As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Westport Arts Center in Connecticut invited artist Eric Aho to organize an exhibition focused on a sense of place. Aho, who lives in Vermont, decided to tighten the focus to visual ideas about a place both universal and particular – home. In HOME (through June 1) Aho has […]
Ten years ago during our annual summer vacation in Round Pond, Maine, our daughters, 12 and 14, ran down to the little harbor at low tide to roll around in the mud. On a lobster pier above them, diners observed with delight, applauding the reckless abandon of these two teenagers whose laughter echoed across the […]
The vast majority of artists are never able to make a living from their art, and the fate of even those who do is typically to slip into obscurity after death. If they were any good at all, their work may enjoy a second life on the antique and auction market 50, 75, 100 years […]
We all screw up song lyrics — some of us more than others. That, and a terrible singing voice, has never slowed me down. I think that one of the funniest things in the whole world is when you find out a song’s real lyrics — it’s infinitely more hilarious the longer you’ve been belting […]
The Boston Globe reported on Wednesday that “a topless coffee shop that raised the ire of many residents of a small central Maine town is open for business. The Grand View Topless Coffee Shop, located at the site of the former Grand View Motel, opened its doors Monday on busy Route 3 in Vassalboro.” Zoinks. […]
Remember the name, Nicole Duennebier. Back in 1990, I published a book entitled Maine Art Now, a survey of contemporary art in Maine in the form of reviews, essays, and profiles. A decade later, in February of 2000, I wrote an article in Maine Times updating the book with profiles of nine artists who emerged […]
Shepard Fairey is suddenly everywhere – in the news, on walls, buildings and bridges, in museums, and, yes, in court. Fairey, 38, is the 1992 Rhode Island School of Design grad best known for his ubiquitous Obama Hope posters, but he has emerged in recent years as the new Andy Warhol, a most public artist […]
Months ago, or so it seems now, we were told that as of February 17, 2009, our ability to receive the television signal that has come into this house since I have no idea when, would end. In the attic of the garage of this house, there is an antenna that has been there ever […]
February is Black History Month and New England’s history is linked with the African-American experience in many ways. Have you been on the Black Heritage Trail, a walking tour of Boston’s Beacon Hill? Chances are you haven’t, but you’ll find historic brick buildings, cobble-stoned paths, and surprising history. Find a reason to stay in these […]
Last week, in reporting on the Boston Art Awards, I noted that “When the market is bad and the money is gone, the pressure is off and artists can make art for all the right reasons – to discover what’s meaningful to them, to express what it means to be human.” I can think of […]
Once upon a time, “take me out to the ball game” seemed like such an innocent request. The song’s refrain asked for nothing but a carefree afternoon at the park, eating Cracker Jack and delighting in the sheer joy of a baseball game. I don’t recall any verse about luxury seats, or paying $25 to […]
The Last Green Valley in northeastern CT (and MA): An oasis of peace old-time nostalgia. Trails to hike, places to stay, meals to eat, gifts to buy, and what to do with the kids. When You Go —Yankee-recommended places to hike, stay, eat, and shop in Connecticut’s Last Green Valley. The skies don’t lie. From […]
