✨Lights Out turns 4 ✨
It is our birthday. o_O
Last night I had a dream about a painter I know. She looked to be in her 30’s though she has lived much longer. She was showing me around an enormous building, a complex of sprawling white rooms. In each room was everything she had ever made or thought of making. Art, a kitchen she decorated, lamps, rugs, vases on tables, curtains hung against the gleaming walls. We walked through racks of costumes she designed. She lifted one down and spread the fabric with her fingers, we marveled at the greens. In another room, a man in glasses who considered himself an expert stood in front of a series of paintings. He declared these were his favorites, and standing aside, revealed the painting behind him to say this was her greatest work. It was indescribably beautiful. Her face was uncertain as she looked away.
Life is tedious without dreaming. In my fantasies I see the snowshoe factory and the freedom it can give for myself and others. Fantasizing about that freedom, and support that comes from me to it, from it to me, I see my hopes and fears. I think about the future and envision this place in the summer with the door open, and people are here, lots happening, the sounds and smells of production. In my mind it is rough and welcoming. I cling tightly to this vision.
In so many ways we are still just getting started. We have come to recognize the pattern of shows, the buildup to the public eye. We no longer break our skulls against our goals, we have gotten better at pacing ourselves. Our biggest achievement is that we have become efficient but remained intense. It has gotten serious but it was always serious. We are growing and becoming established, filling our days with administrative tasks. The mystique and intrigue I felt at the beginning is less so, but the install, the curation, still spellbinds me. I think it must be what the audience feels. There is probably plenty that people do not know about us and should not know.
I look at the picture of us standing in front of a large painting, we are smooth, bright-eyed, and naive. What has led us here? The love for our artist friends, the desire to show good work, the joy of creating something from scratch, the simple passion of an active life, and a spark of fear behind us propelling us forward. It is our 4th birthday.
Celebrate with us by standing outside at night, in the cold. Stare into the night at nothing. Remain standing until you cannot feel your toes. Then go inside and feel the warmth all around you. The birthday cake is ready to eat. Red velvet and berries, swiss buttercream. Yes.
Sincerely,
Reed
Upcoming events:
Community Art Night (Afternoon)!
Sundays, 2pm-5pm in the Community Room at Lights Out!
Why make arts and crafts at home alone when you can do it with others! Bring your materials or some of ours to spend some time being creative! Recent projects have included, painting miniatures, mixing DJ sets, darning and sewing, watercolor journalling, beading, painting and drawing, clay sculpting, and more!
Life Drawing
Mondays, 5pm-8pm in the Community Room at Lights Out!
Come practice your figure studies with a variety of poses! The Western Maine Art Group is moving their Monday figure modeling to Lights Out. Bring your own supplies, easel, and such, the chairs and the model will be waiting for you. $12 for the three hour session.
Snowshoe Festival Decorating Extravaganza!
Wednesday, February 5th AND 12th, 10am - 2pm in the Community Room at Lights Out!
Help us get ready for the Snowshoe Festival dinner by making snowy and sweet Valentine’s Day decorations with us! Hearts, snowflakes, glitter, you know the drill. We will feed you lunch!
15th Annual Snowshoe Festival
Friday, February 14th AND Saturday, February 15th, in Norway Maine
Join us for a fabulous and fun weekend celebrating the 15th Annual Maine Snowshoe Festival in Norway! Dinner and dance, snowshoe races, chili contest and beer, fashion show, and more! Activities for the whole family! Visit https://www.wfltmaine.org/snowshoe-festival for more information and tickets.
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Your vision, your energy, your commitment are a beautiful gift to our community! Here's to many more birthdays! Boy that cake sounds sweet!!
Happy Birthday! Love you guys. When is the party? Joe and Eric