On Friday evening, December 5, Historic Downtown Gardiner will abound with creative energy and good cheer, as Artwalk Gardiner celebrates the culmination of its tenth season. Launched in 2005 by Artdogs™ studios and a small group of area artists, Artwalk Gardiner is comprised of a non-juried group of diverse artists who live and/or work within a twenty-mile radius of downtown Gardiner. The mission of Artwalk Gardiner is to increase community awareness and appreciation of the visual arts, to encourage interaction with local artists and the public, and to nurture a supportive network that also enhances the local economy. Since its inception, Artwalk Gardiner has drawn hundreds of appreciative visitors to Water Street to enjoy many festive evenings of great art and good cheer.

The December Artwalk will feature the work of dozens of area artists, hosted by Artdogs studios, Circling the Square Fine Art Press, Monkitree, Cre8ive Earth Gallery, SpinOff Studio, Ragamuffins, Johnson Hall, Mainiac Brewing, Healthy Smiles, Founding Farmer’s Community Market, the Co-Lab, and other venues along Water Street. Participating artists will include Karen Adrienne, Joyce Acheson, Nancy Barron, Priscilla Blatzell, Lynn Braff, Robin Brooks, Ken Carlson, John Carnes, Matt Demers, Janet Favor, Arlene Kelley, Clair Koenig, Kala Ladenheim, Heather Marlow, Peggy Cope Mascher, Norma McDonough, Allison McKeen, Ellen Roberts, Tanya Russell, Marie Spaulding, Mary K. Spencer, Christine Sullivan, Robert Saunders, Diana Willette, Helen Wright, members of SpinOff Studio, students from UMA and the Gardiner Area Boys and Girls Club, and many others.

Hundreds of original artworks including paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, fine art prints, jewelry, pottery, artist’s books, textiles, and other handcrafted items will be available for sale throughout the downtown. Kala Ladenheim and Robert Saunders will give demonstrations in their studio at the Co-Lab and members of Circling the Square Fine Art Press will offer printmaking demonstrations at Circling the Square Fine Art Press. Children’s activities, live seasonal music and free refreshments will round out the festivities, making this an event that the whole community can enjoy. For more information about Artwalk Gardiner, please contact Sarah Miller at 207-712-9734, email artwalkgardiner@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.