Sketches for a proposed mural for the Eastport Arts Center lobby were revealed during a well-attended reception on Saturday, May 28 at 7 pm. Artists Ellen Nicholas and Kristine Gordon casually answered questions as attendees viewed the sketches. A binder full of notes, drafts, and survey data helped to illustrate their process. During this time, a short documentary featuring the artists was also premiered, which can be viewed via the link below. After the unveiling, EAC’s Creative Development Coordinator, Mark Macey, introduced the artists formally and lead a short discussion soliciting feedback from attendees about arts access and inclusivity. 

Artists Kristine Gordon (left) and Ellen Nicholas are introduced by event coordinator Mark Macey prior to a question-and-answer session, during the May 28 ‘reveal’ of the artists sketches for a proposed mural at EAC.

“The event was a joy,” Macey said. “It was wonderful to see new folks and long-time arts center regulars commingling as they enjoyed Ellen and Kristine’s work. The discussion afterward was enlightening, and the sketches, of course, turned out beautifully.” 

The project was the culmination of months of work including a community survey, video shoots, brainstorming and sketching sessions, and preparation for the event. The Eastport Arts Center Board will vote on the proposed sketches in the coming months. 

The project has been funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Maine Humanities Council.