sarah Beard Buckley

Join us THIS Friday at Berlin City Lexus of Portland to learn about their new and improved program at their event, Lexus Plus Launch. There will be giveaways, music, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and as always a good time. Friday July 1st 5pm-7pm

Join us on Friday, July 15, 2016 for the Farnsworth Art Museum 11th Anniversary Farnsworth Summer Gala. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Strand Theatre - Rockland, Maine, and continues throughout the museum itself. The evening will feature fun and fabulous décor, and a delightful dinner, followed by dancing to Primo Cubano in the Rothschild Gallery. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/2994tMr

The 2016 Maine YogaFest - Celebrating Our Yoga Community is going to be held next weekend, July 8th-10th. Join us at this wellness event to celebrate the healing powers of yoga and encourage a healthy and peaceful way of living with events like paddle boarding and Cirque Body Aerial Yoga class. For tickets, schedule of events or more information go to: http://bit.ly/1DQvBZS
Photo by Time Bandit Photography

University of Southern Maine's Visiting Artist and Guest Lecturer Series invites professional artists, educators, curators, thought leaders, and creative entrepreneurs to present on topics of interest and importance to the MECA community. All lectures in this series are open to the public at no charge. RSVPs to events@meca.edu are encouraged, as seating is limited. For more information call 207.699.5010 or go to: http://bit.ly/28KCHTB
Artwork by Megan Taitano of MECA

ISLESBORO CROSSING FOR LIFEFLIGHT 2016
A 5k swim in West Penobscot Bay from Northport to Islesboro

Swimming from Northport to Islesboro is no small feat. But bringing emergency medical services to Maine islands is an effort of huge proportions. We rely on private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment and emergency medical aircraft. To donate go to: http://bit.ly/28LdNGs

You are invited to A Portland Art Gallery Serenade, Opera at the Gallery. Enjoy food, drink, friends, art and a performance by Abigail Shapiro, soprano, and Alexander Boyd, baritone. Tickets are to support PORTopera's production of Carmen. Visit the event Facebook page for reservations: http://bit.ly/28KAlb1

Inspired by the preeminent, international Swimrun race series OTILLO ("island to island), originating in Sweden in 2006, Casco Bay Islands SwimRun 2016 is the FIRST Otillo-style event to be held in North America and will consist of multiple, alternating swim and overland running legs (island roads, trails, and shoreline scrambles) between 8 islands in Portland’s spectacular Casco Bay. For more information: http://bit.ly/1S2YBji

Friends of Windjammer Days is June 26th-28th. The festival marks the kick off to summer in the Boothbay region and is a time to reconnect with family, friends and neighbors after the long winter, an opportunity to support local businesses and welcome visitors. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/1Rddv7c

Center for Maine Contemporary Art has been supporting, exhibiting, and sustaining arts and artists with ties to Maine since its founding in 1952. With its new space in the heart of downtown Rockland, CMCA extends its reach exponentially, allowing it to continue its mission on a whole new level. Join them for their opening weekend June 26th. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/25TLmPb

Save the Date! The Color Run 5k South Portland to support The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center is on Sunday June 26th. The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour is bringing an island-style 5k right to South Portland! For more information go to: http://bit.ly/1WLUeRO

Kick of summer with the Kittery Block Party! The block party will take place on Saturday, June 18th in the heart of Kittery's Foreside. KBP is a free street festival with food, kiosks, live music, entertainment, kids activities and more from 10-4. For more information check out their Facebook page or go to http://bit.ly/1S2TGyR

Volunteers needed on Sunday June 26th! The Color Run 5k South Portland is one of The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center most fun annual events, and they need all the help they can get to make all that fun possible! For more information about how you can help go to: http://bit.ly/1Uw5Jqo

On Thursday, June 9th, hundreds of women and men will join together to help fight cancer and run one of the most beautiful sunset race courses in Maine at the Maine Cancer Foundation Twilight 5k. Each runner commits to fundraise in support of the fight against cancer. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/1sw439Q

317 Main Community Music Center annual 317 House Party is a fun, informal evening to celebrate and support our community. The event features live music performed by our teaching artists, great food and drink, and a live auction under a tent in our backyard. For more information go to: http://bit.ly/1PhuXXQ

The 3rd Annual Biddeford Ball charity benefit is scheduled for 7pm Saturday, June 18th, 2016. It will celebrate the beauty of contrasts. Guests are invited to dress in shades of black and tan and enjoy a rockin' celebration of music, Maine maker, bakers, brewers, roasters, fine food and fashion. For tickets and more information go to: http://bit.ly/1Y4ZKOT

Wolfe's Neck Farm first farm-to-table tasting event is on Saturday June 19th from 5pm -8pm. Enjoy the freshest flavors of the season expertly prepared by the chefs at Frontier and Gather (Maine) at a variety of tasting stations. This moving event allows for great conversation and community building at the Mallet Barn, and will be accompanied by dessert, great local drinks and live music.

