RUMFORD — Members of the Teaberry Arts Council and area artists met Tuesday evening on the Rumford Parks Walking Trail for a walk-through on the half-mile path.
They were priming the mind’s eye of the group who will be among 25 to 30 artists, magicians, performers and others from the River Valley area participating in the Art Walk. It is the council’s first big event since its inception last fall.
“We hope it will be well-attended and enjoyed by all,” member Susie Puiia of Rumford said. “We have so much talent in this area. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arts in a way that also supports the community.”
The Art Walk, which is geared toward families, will be held rain or shine from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, along the walking path that parallels the Swift River.
“It is a free community event sure to please folks of all ages,” Puiia said.
The Hosmer Field Complex walking trail is a paved path that meanders through a wooded area along the river.
There are openings and spots along the way for artists and performers to set up and display art or perform for the public as they make their way through. There will be interactive activities for families and friends along with food vendors, such as the Silver Platter food truck.
Murphy held up a map she made showing the area, and took the group along the path, stopping at clearings and scenic spots while trying to determine what would work best for the various participants.
Starting from the north end of the path opposite the tennis courts, Murphy said Scott Milligan will display the art of blacksmithing. Additionally on that end, a campfire and acoustic jam will be held from 8 to 9 p.m.
“Feel free to bring your instrument, singing voice and a lawn chair for this fun summertime-ending to the event,” Puiia said.
Activities at the Art Walk include a special photo booth featuring unique effects made in the dark by Nick Graham and Trish Hodgkins. At the other end of the path where there is a large opening to the sky, there will be art activities for children, including water-soluble sidewalk chalk art.
Some of the other stations include fairy houses, magic with David and Dennis, juggling, balloon sculpture and magic by Scot Grassette and face-painting with Becky Skibitsky of Rumford.
Artist Kris Howes of Ink Maine in Rumford is doing a special “Totally Acrylic Collaboration” featuring six local artists. Howes picked the group’s spot on Tuesday evening, verbally visualizing who would go where in the clearing amid towering trees.
Phoebe Pike of Rumford will have copies of her book, “The Cold World,” available for personal signings.
Additionally, visual artists will have their artwork displayed throughout the woods along the path to enjoy, while some will be for sale, Puiia said.
Among the musicians are Troy Pingree and “The Spoon Lady,” Lori Grassette, a cousin of Scot’s, whom Murphy said sings and performs Appalachian-style music.
And as a surprise for children, cast members of The Children’s Library of the Rumford Public Library’s summer play, “The Wizard of Oz,” will be in costume and skipping along the path.
The Teaberry Arts Council also has a Totally Artsy Containers fundraiser ongoing that is similar to the Mahoosuc Arts Council’s Artirondack auction in Bethel. Except instead of having Adirondack chairs hand-painted by area artists, the council had trash cans of varying size and pails painted for auction.
“We thought trash cans and pails were more affordable and would appeal to a larger part of our population,” Puiia said.
The decorated trash cans are placed at local businesses such as Puiia’s, Ralph’s, Kreckel Law, All That Jazz, Ink Maine, Ink Plaza, Frosty Delite, Herbert Realty, Hotel Rumford, Bangor Savings Bank, Carlisle’s and the Rumford Falls Times window. Many of the artsy cans already have bids on them and several will be displayed at the Art Walk.
Puiia said Murphy came up with the Art Walk idea.
“She sometimes takes her art down to the Portland Art Walk, which is held the first Friday of the month on Congress Street,” Puiia said. “She thought it would be nice to do one up here.”
For the Rumford Art Walk, artists are encouraged to create art and display their accomplishments. Performers are encouraged to perform and put out the “hat,” like buskers do.
“This event is intended to be a fun, economical and rewarding activity,” Puiia said.
Artists and performers are to bring their own pop-up tents, seats, tables, easels and other things they’ll need. Puiia said it’s acoustic music only, because there isn’t any electricity on the trail.
Murphy said artists, performers and entertainers can still sign up to participate by writing her at lizmurphyart@gmail.com.
The council also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Teaberry-Arts-Council/395236337270735.
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- During Tuesday evening’s Teaberry Arts Council meeting, member and artist Liz Murphy, second from right, shows where the children’s activities area will be for the council’s debut Art Walk from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, on the Rumford Parks’ Walking Trail, a paved path that meanders through woods along Swift River. Artist Deb Sharp of Peru listens at right.
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- Cast members of The Children’s Theater of the Rumford Public Library who performed “The Wizard of Oz” last month will be in costume and skipping along the Rumford Parks’ Walking Trail during the Teaberry Arts Council’s Art Walk on Sunday, Aug. 17.
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- Teaberry Arts Council member and artist Liz Murphy poses with her Totally Artsy Container “Small Beauties,” which is being auctioned for the council and is located at the Rumford Falls Times office on Congress Street in Rumford.
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- Teaberry Arts Council artist Kaylee Martin poses with the container she painted and named “Woodland Creatures.” It is located at Carlisle’s Apparel on Congress Street in Rumford. It is one of many hand-decorated containers being auctioned in the council’s Totally Artsy Containers fundraiser.
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