THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK. And some ongoing events.
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THINGS TO DO IN THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION THIS WEEK.

And some ongoing events.

Carrie Jones

Aug 24, 2026

a woman and a man looking at the sun
Photo by Mike Burke on Unsplash

THINGS TO DO

It’s our weekly round-up, and we may have missed some things, so apologies! If you have something you’d like in here, please let us know.

We hope you have some great adventures this week!

To check out our news stories and briefs from the past week, click on the archive section, and you’ll see them in chronological order.

WHERE CAN YOU EAT?

You can check out the list of all the restaurants at our new site, ACADIA ADVENTURES. The restaurants are here!

FUTURE EVENTS

You can see the upcoming events here.

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS

You can see the list of local organizations and businesses and links to their calendars here.

LIVE MUSIC

You can see the live music that we know about here!

All of these are constantly evolving. And if you have additions, please let us know!

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

AUGUST 24 — SUZANNE LOEBL

Promotional image for an event titled 'Plunder & Survival' featuring Suzanne Loebl, interviewed by Naomi Gordon-Loebl. The event is scheduled for August 24th at 5:30 p.m., and attendees can register in-person or online. The image includes a QR code for registration and a book cover of 'Plunder and Survival'.

AUGUST 24 — AMOS LAWRENCE AND COLLEAGUES

Promotional poster for a benefit concert featuring Amos Lawrence and colleagues from Salisbury University, Maryland. Includes details about the performance of Dvořák's 'American' Viola Quintet, date, time, location, and information about donations for the Westside Food Pantry.

LEGO CLUB!

Promotional graphic for LEGO Club at Northeast Harbor Library featuring a girl building with LEGO bricks, highlighting registration details and meeting information.

Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House

Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Cost: $15/class

with Mike Bouscaren

Register: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19801383

Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

AUGUST 25 — REBECCA WEINER TOMPKINS

Promotional graphic for a poetry reading event titled 'King of the Fireflies' by Rebecca Weiner Tompkins, scheduled for August 25th at 5:30 p.m. at Southwest Harbor Public Library. Includes an image of the book cover and QR code for registration.

AUGUST 25—COA Coffee & Conversation with photographer Peter Ralston

Side profile of a man wearing a cap and glasses, looking focused while steering a boat on a calm body of water.

9:30 a.m.

Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community Center
College of the Atlantic
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor
go.coa.edu/coffeeandconvo

AUGUST 25— VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA

Weekly volunteer schedule for Friends of Acadia, detailing activities from August 24 to August 29, including trail maintenance and hiking events.

Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

AUGUST 25— ST. SAVIOUR’S DOWNEAST MUSIC SERIES – GORDON FALT

Poster for St. Saviour's Downeast Music Series featuring a schedule of performances from June 3 to August 25, held at 41 Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor, Maine. Artwork includes floral designs and a butterfly.

TUESDAY MORNINGS! STORY AND PLAY.

Bright yellow armchair next to a window, with a children's book open on the seat and colorful plush toys beside it. Promotional text for 'Story and Play' event at Jesup Memorial Library for kids aged 0-5.

PIE SALE!

Promotional poster for a summer pie sale featuring a baked apple pie and a key lime pie. Text includes details about the sale start date, location, and purpose supporting YWCA MDI programs.

SHOWCASE OPEN JAM

Promotional poster for an Open Jam event at Trenton Grange Hall, featuring various performers including singers, comedians, and jugglers. The event takes place every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Key details highlighted include the address and contact information for participation.

OPEN TABLE MDI — TUESDAY COMMUNITY SUPPERS IN BAR HARBOR AND SOUTHWEST HARBOR!

August supper schedule for Open Table MDI, featuring Quietside Supper and Bar Harbor Supper locations and times.

MDI EPISCOPAL HISTORY MUSEUM

A photo of the MDI Episcopal Church Museum, featuring a historic building with a shingled facade, large windows, and a blue-roofed porch. A sign indicates the museum's hours and location in Bar Harbor.

CRANE FOLDING

A promotional image for a crane folding event at Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a schedule on Tuesdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Includes text welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels, encouraging past participants to attend, with a background showing hands folding origami cranes.

STORY AND PLAY

A group of young children and adults participating in a story time event at a library, surrounded by bookshelves. Children are seated on the floor and bean bags, engaged with books. Event details are displayed on the left.

