Denmark center to host author series with Gigi Georges July 31

Gigi Georges Submitted photo

Denmark Arts Center is scheduled to present an authors series with Gigi Georges, author of “Downeast: Five Maine Girls and the Unseen Story of Rural America,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at the center at 50 West Main St.

The Authors Series Collaborative is comprised of Denmark Public Library, Denmark Historical Society and the arts enter. Downeast honors the lives of five remarkable young women, and through them, the paths of young women across rural America. It shines a light, too often obscured, on the indispensable role contemporary rural women play in their communities. Of this book and extensive research was born the Downeast Exploration Fund for local youth, according to a news release from the center.

Georges and her husband launched in March the fund which provides financial support to eligible applicants who wish to explore their passions and engage in pursuits not otherwise available to them. The fund awards up to $5,000 annually to pay for participation in a range of activities, such as camps, outdoor learning experiences, lessons in music and the arts, sports, and equestrian pursuits.

Georges, Ph.D., turned to narrative non-fiction writing after an extensive career in politics, public service, and academia. A former White House Special Assistant to the President and U.S. Senate State Director, she has taught political science at Boston College, served as a Program Director for the Harvard Kennedy School, and been a Managing Director of The Glover Park Group — a leading national public affairs firm. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she lives with her husband and ten-year-old daughter in New Hampshire and Downeast Maine.

The authors’ series is funded by the donation of an anonymous Angel, support from guests, and sponsorship support from Bridgton Books.

Concessions are available. This is a pay-what-you-can event with a suggested donation of $10 for future authors presentations. To register online, visit denmarkarts.org/events.

The center’s HEPA air purifier systems and ventilation will be engaged for indoor performances.

For more information, call Susan Beane, executive director, at 207-452-2412.