This year June 2nd-5th, Portland, ME will be hosting the New England Cocktail Conference! The goal is to bring together the bartending industry, and enthusiasts, from all over New England to celebrate, learn and raise a glass together. For tickets and more info: http://bit.ly/1TlEK4l

TEDxDirigo is celebrating Acadia National Park and the National Park System's 100th anniversary! TEDxDirigo will present Ebb + Flow on May 21, 2016 in the recently restored Criterion Theatre. For tickets and more information go to: http://bit.ly/1R6L3Dc

Dynamic Dirt Challenge is a hardcore 4+ mile obstacle course. As challenging as our course is, you will be rewarded at the finish line with a beer, snacks, and a rockin’ live band. It's about testing yourself and pushing your limits, then celebrating your accomplishment! For more information go to: http://bit.ly/1TXGcsr

Join the Maine Island Trail Association community as we kick off the 2016 boating season with MITA Makes a SPLASH! We're looking forward to an exciting night of food, music, camaraderie, and more at East Coast Yacht Sales in Yarmouth, Maine.

Help MITA fund a busy summer of caring for wild islands and connect with fellow boaters, conservationists, and island lovers. Visit the event page for more information!

Talking Art in Maine is a series of intimate, one on one conversations between artist, Jane Dahmen, and notable artists and curators who have made a substantial contribution to the arts in the state of Maine.

On Tuesday May 17th at the Lincoln Theater artist, Anna Hepler will be the guest on Talking Art in Maine. Don't miss out on this free to the public event! For tickets and more information go to http://bit.ly/1s83bZl

The 2016 Hon. Edmund S. Muskie Access to Justice Award Dinner honors Kevin Hancock, President of Hancock Lumber Company, a champion of fairness and justice for all and a leader in the cause of civil legal aid. The Dinner will recognize Kevin for his leadership in the community and the impact he has had in furthering access to justice in Maine.

Join us and other Maine leaders at this wonderful event:
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland, Maine

Join us for the 2016 AIA Maine Design Awards. Our biennial program recognizes excellence in Maine architecture. Experience an evening of great architecture and design, showcasing over 60 of Maine’s best architectural projects in a unique space on the Androscoggin River in Brunswick.

For tickets and more information go to: http://bit.ly/1TycgAy

Junior Achievement of Maine hosts Maine Business Hall of Fame South next Monday, May 9th at Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks! They are ecognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on both our economy and our community. This years honorees are Shawn Moody of Moody's Collision Centers Jonathan Ayers of IDEXX, and Fred Forsley of Shipyard Brewing Company #HOFsouth2016

Matthew Russ - Maine Landscape Artist has explored many parts of Maine, and he celebrates Maine’s landscape in his paintings. He always paints from life, working outdoors in all seasons and often backpacking into remote locations.
Matthew Russ: Highlands to Islands Art Show show at the Portland Art Gallery includes paintings of Long Pond, Monhegan Island, Richmond Island, and Spectacle, Island to name a few.

See Russ' work this Thursday May 5th from 5pm-7pm at Portland Art Gallery

Don't miss Matthew Russ - Maine Landscape Artist solo show at Portland Art Gallery this Thursday May 5th from 5pm-7pm. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages by Aurora Provisions

Long Pond #2 | Oil on Canvas | 32” x 32”

Attention all grandmothers, granddaughters and anyone looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift - this play is for you! Crossing Delancey at The Public Theatre runs May 6 - 15, 2016.

For tickets and more information: http://bit.ly/1SXUUTc

The Annual Camino Seguro / Safe Passage 5K road race takes place each year in Cumberland, Maine. Registrants are encouraged to fundraise and generate direct support for Safe Passage's mission to foster hope, education, and opportunity for impoverished children and families living and working in the Guatemala City garbage dump.

For information on registration, event schedule, and other activities go to: http://bit.ly/1MeGvLn

On Saturday, April 30th, Friends of the Cross Insurance Center will host the third annual Cross Center Gala in celebration of our community, its successes and the continuing economic development efforts of the region, highlighted by the hallmark effort, the creation of the Cross Insurance Center.
For tickets and more information go to: http://bit.ly/1VdAiX7
Photo by Jeff Kirlin

MECAmorphosis 2016 celebrates Maine College of Art graduating professional artists and raises critical scholarship funds to educate the next generation of artists. The Runway Fashion Show in the Institute for Contemporary Art features work by students in Textile + Fashion Design. Cash bar. Limited seating!
For tickets and more information go to: http://bit.ly/26au8La

The Wayfinder Schools presents a Richard Russo author reading event on April 28 at 7pm at Wayneflete School's Franklin Theater.

Get your tickets here: http://bit.ly/1VukHTB

Strand Theatre - Rockland, Maine presents BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30pm.

Since forming in 1975, BeauSoleil had claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet takes the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a Grammy award-winning musical recipe.

Purchase tickets and get more information here: http://bit.ly/1YdFmsx

Gourmet Gala for Gary's House will be Tuesday, April 12 from 5:30-8:30pm at Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland.

Gary's House guests can be found gathering in the kitchen sharing a warm meal after a long day spent with loved ones in the hospital. Come enjoy food from some of Portland's greatest restaurants and chefs. A live auction will round out the evening.

Purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/1Mbl0zl