Artwaves Summer Dance Schedule

Summer dance schedule featuring class times for open level ballet and contemporary/modern dance for adults, alongside classes for 5th to 12th graders and mommy & me ballet. Includes instructor information.

Move Free Run Club

Logo of 'Move Free Run Club' featuring stylized wavy lines representing movement and a sun in the background

BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.

The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!

MOMMY & ME GROUP

Promotional flyer for a 'Mommy & Me Group' at Harbor House, highlighting social activities for caregivers and children, scheduled weekly on Tuesdays.

Tuesday events via the Chamber:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

AUGUST 26 — YOU TEACH THE MACHINES

Cover of the book titled 'AI on Your Terms: You Teach the Machines' by Jeff Pennington, featuring a red background with bold, white and blue typography and an illustrated face in the center.

MOUNT DESERT — The Somesville Library will host author and podcaster Jeff Pennington for a free AI Literacy workshop on Wednesday August 26 at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, and no prior experience with AI is required.

AUGUST 26— LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE GUIDED WALK IS CANCELLED.

AUGUST 26 — Dr. Mike Coffin

Promotional image for a geoscience lecture at Northeast Harbor Library featuring Dr. Mike Coffin. Includes a photo of two individuals beside scientific equipment with event details: 'Earth's Mass Extinctions,' Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 PM.

AUGUST 26 — RUSTICATOR — PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP

Event schedule for summer at Rusticator, Seal Harbor, featuring book signings with authors Chloe Redmond Warner and Jaci Conry, a conversation with artist Greg Horwitch, and a paper flower workshop with Megan Hershfield.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB AT AT ACADIA REP!

And on Wednesday and Saturday morning, we present Joseph Robinette’s beloved adaptation of CHARLOTTE’S WEB. This classic Maine story, a long-time part of our Children’s Theatre series, has delighted three generations of playgoers, and now stands poised to charm a fourth one! Come see familiar characters like Charlotte, Wilbur, and their many companions (even Templeton the Rat) in the classic story of friendship, new beginnings, and the joy we find in everyday life.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB plays Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:30, through August 29th. No advance reservations are accepted for our Children’s Series; first come, first serve tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 10:00.

You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

WEDNESDAYS — WRITERS’ WORKSHOPS AT HIDDEN BARN BOOKS

Promotional flyer for the Acadia Writers Workshop, featuring event details including dates, location, pricing, and contact information. The design includes colorful abstract elements.

Every Wednesday now through Labor Day from 10-12 AM at Hidden Barn Books, 31 Kennebec Place in Bar Harbor.

Limited spots, so register here:

https://www.practiceofwriting.com/acadia-writers-workshop

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA!

Volunteer schedule for Friends of Acadia from August 24 to August 29, detailing stewardship programs and hikes.

Save Our Summits Volunteer Hikes

Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/

MUSIC BINGO WITH MATTY P AT THE FINBACK!

Event flyer for Music Bingo with Matty P, featuring a vinyl record graphic, details about a food special, and scheduled time of Wednesday at 6 PM.

MEDITATION

Promotional image for a meditation event at Somesville Library in Maine, featuring details about the session on Wednesdays from 8 to 9:30 AM, led by Zen teacher Tom Tanguay. The background shows a serene view of the library by a river, with trees and a rainbow.

DANCE CARDIO AT ARTWAVES

A group of individuals participating in a dance cardio class, with one woman in an orange tank top leading the workout. The background features a bright and spacious studio setting.

Northeast Harbor Library—Readers Unite!

A colorful illustration promoting the 'Readers Unite! After School Reading Club' at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring a girl and a boy joyfully engaged with oversized books amidst clouds.

Love reading? Join us for Readers Unite! Reading Club. This will be an opportunity to read together, share books we love, and have quiet independent reading time. Grades 3 and up are welcome. Come every week, or pop in anytime! Link to register is here.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR

A colorful beach-themed graphic promoting story times at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring cartoon characters, beach elements, and event details.

GIRLS WHO CODE

Announcement for 'Girls Who Code' program at Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, held on Wednesdays from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM. Contact information provided for registration.

CHRONICLES OF YARNIA

A person crocheting with a green yarn while sitting on a couch, with a phone beside them. The text on the image promotes a fiber arts group for tweens and teens called 'Chronicles of Yarnia'.

