The Village of Wiscasset is pulsing with creative passion as we begin the second exciting season of the community-sponsored, family-friendly Art Walks. On June 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., blue and green balloons bob from store fronts on either side of Main Street. Wonderful sights, sounds, and pleasant surprises await you. Park your car and follow the balloons into the art galleries, artists’ studios, unique boutiques, antique shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and historic sites along Main Street.

Fine art is the thread that weaves throughout the village, from the artist-owned galleries: John Sideli Fine Art, Wiscasset Bay Gallery, Sylvan Gallery, and R. Keith Rendall Gallery which hosts Eben Blaney Fine Furniture, to the artists and artisans on the Creamery Pier who offer gorgeous wares and hands-on demonstrations: illustrator Sean Closson, jewelry designer and fabricator Donna Barnako, and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts with their potter’s wheel. Watch artist Erik Minzner paint views of Wiscasset from his ‘sidewalk studio’ at the corner of Main and Middle Streets; and view the art of Mat O’Donnell in Treats and Ralf Feyl in the new French & Co.

Local musicians accompany the art. The Narrow Gauge String Band entertains with their catchy tunes on the Pier. Danielle Paus plays Celtic harp in John Sideli Fine Art. Look for Married with Chitlins playing their traditional, blues, and jazz tunes on Village sidewalks, porches, and in doorways.

For a change of pace during the Wiscasset Art Walk, stop at Treats for a wine tasting, tour the historical and oh-so-beautiful Nickels-Sortwell House; or get off your feet and ride on the Woodfield Farm wagon, pulled by Belgian draft horses Bill and Bob – a great way to preview the new Wiscasset Museum in the Streets landmark signs recently placed throughout the Village.

Wiscasset Art Walk is held on the last Thursday of the summer months: June 26, July 31, August 28, and September 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participant sites are marked with balloons and touring maps are available throughout the village. Major sponsors are Maine Arts Commission, The First, Carleton Realty, Ames True Value, and Carriage House Gardens; sponsors include Big Barn Coffee, Carl Larrabee Insurance Agency, Fogg Art Painting Restoration & Custom Framing, and The Shady Lady.

For more information about participating in Wiscasset Art Walk as an artist, performer, volunteer, or sponsor, please contact event coordinators Lucia Droby at ludroby@verizon.net  or Ann Scanlan (207) 882-8290.