In the decade since its founding, Space Gallery has helped transform Portland’s once forlorn Congress Street while providing a much talked about venue for alternative artists and ideas. On Wednesday night, the gallery, which has recently expanded into an adjacent storefront, held a 10th anniversary party to celebrate all it’s accomplished.

The centerpiece of the party was a cake in the shape of a tin horse head with red glowing eyes and steam emanating from its nostrils. Made by Joel Beauchamp and Rocco Talarico, the cake was a nod to the traditional 10th anniversary gift of tin and the fact that Space’s founding year was the year of the horse, according to Chinese astrology. Partygoers washed down the red velvet cake with Prosecco.

Additional Photos

Donna McNeil of the Maine Arts Commission, artist Michael Shaughnessy, a founding Space Gallery board member, and independent curator Bruce Brown at Space’s 10th anniversary party Aug. 1. Photos by Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer

Kent Gordon, board President Jessica Tomlinson, artist Tanja Hollander, and board Treasurer Cyrus Hagge.

Meghan Carey, Noah DeLorme and board member Chelsea DeLorme.

Artist Kimberly Convery, Don Tuski, president of the Maine College of Art, and artist Kate Cox.

During the party, the more than 100 guests were treated to a film created by David Meiklejohn at the Portland Farmers Market. In it, people shared their memories and thoughts about Space.

Executive Director Nat May, Space co-founders Jon Courtney and Todd Bernard and board President Jessica Tomlinson all made brief remarks to the crowd.

Each year, Space hosts an average of 200 events, from up-and-coming musicians to cutting-edge installation artists to documentary films screenings and an annual food festival.

While you never know what Space will serve up next, you can also bank on its artsy happenings delivering a slightly eccentric but always memorable time.

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