Page 119 - CA 2019 Final(3)

There’s an interesting selection
of traditional cedar and canvas
double-end and Grand Laker
canoes at the festival, built by
many generations of Grand Lake
Stream canoe builders.

Award-winning art how celebrates 25!

feature by Johanna S. Billings

Phot s courtesy of the G and Lake Steram Folk A t Festival

Nestled in the woods of Washington County – in other words, waaaay off the beaten path – is the setting for one of New England’s
finest art festivals.
The Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival, set for July 27-28 this year, was named Editor’s Choice for the Best Family Art & Music
Festival in New England by Yankee magazine in 2015. It also received the 2006 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Tourism. “You’re
coming to a show with fine, fine art, music and food,” said Cathy Shamel, one of the show’s organizers. Since the beginning, Sophie
Melanson has chaired the event, Cathy says, adding, “They let me be the artistic director.”

The two-day juried show, always held the last full weekend in July, features about 50 top artists who show and demonstrate painting,
woodworking, felting, sewing, pottery, weaving, stained glass and other crafts. “We try to keep a good balanced show,” Cathy said.
The show, which celebrates its 25th year in 2019, began as a way to keep the community active at a time of year when fishing tends to
be slow, Cathy said. The organizers felt it was important to make the event the best it could be. The show takes place rain or shine,
with everything under what Cathy describes as “the best tents.” Even if it rains, everyone stays dry.

“If you’re going to bring someone here to stay in the lodges, you have to do something special,” said Cathy’s husband, Bill. “You
want to serve and entertain your local constituency and offer something for your summer constituency.”

Many of the participating artists work in their booths, allowing visitors to watch and ask questions. Each year, the artists also put
together a free, interactive children’s art program. This year, youths will work on projects including felting soap (instructed by exhib-
itor Betsy Leslie, a wood and painting craft, and a special project by children’s book illustrator Rebecca Raye. “They’re doing projects
that they’re able to take home with them,” Cathy said.
As part of the show, visitors enjoy live music all day both days. The Grand Lake Stream Strumming Wildcats Ukulele Band will
perform, as will musicians playing jazz, bluegrass and folk music.

The show is located within walking distance to camps and lodges, as well as
the waterfront, hiking trails and picturesque scenery. Many show visitors spend
a whole week in town and others incorporate the show into their family reunions.
“The thing that’s going to make you come here is the beauty,” Cathy said.

Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $8
per person for a single day or $12 for both days. For more information, visit
www.grandlakestreamfolkartfestival.com or contact the Shamels at
207-796-8199.

Artist Randy Barker makes burl bowls like this
one. Many of the artists demonstrate their work
as well as show and sell.
A variety of musicians entertain visitors both days.
117