BLOCK PARTY!

A promotional graphic for a Block Party event at Jesup, featuring colorful building blocks and text inviting participation on Wednesday afternoons.

Wednesday events via the Chamber:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

AUGUST 27 — CRANBERRY ISLES LISTENING SESSIONS

Cranberry Isles Town Governance Listening Sessions announcement, detailing event times and locations at Islesford School and Ladies Aid on August 27th, with information on community engagement and a QR code for additional details.

AUGUST 27 — MDI HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

Event flyer for MDI Housing Opportunities discussion, featuring a scenic view of a harbor with boats, mountains in the background, and information about the event date and location.

AUGUST 27 — SPEAKER SERIES

A couple enjoying a ride in a vintage yellow Saxon motorcar, named the Golden Flyer II, parked on a street. The male driver is wearing a light-colored outfit and a hat, while the female passenger is dressed in a stylish outfit and hat, indicating a historical theme. The surroundings include trees and pavement, promoting an event at Seal Cove Auto Museum.

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA

Graphic outlining volunteer opportunities in Acadia for the week of August 24-29, detailing activities for each day including trail maintenance and summit hikes.

Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

MDI Wheelers and Stewardship Program via FOA

Every Thursday and Friday morning, June through September, weather permitting

MDI Wheelers: Learn more here, and sign up for a ride by emailing Info@mdiwheelers.org.

KARAOKE NIGHT AT FINBACK ALE HOUSE

Promotional poster for Finback Ale House's karaoke night featuring colorful graphics, microphone, musical notes, and excited crowd enjoying live music. Event details include time, admission, and host.

STITCHES KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP!

A knitted piece in vibrant colors, knitting needles, and a ball of yarn, with text promoting a knitting group meeting on Thursdays from 3 to 5.

Stitches Knitting & Crochet Group meets on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Trenton Town Office. The town office is located at 59 Oak Point Road, Trenton, ME 04605. We will meet through mid-May, then take a break for the summer. All levels are welcome. Please join us. You don’t have to live in Trenton to come knit with us.

ADULT LINE DANCE CLASS

Promotional image for Two Shoes Dance adult line dance classes featuring pop, Latin, hip hop, and country styles, held Thursdays from 5:15 to 6:15 PM at Harbor House, starting November 6th, with a $15 drop-in fee and contact email.

FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES

Promotional graphic for a weekly figure drawing class featuring a charcoal sketch of a figure, with details about the event including the day and time.

DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES

Promotional flyer for spring dance classes featuring a schedule for Thursday and Saturday classes, with details on age groups and time slots. A dancer in a white ballet outfit stands in a dance studio.

Thursday events via the Chamber:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

AUGUST 28, 29, 30 — CHOPPED OUTLANDISH DINNERS

A promotional image for 'Chopped Outlandish Dinners' featuring a group dining at a wooden table with various gourmet dishes and drinks, showcasing a vibrant dining experience. The bottom section highlights elegant plates of food and a scenic view of a lake surrounded by greenery.

EVENT DETAILS

Friday, August 28 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Saturday, August 29 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Sunday, August 30 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

18 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Tickets: $250 per person. All food and beverages included. Limited to 50 guests per event.

Tickets are available now. The first 20 people to purchase can use the code EARLYBIRD to receive $50 off. Scan the QR code on the invitation or visit:

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/outlandish-events/chopped-outlandish-dinners

AUGUST 28 — BLURGRASS

Concert poster for the band Blurgrass, featuring musicians and instruments, with details about the event dated August 28 at The Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

AUGUST 28 — FREE WATERCOLOR DEMONSTRATION AT ARTWAVES

Promotional image for a watercolor demonstration by artist Margaret Dwyer at ArtWaves on August 28th, featuring colorful floral artwork and event details.

AUGUST 28 — MALLETT BROTHERS

A group of five men standing on a wooden dock overlooking a frozen lake with mountains in the background, wearing casual winter clothing and smiling.

The Mallett Brothers are back at the Criterion Theatre, joined by NH’s own Sneaky Miles.

Saturday, August 28, 7 p.m.

