Kennebunk Free Library announced its next Speers Gallery exhibit, Student Images, featuring photographs by students around the world facilitated by Picture Pals, an organization co-founded by Kennebunkport residents Lorraine and Paul Star and their lifelong friend Joe Highland, who “has dedicated his life to helping others to have a better future.”

According to a Nov. 17 news release, “After retiring from teaching, Paul and Lorraine, who are avid photographers and travelers, decided it was time to give back. Through Picture Plans, they offer photography workshops for youth in low resource and underserved communities throughout the world.”

The exhibit will showcase Picture Plans student work produced during workshops in Mexico, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Liberia, and the Cherokee Nation.

The students who took the photographs are between ages 15-18 and, previous to Picture Pals, had no formal training in photography. According to Paul, the students “embraced the camera and the photography courses. They prepared themselves to give the world a glimpse into their soul.”

The exhibit runs through Dec. 31, and the public is invited to a reception on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery at 112 Main St., Kennebunk, during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. For current hours and gallery access, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

Wreath-making workshops available at Brick Store Museum

Join the Brick Store Museum for two holiday wreath-making workshops. The workshops are dedicated to the creation of all-natural foraged wreaths. All participants will leave with a finished classic green holiday wreath that is adorned with natural locally sourced materials. The workshops will be taught by local artist and wreath-maker Elizabeth Winter.

Participants should bring their own clippers/handheld pruners for the workshop. If unable to do so, contact the Brick Store Museum prior to the class date. All other materials will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to gather some friends and bring a beverage of choice.

Workshops are scheduled for Nov. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. and Nov. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.

To register. visit Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/450529324337.

Wells Chamber to host 3th annual Christmas Parade

Wells Chamber of Commerce announced that its 37th annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. from Wells Plaza and proceeds north on Route 1 to Wells Junior High School.

The Primary Event Sponsor is Kennebunk Savings, Silver Sponsors are Avita of Wells and DF Richard Energy. Bronze Sponsor is the Rotary Club of Wells.

The grand marshal for the parade will be Wells resident Kathy Wright. Kathy is a graduate of Wells High School, was the secretary/office manager for the Wells Chamber and Wells Information Center from 1984-1988, served on the Wells Board of Selectmen and was the coordinator of the Wells Christmas Parade for 21 years.

“In selecting the grand marshal for the parade every year, we look for someone who has a long-standing commitment to the Wells community,” said Eleanor Vadenais, president/CEO of the Wells Chamber of Commerce, in an email. “Kathy has years of dedication and support to both the town of Wells and our organization.”

There will be cookies and cocoa to be had the day of the parade – Coldwell Banker Realty in Kennebunk will serve at the starting point and York Hospital will be in front of the junior high school gymnasium at the conclusion of the parade.

Families, youth groups, civic groups, businesses and individuals are invited to participate. There is no charge to participate. For more information on the parade, contact the Wells Chamber of Commerce at 207-646-2451 or visit www.wellschristmasparade.com.

Holiday Showcase premieres at museum

The Brick Store Museum’s annual Holiday Showcase pays homage to the region’s independent artists and creators. Holiday Showcase is a month-long event inside the museum’s galleries that features the works of artists and crafters. The showcase will open on Saturday, Nov. 26, and ends Tuesday, Dec. 21.

During the entire month, admission to the museum will be free courtesy of sponsor H.M. Payson, as a holiday gift to the communities. Visitors will be able to visit the museum’s newest exhibitions and shop for locally-made gifts and artwork supporting both individual artists in York County and the Brick Store Museum’s educational mission in the community.

The museum also has an option for those not comfortable coming indoors during the pandemic – artwork and special pieces will be featured on the museum’s social media feeds and via its new online store, the Museum Mercantile, which can be found at www.brickstoremuseum.org.

The Holiday Showcase is open anytime the museum is open (closed only Mondays). More information can be found at www.brickstoremuseum.org, or at the museum’s front desk at 117 Main St. in Kennebunk.

More than 20 regional artists have joined the showcase to display paper art, jewelry, basketry, custom drawings, sculpture, fiber and textile works, photography, handmade soaps and sachets, candles, accessories, wood carvings and more.

Illustrator reads ‘Dasher’ at museum

Illustrator Matt Tavares will visit the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. for a reading of his children’s book, “Dasher,” and a Q&A afterward. He will also sign two of his books, “Dasher” and “The Night Before Christmas,” both available in the museum’s store. The event is free and open to the public as part of the museum’s Tree Lighting Open House that day.

