The association between art – or at least artists – and alcohol is an old and storied one: Think F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec …

The Portland Museum of Art is turning that link on its head with a series of small events tied to its biennial exhibit, “You Can’t Get There from Here,” on display through Jan. 3.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum has asked several local bartenders to make drinks inspired by the artwork. The first “Art-Tender” event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Five Fifty-Five restaurant on Congress Street.

Inspired by two paintings by artist Lois Dodd, Five Fifty-Five bar manager Lori Leonard created a cocktail called The Maine Allure, which she describes as a tart, refreshing and visually stunning cocktail of Lillet and house-infused gin.

The paintings that served as Leonard’s muse are “Two Trees, Afternoon Light” and “Two Trees + Midday Light.”

Jennifer DePrizio, the museum’s director of learning and interpretation, will be on hand to stir up conversation about art, the Portland Museum of Art and the exhibit.

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