BIRDERS’ CAFE

Illustration of a coffee mug with a bird perched on top, featuring the text 'Birders' Cafe at the Oceanarium'. The mug displays the logo of the Oceanarium and Education Center in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Our hope is to bring together local and visiting bird watchers and lovers for a social event. Join us every other Friday morning from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Our museum shop will be open, offering a selection of baked goods from local cafes, restaurants, and caterers, along with coffee. Feel free to explore the trails as early as you like! After, relax in our courtyard and chat. The Oceanarium (museum and aquarium) opens at 9 AM.

Save Our Summits Volunteer Hikes

Schedule for volunteer activities in Acadia from August 24 to August 29, including stewardship programs and hikes.

Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/

MDI Wheelers and Stewardship Program via FOA

Every Thursday and Friday morning, June through September, weather permitting

MDI Wheelers: Learn more here, and sign up for a ride by emailing Info@mdiwheelers.org.

FAMILY STORY TIME AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR

Colorful summer-themed graphic promoting story times at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a cartoon duck wearing sunglasses on a float in a pool, with beach items like a surfboard and beach ball.

10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Interactive books, puppets, songs, movements, bubbles.

Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.

Friday events via the Chamber:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

AUGUST 29 — MANSET MEMORIES

Come enjoy an early evening of memories. Frances Krantz Johnson, George GG Jellison and John Stanley will highlight memories of growing up in Manset. They will share stories of their childhood and some of the residents who lived in Manset during this time. Manset Meetinghouse, home of the Southwest Harbor Historical Society 192 Seawall Rd Southwest Harbor.

Saturday August 29 at 4 PM

AUGUST 29 — POP D.A.R.T.S!

Promotional poster for 'Pop D.A.R.T.S!' event for grades 5-12, featuring colorful graphic design with the event title and details about the date and time.

AUGUST 29 — PLAY FOR PEACE

Promotional graphic for 'Play Music on The Porch Day: Play for Peace' scheduled for August 29, 2026. The image features colorful text and musical instruments, emphasizing the event's theme of unity and peace through music.

AUGUST 28, 29, 30 — CHOPPED OUTLANDISH DINNERS

Logo of 'Chopped Outlandish Dinners' featuring a knife icon above the text.

EVENT DETAILS

Friday, August 28 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Saturday, August 29 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Sunday, August 30 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

18 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Tickets: $250 per person. All food and beverages included. Limited to 50 guests per event.

Tickets are available now. The first 20 people to purchase can use the code EARLYBIRD to receive $50 off. Scan the QR code on the invitation or visit:

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/outlandish-events/chopped-outlandish-dinners

CHARLOTTE’S WEB AT AT ACADIA REP!

And on Wednesday and Saturday morning, we present Joseph Robinette’s beloved adaptation of CHARLOTTE’S WEB. This classic Maine story, a long-time part of our Children’s Theatre series, has delighted three generations of playgoers, and now stands poised to charm a fourth one! Come see familiar characters like Charlotte, Wilbur, and their many companions (even Templeton the Rat) in the classic story of friendship, new beginnings, and the joy we find in everyday life.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB plays Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:30, through August 29th. No advance reservations are accepted for our Children’s Series; first come, first serve tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 10:00.

You can order tickets online at https://acadiarep.com/ or by calling 207-244-7260 on Tuesdays-Sundays between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

VOLUNTEER IN ACADIA

Volunteering schedule for Friends of Acadia from August 24 to August 29, outlining various stewardship programs and hikes.

Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

STORY TIME

Promotional graphic for Saturday Story Time at the Northeast Harbor Library, featuring text about the event details including time, location, and age range, with illustrated hands holding a green book and decorative stars and clouds.

SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!

Promotional flyer for 'Baby and Me Yoga' classes at Harbor House, detailing date and schedule, including two levels: 'Little Wigglers' for non-walking babies and 'Busy Bees' for toddlers. Features instructor Kate Stitham's credentials.

PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP

Promotional flyer for a Prayer Shawl Mission Team start-up event, detailing date, time, location, and contact information for knitting and crocheting skills.

Prayer Shawl Mission from 10 a.m. to noon at the church located at 29 Mount Desert Street.

The intention of the group is to create a flow of Prayer Shawls for distribution for those in need due to illness, loneliness, loss or in need of comfort and to create a sense of community with those who have a shared interest.

Supplies and instruction will be provided to those with skills for knitting and/or crocheting and for those with a desire to learn. For more information contact Pat by calling (203) 770-0063 or email: pgdizazzo@yahoo.com.

