Midcoast/Downeast Chapter September Meeting Minutes
Saturday, September 13, 2025. Camden Public Library. 12 members attended.
We discussed updates on a few recent shows and updates on upcoming ones.
- Camden Public Library (May 2026) theme and details upcoming
- Zoot Coffee in Camden, “Bodies in Motion” Spring 2026. Individuals can propose exhibitions at Zoot, but they are booked out two years. They take no commission.
- Bangor Public Library (Aug–Sept 2026) Theme: ”Dreaming at Dawn,” all UMVA members invited to submit, will be in two galleries, room for around 60–70 works 2D and 3D works (limited space for 3D). Opening will be on Bangor’s First Friday Art Walk for August 2026.
- Belfast Free Library—exhibition times available for individuals or group, contact library.
- Possible upcoming UMVA exhibition at Blue Raven Gallery in Rockland.
Special Thanks to Shanna Compton for updating us on all the wonderful new features on the UMVA website for members. All the upcoming exhibitions are listed on the website. Go to “Members Area,” then “UMVA Reports and Forms,” then “UMVA Exhibitions in Progress.” The details (as they are determined) will be listed including themes, so that if you want to tailor work to a specific show you can get started. Here’s the link:
https://theumva.org/umva-exhibitions-in-progress/
Our former UMVA president David Estey is hoping a participant in the recent Gallery Guide group advertisement might be willing to take on this year’s ad organizing for UMVA members. Ad cost is projected to be $200 per person, including two press releases per participant, plus 24 per year for UMVA in the online Café des Artistes. The guide will want commitments by Dec. 1. Contact David if you are willing/ able to help or take on this worthy endeavor.
David also recommends an upcoming article by David Little regarding aging artists and their legacies. Will be in the fall UMVA Journal.
And finally David shared that Local Color Gallery in Belfast is looking for artists interested in taking over management of the gallery. David and several other UMVA members are also gallery members. It is a large, bright space that has a record of good financial sustainability. He put forth some ideas for possibly partnering with UMVA. If you are interested in pursuing becoming a managing member or representing UMVA in discussing ideas for joint benefit with Local Color, please contact Leslie Moore at the LCG.
Many of us brought art (and snacks!) to share and get feedback on. This is always a very enjoyable, productive part of our gatherings and we encourage new members to come to one of our meetings to make connections with other artists, learn about galleries and opportunities—including becoming involved in helping organize a show, and to introduce their work and get support from colleagues.
Our next gathering will be November 8, once again at Camden Public Library, 11-1 pm. We’ll treat it more as a holiday celebration. Bring snacks to share and your art!