Sights At State Fairs Fill Walls Of State Capitol
The tradition of Mainers passing through fairgrounds appeasing their senses is generations old. Between the sights of families together, the sounds of carnies on the midway, the smell of food in the air, and the taste of the good life, fairs and festivals are a longstanding fixture in Maine. And now, through December, those familiar feelings will be on display in the State Capitol.
A new art exhibition showcasing work by some of Maine’s finest photographers highlights one of Maine’s most popular pastimes. Over 60 photographs depicting Mainers' experiences at state fairs and festivals are on display at the State House and Blaine House in Augusta, as well as in the offices of the Maine Arts Commission. The exhibit, known as “On and Off the Midway,” spotlights 26 popular statewide events and captures Maine residents in a relaxed and fun loving state of mind, at a fair.
Sponsored by the Maine Arts Commission, photographs include those of state fairs and festivals, Fourth of July celebrations, fishing derbies, and dogsled racing. Through the photos, local artists have captured a love of social, environmental, and seasonal events that is often found among those of us fortunate to live here.
The goal of the Arts in the Capitol program is to provide Mainers with a unique offering of art. The exhibitions are free to the public and the majority of the pieces are easily accessible on the first floor of their respective buildings. The exhibition is self guided, and if needed, assistance is available.
So as the summer festival season comes to a close, and the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein begins to wrap up our travelling road show, memories carry on in photographs come rain or shine, sleet or snow. But while a picture may be worth a thousand words, nothing beats a firsthand account of the action. So get out there and enjoy what Maine prides itself on. After all, photographs wouldn’t hang on the walls in the capitol building if they didn’t capture the fun that can be found in our own backyard.
For more information on the Arts in the Capitol program please visit: www.mainearts.maine.gov/public/capitol/index.shtml.
And for a complete list of fairs and festivals throughout the state please visit: www.maine.info/events/festivals.php.