DANCE LESSONS AT ARTWAVES

A colorful summer dance schedule featuring various classes for adults and youth, including ballet and contemporary dance, with specific times and dates listed.

Saturday events via the Chamber:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

AUGUST 30 — MELISSA ETHERIDGE

Promotional graphic for Melissa Etheridge's 'The Rise Tour' at Criterion Theatre on August 30, featuring a silhouette of a bird against a sunset background.

AUGUST 28, 29, 30 — CHOPPED OUTLANDISH DINNERS

Promotional graphic for Chopped Outlandish Dinners in Southwest Harbor featuring a pop-up dinner series with Chopped Champions. The image showcases a table full of gourmet dishes, drinks being raised in a toast, and scenic views of a landscape.

EVENT DETAILS

Friday, August 28 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Saturday, August 29 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Sunday, August 30 — Dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

18 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Tickets: $250 per person. All food and beverages included. Limited to 50 guests per event.

Tickets are available now. The first 20 people to purchase can use the code EARLYBIRD to receive $50 off. Scan the QR code on the invitation or visit:

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/outlandish-events/chopped-outlandish-dinners

AUGUST 30 — ACADIA FRIENDS (QUAKERS)

A person sitting on a large rock, gazing at a colorful sunset over a landscape of trees and water, with a quote by George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and information about Acadia Friends community events.

AUGUST 30 — FREE COMMUNITY EVENT AT ARTWAVES INVOLVING GIANT BUBBLES!

A joyful child playing with giant bubbles during a community event at ArtWaves, with colorful bubbles floating in the air around them.

KIDS CHESS CLUB AT CHOCO-LATTE

Close-up of a chessboard with various chess pieces, including a black pawn, black and white kings, and a white knight, with a graphic overlay that reads 'Chess Clubs for Kids'.

Our chess club is great for beginners (at least know how the pieces move) and also intermediate level. All are welcome. We meet most Sundays from 4-5:30 p.m. at Choco-latte in Bar Harbor.

Move Free Run Club

Logo of the Move Free Run Club featuring stylized wavy lines and a rising sun in warm colors.

BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.

The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!

Sunday events via the Chamber:

ONGOING…

THE ANNEX

August live music schedule for The Annex bar, featuring performances by Nathan Grant, Bad Daddy, Cryin' Out Loud, River Bottom Funk, Matt Henley & Friends, Anni & The Rainmakers, and others, every night from 8 PM to 11 PM.

CRITERION SCHEDULE

Event schedule for Summer/Fall at The Criterion featuring performances by various artists.

ARTWAVES

Promotional poster for ArtWaves, showcasing dance classes and summer arts camps with a dancer in a tutu posed on a rock.

AUGUST 4 – 28 — QUIETSIDE ART GALLERY AND STUDIO STUDENT SHOW

Promotional poster for the Quietside Art Gallery & Studio Student Show, featuring event dates, opening reception details, and a description of the exhibition showcasing student artwork.

Looking to give back to Acadia National Park? Here are several ways you can lend a hand this week! How to participate:

Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/

Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

Membership Table volunteers: Regular opportunities are available for folks who love to talk about the park and share visitor impact stories! Learn more about training opportunities on our website: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/membership-office-volunteers/

Stewardship projects for service groups: If you have a group of 5+ people interested in helping with trail and carriage road maintenance, drop us a line! https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/service-groups/

Wild Gardens of Acadia docents: This is perfect for plant lovers who love sharing plant facts with visitors. Learn more: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/wild-gardens-of-acadia-volunteer/

AUGUST 19 — OCTOBER 17: THE GALLERY AT SOMES SOUND’S LARGEST SHOW OF THE SEASON.

A serene night landscape depicting a calm bay under a full moon, with a small boat on the rocky shore and a sailing ship in the distance, surrounded by trees and mountains.
Ernest McMullen, Moon Over Acadia, 24” x 24” oil on panel

From August 19 – October 17, It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See: William Hoyt, Ernest McMullen, Rett Sturman and David Vickery will be at the Gallery at Somes Sound

Featuring four New England realists responding to the world around them, with the distinct observation of accurate detail (light, form, and texture), while still capturing subjects often revealing the emotional depth beneath the surface of everyday life. It’s a disciplined practice of “seeing” rather than just looking, translating objective reality through personal perception.

