Save the Date For Compass Readings!

Get your bearings on success in the arts. The Maine Arts Commission invites artists with disabilities, presenters and gallerists to register for “Compass Readings,” a networking and mentoring event for artists with disabilities. The event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport, on October 23. The day will include opportunities to meet gallery owners and performing arts presenters, as well as workshops on creating a portfolio, preparing for an audition, or working with an editor. ASL interpreters, CART transcriptionists, and large print materials will be available. Other accomodations can be requested by contacting Keith Ludden, Accessibility Coordinator, 207/287-2713, or keith.ludden@maine.gov. Requests should be made no later than October 5, 2012. Cost for the event is $15.

Keynote speaker for the event will be Jonathan Beer, Director of the Blind Artists Society. Beer is a New York-based artist, and writer. who has exhibited in solo shows at Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts in Atlanta, and at Albany Molecular Corporation and Bethlehem Public Library, both in Albany NY. In September 2012 Beer will have his first solo show in New York at Kathleen Cullen Fine Art. He is also working towards a two part, two person show with Marin de Jong in the Netherlands and New York in 2012. He began to write critically in 2010 while attending the New York Academy of Art for his MFA in Painting. Beer is a graduate of the New York Academy of Art, and the co-founder
of the Art-Rated website.

Additional speakers will include state representative David Webster and Theater at Monmouth Producing Artistic Director Dawn McAndrews.
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Volunteers Needed

The Maine Arts Commission and Alpha One need volunteers to assist with a one-day event for artists with disabilities, to be held at Freeport, ME on October 23. Volunteers will be needed to staff the registration table, assist in set-up, greet, and various other jobs to keep the event running smoothly. The event is a day of networking and mentoring for artists with disabilities, helping them develop the skills to pursue their art professionally. There will be workshops on building a portfolio, preparing an audition and working in the theatre and music business, as well as opportunities to meet gallery owners and presenters.

Individuals interested in volunteering can contact Keith Ludden 207/287-2713, keith.ludden@maine.gov.
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Mentors Needed

The Maine Arts Commission is looking for artist volunteers from all disciplines—visual, performing, traditional and literary–willing to mentor artists with disabilities, assisting them in acquiring the tools needed to pursue their art as a profession. The mentors will be asked to participate in a networking/mentoring event on October 23 in Freeport.

Interested artists should contact: Keith Ludden, Maine Arts Commission, 207/287-2713 or keith.ludden@maine.gov.