June, 2008.
The spandex wrapped U-Haul parked in Portland's Monument Square was the first sign that June's First Friday Art Walk was going to be a venue of a different flavor. Music filled the air as the band, HOUSEBOAT, playing to the side of the truck, rocked on. It was good ole' rock-n-roll and an audience was forming to listen and learn. The ramp leading in to the open truck was surrounded by curious observers. "Do you go in?" was the question on every ones mind. One brave soul did and I was quick to follow. Inside, the truck floor was empty but the walls hung with miniature drawings of people, places and things. Some framed in black, others in ornate gold wire, it was not clear as to whether art was for sale or simply for viewing. No pressure sales here! This certainly qualified as the most unusual gallery exhibit on the art walk. The Rock-N-Roll Spandex Truck Art Gallery is the brainchild of Eli Cay er. Billed as MAINE MEAD WORKS, this rolling review presents a gallery where one doesn't exist. Constantly on the move, it locates in one place for an hour and then travels on. TOMMY'S PARK on the corner of Exchange and Middle Street was its next stop.
We caught up to it there after a visit to the DANIEL KANY GALLERY (http://www.kany.net/) at 89 Exchange Street. With its opening in 2006, Portland gained a world class art gallery. During the month of June, Portland is fortunate to have Rockland artist, Richard Remsen's major glass installation, Glass Claws-Pulse Point, on exhibit. Sitting on a 100" square base, four cantilevered plate-glass sheets imprinted with x-ray images of lobster shells float above, reflecting the crustacean image on the base. Adding texture and intrigue to this presentation, about two dozen glass blown lobster shells of different hues are piled in the center. Is this the beginning of a lobster feast or the end? Either one, Pulse Point is a sensory feast of grand proportion. DON'T MISS THIS EXHIBIT!
A week later I experienced my first visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. (http://www.mainegardens.org/.) An easy hour drive to the Boothbay area from Portland, one couldn't have asked for a more perfect Maine day. Temperature in the 70's, blue, blue skies , dry air and a wispy breeze. The afternoon event was the launch of a major exhibit by kinetic sculpture, George Sherwood. The initial forty minute talk by Mr. Sherwood focused on his history and gradual progression to the stainless steel sculptures which are his signature. The whimsical magic of movement found in his creations is unlike anything I have seen in other sculpture. Part engineering, part child play, certainly high design, Wind and Light will leave you awestruck trying to understand the configuration and fluidity of each piece. Wind and Light is on exhibit from June 11 to July 27 in the Great Lawn and Ledge Garden. 
But don't stop there. Acres of foot paths and subject gardens call. More then one return visit is in order for me to adequately describe all that is offered here. Maybe I will approach it one garden at a time. In the meantime, let me leave you with a photograph of The Snapdragon Garden in the children's area just outside the Visitor Center.
I believe there are eight theme related fantasy gardens, designed by area landscape designers and garden centers. Appealing to the young at heart of all ages.
Whether you're walking the city streets of Portland, gallery to gallery, or skipping the garden paths of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, art is alive, well and flourishing in this enchanting state. Come indulge your senses.
Madeline