Tavares is featured in the museum’s newest exhibition, The Great State of Illustration in Maine, a collaboration with Illustration Institute. The exhibit features more than 80 historic and contemporary illustrators who call Maine home.

The museum is offering free admission for the month of December courtesy of H.M. Payson, for visitors to participate in children’s story times (Matt Tavares on Nov. 26; and “The Polar Express” on Dec. 10); explore the Holiday Showcase featuring Maine artists and crafters; and discover new exhibitions.

The exhibition is supported by the Davis Family Foundation, The Onion Foundation and the Perloff Family Foundation. Illustrator visits and programming will be announced at www.brickstoremuseum.org. The exhibition runs through February.

Church announces upcoming activities

Oak Ridge Bible Church, located at 60 Oak Ridge Road in Biddeford, has Sunday School for young people and adults each Sunday at 9 a.m. A 10 a.m. service follows and all are welcome. In addition the church invites the community to attend all special Christmas events:

Community Singspiration

On the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 6 p.m., Singspiration, an hour of caroling, followed by refreshments.

Christmas party for children (ages 5-12)

A (Christmas) Around the World Party will be held 1 to 3 pm, on Saturday, Dec. 3. It will be put on by Child Evangelism Fellowship of Maine. Text Sylvia Corbett at 207-749-1362 to confirm a child’s attendance. Event features stories, songs, games, a craft, and refreshments.

Christmas Day service

On Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25, a worship service featuring a message from The Rev. David Corbett is scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday School.

Elder Elves holiday gift program is underway

The Center is once again in full holiday swing, preparing for its community support program, Elder Elves.

The Elder Elves are a group of volunteers who assemble gift bags for seniors in the community who are isolated during the holidays. They solicit donations from businesses and the community to ensure that everyone can have a happy holiday season. The Elder Elves have been operating for 20-plus years and assemble 70 bags each year.

Members of the community are invited to stop by the Center during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and pick up a gift tag from the Elder Elves giving tree. There is also an Elder Elves giving tree at Kennebunk Savings Bank on Western Avenue in Lower Village Kennebunk. All gifts must be returned by Nov. 30.

The Center works with the general assistance programs in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel as well as several other community outreach groups, to determine which senior residents would benefit from this program.

The Center is a meeting place for adults 50 and older to explore their interests through programs, social connection and to make a difference through volunteer opportunities that strengthen the community. For more information,  visit www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org, on social media @CenterKennebunk, call 207-967-8514, or visit 175 Port Road in Kennebunk.

Christmas concert at the Town House School

Mid-Week Music’s second annual Christmas concert will be held during Prelude on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at Kennebunkport Historical Society’s Town House School at 135 North Street. An encore will be presented Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

Keyboardist Mark Gunter, guitarist Dana Pearson, and bassist John Kumnick will perform a mix of yuletide tunes, from “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’,” “2000 Miles,” and “Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You.”

Supplying additional holiday cheer, Gunter will be playing some songs on his vintage Hammond organ. Tickets are $15 for historical society members and $18 for non-members, and may be purchased at the door or at kporths.com/buy-tickets. For more information, email info@kporths.com or call 967-2751.

Library hosts Cookies, Cider and Cellar

Graves Library will host Cookies, Cider and Cellar on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to the library on Maine Street in Kennebunkport for holiday shopping.

The Book Cellar is stocked with new and gently used books, puzzles, note cards, mugs, hats, CDs and more. Visitors are encouraged to find a gift for a swap, host or hostess, or lovers of all things Kennebunkport, including the two-volume set of the “History of Kennebunkport,” by local resident and historian, Joyce Butler. Drop in on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for cookies and cider.

The library is open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is located at 18 Maine St. For more information, call 207-967-2778 or visit graveslibrary.org.

Christmas in Kennebunk is Nov. 26

The 39th annual Christmas in Kennebunk is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 26 at Tibbett’s Plaza. During the day, participants are encouraged to visit the Brick Store Museum. The museum will offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can meet Matt Tavares, local author/illustrator of the holiday book, “Dasher.” Tavares will read, draw, host a Q&A session and sign books.

Kennebunk Free Library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  and will host a card-making center from noon to 4 p.m. Members of the Kennebunk High School Chamber Singers will perform carols until Santa and his elves arrive at 5 p.m.

Following the tree lighting, the Waterhouse Center will open for public skating and a chance to skate with Santa.

For more information, email Linda Johnson at ljohnson@kennebunkmaine.us or call 207-604-1341.