Promotional poster for a group art exhibition running from August 13 to August 25, featuring artists Juliana Morgan Alvarez, Mark Kindschi, Christopher O'Connor, Donald Rainville, Susan Van Campen, and Dietlind Vander Schaaf, supporting College of the Atlantic and the Cody Van Heerden Chair.

KIDS’ SCAVENGER HUNT AT SOUTHWEST HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

A colorful poster for a kid's scavenger hunt at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, featuring a cartoon girl with a magnifying glass and surrounded by bookshelves. The text invites children to find ten hidden pictures for a special prize, with details about checklists and participation.

WIC CLINIC

Flyer for WIC clinic at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, providing details about eligibility, services offered, and contact information.

COMMUNITY BLANKET PROJECT

A promotional flyer for the Community Blanket Project showing colorful rolled blankets, featuring a description of the project and donation details.

THE GALLERY AT SOMES SOUND’S LARGEST SHOW OF THE SEASON: August 19 – October 17, Opening Reception August 19 5-7 pm

It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See: William Hoyt, Ernest McMullen, Rett Sturman and David Vickery

SOMESVILLE—It’s Not What You Look At, But What You See:

Featuring four New England realists responding to the world around them, with the distinct observation of accurate detail (light, form, and texture), while still capturing subjects often revealing the emotional depth beneath the surface of everyday life. It’s a disciplined practice of “seeing” rather than just looking, translating objective reality through personal perception.

A scenic harbor at sunset with several small fishing boats anchored in calm waters, surrounded by lush trees and distant mountains.
William Hoyt, Acadia Evening, 32” x 60”, oil on linen

“I have learned that oil paint is infinitely mutable. Though I began with watercolors, painting on site, completing most works in a day or two, for more complicated images I would use oil paint and came to appreciate their “anything is possible” quality. I like to paint detailed realistic images. Two things caused my current style and genre: a friend with a sailboat in Maine, and subsequently a patron who liked my oil paintings and basically purchased everything I painted for 13 years. I carried a pochade box on our sailing cruises and a camera, painting and shooting as we went up and down the Maine coast. Once back in Vermont and my studio I would work up larger paintings over the winter. Both my patron and my friend with the sailboat have passed away but I continue in the manner and now have my own boat with which I hope to see and paint for years to come. I paint my subjects until they feel present and hope that viewers feel the same.” William Hoyt

“For the past twenty-five years, my focus for painting has been exclusively on the coast, surrounding waters and interior of Mount Desert Island, Maine. From my first sight of the island, I regarded it as a place of benediction–a giant, tuned instrument that resonates with a light that is both evanescent and eternal. My abiding interest is in evoking this mysterious blend of form, light, and spirit with an approach that is firmly based in the realist tradition..” Ernest McMullen

A scenic view of a calm lake featuring a wooden boat docked at a pier, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle waves reflecting the sky.
Rett Sturman, Uncle Tom’s Boat, 14” x 21”, oil on canvas

“My teachers were very interested in the same thing, and I think people tend to follow in the same direction as their teachers. It’s a real challenge to see what’s surrounding us, most people think they see but aren’t really paying enough attention. It’s also a real challenge to make a painting that’s really alive and has air that you can breathe and to do it with large and little abstract marks of paint. Years ago, I was in musée d’Orsay in Paris and was lucky enough to be alone on the top floor – I was hypnotized by a Monet painting and walked toward it and away from it repeatedly until I found the magical distance where it took off and became alive -then when it was just paint – then when it was real again – back and forth – I loved it – maybe that’s what I’m after, I don’t know…”. Rett Sturman

Close-up of a yellow wooden house with a decorative arched window on the gable, surrounded by green foliage.
David Vickery, Tenant’s Harbor Attic, 12” x 14”, oil on panel

“I paint in a highly realistic way to preserve the subject’s idiosyncratic details and to be true its sense of place. The goal of the laborious effort is to bring all elements together into a unified atmosphere, a contemplative state of mind, which is what I hope viewers will experience. I was attracted to this style by seeing the work of realist masters who were able to skillfully reproduce optical “reality” and simultaneously make their own unique statement.” David Vickery

QUICK NOTE

“Things To Do” is mostly curated by me looking for things happening in the upcoming week, which takes a lot of time and I truly do not know all that is going on.

If there’s something in the MDI region that you’d like me to mention, please let me know, because I’m definitely always missing some events every week.

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