In a show of support for the arts in and around the Wiscasset community, the Maine Arts Commission recently awarded a Visibility Grant to support the Wiscasset Art Walk (WAW) which had its inaugural year in 2013.  

The WAW is a series of four evenings, the last Thursday of June, July, August, and September, during which the Village area invites the local community and visitors to enjoy the galleries, artists and artisans, musicians, specialty shops, historic sites, restaurants, and other special events – all within a two block area.  Performances and events are free.  According to WAW planners, it’s a great evening to park your car and spend three hours, from 5-8pm, viewing art and talking with artists, listening to music, tasting wine, enjoying the historic architecture and the stunning river views.     

Darrell Bulmer, former Maine Arts Commission staff member, said the grant review panel found the WAW to be a solid community effort which will “increase the accessibility of the arts” to visitors and the surrounding communities.  The Visibility Grant of $1,500, intended specifically to support marketing efforts, will help to expand the reach and awareness of the events that showcase “the quality arts in and around Wiscasset,” he said.  

Since receiving the grant last winter, WAW planners have been working with Schenkel/Stegman Communications Design to develop a logo and a ‘rack card’ to distribute broadly along the Maine coast.  In addition, WAW planners will be running ads in local newspapers and posting notices in various publications announcing the events.

The success of the first Wiscasset Art Walk in 2013 was a pleasant surprise for everyone involved and the 2014 season promises to be even more exciting.