Christmas Prelude preps for 41st year

The 41st annual Christmas Prelude (Dec. 1-11) will soon see the town decked out in lights and greenery and a return to the traditional Preludes of the past, with some new events.

“We are excited to be back,” said Kennebunkport Business Association President Ashley Padget, of Alisson’s, in a Nov. 14 news release. “More than anything, I’m looking forward to the return of our traditional events like the Hat Parade and tree lightings, and a new twist to the Walk to Bethlehem and Santa’s arrival by lobster boat.”

Last year’s changed Hat Parade route is no more, and while there will be a Prelude Family Festival on the second Friday, it will wrap around traditional events like the Dock Square tree lighting and fireworks.

According to the business association, the first Friday tree lighting will be back and better than ever as the countdown begins at 41 this year. The re-imagined Santa’s arrival by lobster boat is another event planned to be bigger and better.

“We are super excited,” said the Nonantum’s Tina Gordon. “Santa’s getting on the boat after noon – he’ll go up and down river from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m., landing at the Nonantum at 1.”

Also returning this year are the craft fairs Prelude is known for – places to find hand-crafted gifts.

Following its success in 2019, the Kennebunkport Business Association is also working to bring a little Midweek Magic back to Christmas Prelude.

“We are working hard to build Midweek Magic events for travelers looking to extend their stay, and locals hoping to enjoy a less hectic celebration,” said Padget.

Midweek merriment includes a Cookie Crawl, house tours of the decorated White Columns, a Merry Market at Maine Art Hill, cookie decorating, art classes and the return of the Walk to Bethlehem on Dec. 7 and a Storybook Christmas for children on Dec. 8.

All of the events have been made possible through the support of local sponsors, including Kennebunk Savings, Kennebunk Outfitters, Alisson’s Restaurant, Best of Everything, White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport Resort Collection, H.B. Provisions, Batson River Brewing & Distilling, Squish KPT, Historic Inns of Kennebunkport and the Nonantum Resort.

Christmas Prelude has been presented 41 years by the Kennebunkport Business Association, an all-volunteer group that works to plan the events all year long.  For a full schedule, visit www.christmasprelude.com.

Fine Arts Show with Crafts set for Dec. 1-4

Maine Women in the Arts joins the Prelude festivities with its biggest show of the season, the annual holiday Fine Arts Show with Crafts. The show features a variety of original fine art by local artists including paintings, photography, and pottery.

In addition, the show offers a selection of handmade crafts made by the artists including jewelry, ornaments, cards, home décor, wood carvings, prints, books authored and illustrated by members.

The show begins with an opening reception Thursday, Dec. 1, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 10 North St., Kennebunkport. The reception offers early shopping opportunity, refreshments and live holiday music. The show continues through the weekend: Friday, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The show offers the annual MWA raffle to support a scholarship. Each of the participating artists (about 40) offers an item to create a basketful of handcrafted items.

For more information, visit www.mainewomenarts.com.

Tree lighting planned at Stevens Center

West Kennebunk will start the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Santa will light the tree outside the Dorothy Stevens Community Center on Thompson Road. The Kennebunk Twirlers will perform and Santa will help serve refreshments inside.

Atlantic Hall schedules annual Prelude Fair

Atlantic Hall will hold its annual Prelude Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The event will feature a variety of items sold at the fair, many from local artisans, including handcrafted wooden lobster traps, wreaths/winter berry greenery, rope craft, handmade paper, wooden sculptures and wooden trays, photographs, jewelry, paintings, antiques, holiday gifts and decorations, oriental rugs, small pastries, cheeses, jams/jellies, and Atlantic Hall’s Old-Time Raffle.

Also, again this year, the fair will host Ed Wright, acoustic guitarist and Cape Porpoise resident, who will perform a mix of holiday music and familiar standards.

For more information, call Ed Briggs at 207 967 3357.

Maine illustrators on view at museum

The Brick Store Museum announced its newest exhibition, The Great State of Illustration in Maine, in collaboration with Illustration Institute, is on view through February. The exhibit features more than 80 historic and contemporary illustrators who call Maine home.

Maine illustrators in the exhibition include Dahlov Ipcar, Ashley Bryan, Barbara Cooney, NC Wyeth, Rockwell Kent, Edward Hopper and Francis Hamabe. Current illustrators such as Matt Tavares, Chris van Dusen, Melissa Sweet, Scott Nash, Nancy Gibson-Nash, Stephen Costanza, Tim Sample, and Wade Zahares have also shared work that adorn four full galleries of artwork to illustrate the work of Maine illustrators.

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