11 People attended at the Belfast Free Library, weather was definitely a factor.

We discussed the extended deadline for the Washed Away open call.

Liv Kristen Robinson and Arlene Leighton updated us on the upcoming Dark Skies show at Waterfall Arts in Belfast. Lots of activities are planned to accompany this show which opens Saturday, Jan 18 from 1–3. 

We brainstormed possible Midcoast group exhibition venues such as Blue Hill Co-op, Stone Broke Bread and Books in Gardiner, and the Penobscot Marine Museum for a marine-themed show in Searsport. Anodyne Books has just opened in Searsport also, and they will be featuring a monthly artist, including a few of our chapter’s members in 2025.

Bangor Public Library has agreed to a show in 2026, details and theme to come. And the Mainely Gallery in Belfast will host us July–Aug 2025, Gail Wartell will organize. We have Zoot in Camden booked for April, 2026. Many places you must book far in advance.

We are hoping to have a Resurgence II exhibition at the Camden Public Library, revisiting what was our opening show just after reforming this Midcoast/Downeast group. Three members have stepped up to organize and we are brainstorming themes. Space probably won’t be available until possibly 2026.

Shanna Compton let us know we can post calls for art, information on residencies members might be interested in, and requests for help organizing an exhibition, under the Opportunities page on the main UMVA website. (Create an event and choose the Opportunities tag to send it to that calendar.)

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Several of us shared our art. Next meetup will be Saturday, March 8th, at the Camden Public Library. Bring some art to share and your lunch if you want. See you then!