Artist’s work chosen for Grange concert poster
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Charlotte White Center’s art program, under the direction of Christine Rice, meets twice weekly — once in the morning and once in the afternoon. During art time, concepts and techniques of art are applied to the activity presented to the group. Art instructor Dickon Varnum teaches each lesson by using step-by-step guidance and positive reinforcement for all efforts. Throughout the process, freedom of expression, attention span, ability to follow directions and self-esteem are developed.
Photo courtesy of Charlotte White Center
POSTER ARTIST — Amanda Westman, front center, had her painting “Full House” selected to be on a poster for the East Sangerville Grange Coffeehouse Concert Series. Pictured with Westman are, from left, her grandmother Phila Roberge, father Brian Westman, John Curran of the East Sangerville Grange, Charlotte White Center art instructor DickonVarnum and Christine Rice, art program director.
Some of the art generated in these classes is then reproduced, marketed, displayed and offered for sale with 50 percent of the purchase price returning to the artist. Consumers share that they love art time, they have great fun expressing themselves and demonstrate pride in their work. Over the last year, the program has generated a large variety of themes including but not limited to; Maine wildlife, Maine wilderness and local attractions such as the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds.
Most recently, the East Sangerville Grange Hall reached out to Charlotte White Center’s art program and the artists were asked to develop artwork for the 2015-16 concert series. The East Sangerville Grange Coffeehouse is on its 22nd year of offering the community a wide variety of music for their listening pleasure.
John Curran, a longtime member of East Sangerville Grange Hall, stated that all the money earned from the Coffeehouse concert series goes to maintaining the Grange building, supporting local, community non-profit organizations and college scholarships for high school seniors.
The artists went to the East Sangerville Grange Hall to see where the concert series is held and from there, began painting their portrayal of the building. The painting series took four weeks to complete and the all of the finished products were amazing.
Curran and other members of the East Sangerville Grange Hall selected Amanda Westman’s painting, “Full House”. Westman was so excited to see her painting on the poster and said, “It feels kind of good to be chosen. My art means a lot to me. My family and my friends give me a chance to focus on my art and it gives me a chance to see the real world.”
The East Sangerville Grange Coffeehouse’s Concert Series schedule is as follows: Nov. 7, Ameranouche; Dec. 5, Jim Gallant Band; Jan. 9, David Dodson & the Lowdown; Feb. 6, The Newell Family Band; March 5, Tricky Britches; and April 2, Tom Dean. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and shows start at 7.
For more information visit www.grange.org/eastsangervilleme177. For more information on the Charlotte White Center, visit www.charlottewhite.org.