Gardiner, ME - ArtWalk Gardiner kicks off its 13th season from 5:30 to 8:0pm Friday, May 5 with art, music, and merriment! Artists' studios, galleries, shops, and other venues along downtown Gardiner's historic Water Street will feature unique works of art for sale including paintings, drawings, fine art prints, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics.

First launched in 2005 by an Artdogs studios and a handful of other area artists, the mission of ArtWalk Gardiner is to increase community awareness and appreciation of the 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 visitors to Water Street to enjoy these festive evenings.

This season's participating artists and artist groups include: Artdogs members Karen Adrienne and John Carnes; Adrienne Beacham, Ken Carlson, Circling the Square Fine Art Press, Matt Demers, Sophie Felder, Dee Keneagy, Kala Ladenheim, Allison McKeen, Roland Preble, Tanya Russell, Robert Saunders, SpinOff Studio, Christine Sullivan, Marylu Wellwood, Tina Wood/Upstream, Catherine Worthington, UMA Students Amy Jones and Brianna Daley, and others.

The evening's special events include open artists' studios and demonstrations; live music by Gary Chapin, l'Accordeonaire; outdoor art featuring a Spring Garden at the entrance of Circling the Square Press and the Artdogs' "Variations XI Paper Project" on the backs of Water Street buildings; and a Seedling Sale hosted by the Gardiner Farmers' Market to be held in the Johnson Hall mini-park. Upstream will also offer learning and art-making opportunities including a display of 3D birds by Gardiner Area High School students and a chance to paint wooden fish for Upstream's new alewife garden sculptures.

We are grateful for the support of our business sponsors: Artdogs, Barn Boards and More; BellaDonna Consignment, Circling the Square Fine Art Press, Gardiner Food Co-Op & Cafe, Monkitree, and SpinOff Studio.

Save the dates for future ArtWalks: August 4 & December 1.

For more information, find us on Facebook or email artwalkgardiner@gmail.com.