David Wade took these amazing photos of our special evening preparing for “Dancing for Joy” to land on Back Cove Trail in June 2024. Thank you for being catalysts for public art! We look forward to seeing you at the Community Opening Thursday June 13 from 5-6PM.

Announcing Dancing for Joy
Presentation by The Myth Makers

Performances by
Holly Taylor, Liz Mulkey, Kristen Stake, & Hannah Wasielewski
Choreography by Holly Taylor in collaboration with dancers

Media Partners
Portland Media Center, Portland Press Herald, Munjoy Hill News, David Wade

Design
Better Yet Design, Loquat, Anna Siegel

 Eclipse magic at Carousel Cosmos! 

 A celestial gathering unfolded as stargazers converged at the Western Promenade to witness the cosmic spectacle. 

 Thank you to everyone who joined us under the “Carousel Cosmos” by Chris Miller, making this moment truly unforgettable. 

A number of art exhibits taking place in Maine highlight the role that art can play in helping individuals and communities heal and grow stronger. We were thrilled that our public art commissions were featured in a conversation around the role of art in building community. In this Maine Calling segment, hear from artists about their work–and about current exhibits that have interactive components.

Pamela/Posey Moulton, immersive public artist whose work Beneath the Forest, Beneath the Sea has been featured at Payson Park in Portland, commissioned by TEMPOart called into the show to share her work and remind folks that Dancing For Joy by The Myth Makers will be featured in Portland’s Back Cove starting in June 2024; it will be a large installation of bamboo sculptures of egrets

We stand on the brink of an extraordinary event – the eclipse of April 8th. It’s a moment that beckons us to look beyond the mundane, to gaze upwards and ponder the mysteries of the universe. And what better way to prepare for this cosmic spectacle than by immersing ourselves in the enchanting world of Carousel Cosmos, a stunning commissioned piece by Chris Miller, brought to life by TEMPOart.

Nestled within the Western Promenade at West Street, Carousel Cosmos is more than just an art installation; it’s a portal to another realm, a miniature galaxy waiting to be explored. Miller’s vision transforms the familiar landscape into a cosmic playground, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery. At the heart of this celestial carousel lies an elliptical walkway, encircling a galactic halo that draws you in with its mysterious gravitational pull. As you traverse the spiral paths, you’ll find yourself amidst spiral galaxy arms, racing polar bears, and sea monsters beckoning you towards adventure in distant mountains.

As you wander through Carousel Cosmos, you’ll encounter benches resembling fantastical local creatures – real and imagined, modern and prehistoric – carved, painted, and arranged as carousel animals. It’s a whimsical touch that adds to the magic of the experience, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life forms across space and time.

Although not in the path of totality, Carousel Cosmos is inspiring our total eclipse journey! Where will you be on April 8?

Excepts from Chris Miller’s proposal to the City of Portland’s Public Art Committee for Carousel Cosmos.

Thanks to Amy Paradyz for covering Catalyst 2024, a wonderful evening supporting public art!

Thank you for attending our amazing Catalyst fundraiser to support our 2024 temporary public art commission to be installed on Back Cove Trail and Park from June 2024 – June 2025 – Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People) by The Myth Makers! We had an amazing time meeting and mingling with you all over delicious food and beverage at Après in Portland, ME. For those that missed the event we wanted to share the program details and a link to the presentation. Follow the links to learn more about Dancing for Joy!

Announcing Dancing for Joy
Presentation by The Myth Makers

Performances by
Holly Taylor, Liz Mulkey, Kristen Stake, & Hannah Wasielewski
Choreography by Holly Taylor in collaboration with dancers

Media Partners
Portland Media Center, Amy Paradyz at Portland Press Herald, Munjoy Hill News, David Wade

Check out this wonderful feature in Portland Press Herald’s Society Notebook by Amy Paradyz and first look photos by David Wade below!

Design
Better Yet Design, Loquat, Anna Siegel

CATALYST IS TONIGHT!

March 18, 5:30-7:30PM
@ Après, 148 Anderson Street, Portland, ME

Join us tonight for our Catalyst Fundraiser to support our 2024 temporary public art commission to be installed on Back Cove Trail and Park from June 2024 – June 2025 – Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People) by The Myth Makers! 

Meet and mingle with artists and local arts and community enthusiasts over delicious food and beverage at Après in Portland, ME. This creative gathering will include:

• A presentation by artist team Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein of The Myth Makers unveiling our 2024 commission.
• Collaborations with local artists and designers.
• Performances by local dancer/choreographers Holly Taylor, Liz Mulkey, Kristen Stake, & Hannah Wasielewski
• Opportunities to get involved with TEMPOart’s mission.

General Admission tickets are $50. Host Committee tickets are $125 for individuals and $250 for couples and will be listed in our invitation and program. All attendees will receive one drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres. If you’ve already purchased tickets, thank you! We will have your name on the list at the door.

Tickets are still available online and will be for sale at the door.

It is never too late to support us as a host…
and thankfully these people agree!

Alison Leavitt
Jean Principe
Nat Thompson
Kristina Powell
Andrea Hanson

One Week until Catalyst 2024

March 18, 5:30-7:30PM
@ Après, 148 Anderson Street, Portland, ME

Join us at our upcoming Catalyst Fundraiser to support our 2024 temporary public art commission to be installed on Back Cove Trail and Park from June 2024 – June 2025 – Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People) by The Myth Makers! 

Meet and mingle with artists and local arts and community enthusiasts over delicious food and beverage at Après in Portland, ME. This creative gathering will include:

• A presentation by artist team Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein of The Myth Makers unveiling our 2024 commission.
• Collaborations with local artists and designers.
• Performances by local dancer/choreographers Holly Taylor, Liz Mulkey, Kristen Stake, & Hannah Wasielewski.
• Opportunities to get involved with TEMPOart’s mission.

General Admission tickets are $50. Host Committee tickets are $125 for individuals and $250 for couples and will be listed in our invitation and program. All attendees will receive one drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres.

Tickets are limited and selling fast!

TEMPOart partners with Cultural Alliance of Maine

TEMPOart is thrilled to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Maine for Cultural Advocacy Day this year. On Tuesday March 5, we will join our peers in the arts and culture sector to highlight how cultural activity has a ripple effect, benefiting all Maine communities. Registration is still available, and the program includes talks and performances by many amazing Maine based artists and cultural organizers. Hope to see you there!