EAC’s Open Sessions, casual, drop-in programs for all ages, have been underway since June. This week, Cosplay Circle will have a special theme: all are invited to come to EAC to work on costumes for Eastport ArtWalk’s August 5 Mermaid Parade. An array of undersea-inspired materials and easy-to-use, ‘no sew’ adhesives will be on hand for all to use. There will be a muster for the Mermaid Parade from 3-5 pm, Saturday, August 5, in the EAC parking lot.

Image by Steven Pisano from the 2014 Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Please find details about the four Open Sessions progams below.

Game Gathering meets every Thursday, 10 am-noon, through September 1. A fall schedule will be determined. Attendees are invited to come to the Arts Center and pick from a variety of traditional and new board and card games that will be available to choose from to play individually or with friends. Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own games to play: role-playing games, board games, or whatever suits the players’ fancy.

Still Life Sessions will be offered every other Thursday, 2-4 pm, including July 27, August 10 & 24. All are welcome to come sketch or paint a themed still life that will be set up for each session. Drawing boards and graphite pencils will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own supplies.

Cosplay Circle meets every other Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 pm. Cosplay (from “costume play”) is an activity and performance art in which participants create and wear costumes and props to represent a specific character or era from history. The group will be a space for anyone interested in costuming and prop-making to exchange ideas, socialize, and work on their creations. All types of cosplay projects, whether based on comics, anime, literary or historical characters, are welcome. Some materials and tools will be provided, but attendees should feel free to bring their own supplies. Upcoming meetings include July 26, August 9 and August 23.

Art History and Theory: Close Looking Sessions meets from 6:30-8:30 pm, on select Wednesdays and Thursdays, including Wednesday, July 26; Thursday, Aug. 10; Wednesday, Aug. 23; and Thursday, Sept. 7. At each session, participants will evaluate one painting as a group. Lively discussion of the artwork will include visual analysis, historical contextualization, and aesthetic impressions. Attendees are invited to suggest works for consideration for future sessions. Light refreshments will be provided.

Open Sessions programs have been funded by a Maine Community Foundation Community Building Grant. The programs are offered free of charge for attendees age 17 and under; donations ($5/session suggested) are appreciated from adult participants. 

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