ARRT! (The Artists’ Rapid Response Team!) works with progressive groups and organizations throughout Maine, providing images that can help to distill and clarify their important messages about issues that matter to people in Maine and the world beyond our borders.
As the season unfolded, ARRT! was visible at many summer events across the state. From Biddeford to Pembroke, at Artwalks, summer fairs, parades, retreats, ship christenings, and even at the Maine State House in Augusta, there was evidence of ARRTists at work. The summer began with the first ever ARRT! Retreat, generously hosted by Smithereen Farm and Severine von Tscharner Fleming in Pembroke, Maine. ARRTists traveled and gathered to review, plan, relax, enjoy one another, and, of course, paint—all amidst the farm’s stunning perch overlooking Cobscook Bay.
Magnificent view from the painting shed at Smithereen Farm.
ARRTists at Smithereen Farm, mural painting.
ARRTists at Smithereen Farm, mural painting.
ARRTists at Smithereen Farm, mural painting.
ARRT! mural detail for Smithereen Farm..
ARRTists on retreat.
ARRTists at Smithereen Farm, mural painting.
ARRTists at Smithereen Farm, mural painting.
Taking it to dry at Smithereen Farm.
Unveiling the Pennamaquan River mural at Smithereen Farm.
ARRT!’s Pennamaquan River Mural installed in Pembroke.
Night at Smithereen Farm.
Immediately following the retreat, many ARRTists paraded in the Whitefield’s Independence Day parade along with Natasha Mayers and the Whitefield community. The theme “Read Banned Books” was brought to life with caution tape, banners, props, and placards. Free children’s books, with a list of banned books, were distributed to the crowd along the route.
Independence Day in Whitefield.
Books wrapped in caution tape for handing out at the Whitefield Independence Day parade.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade with ARRT! signs and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade props and banners.
Whitefield Independence Day parade Crew with ARRT! signs and banners.
ARRT! banners and images were spotted in many booths at this year’s Common Ground Fair.
ARRT! banner illustrates the need for supporting voting rights at the Maine Common Ground Fair.
Activists educate about food insecurity at the Common Ground Fair, with ARRT! banner above.
ARRT! image tops the flyer on support for local farming..
ARRT! banner and activist for the Maine TransNet at the Common Ground Fair.
Community activists displayed ARRT! banners and props proudly in many neighborhoods, as civic engagement was alive and well this summer in the state.
ARRT! banner in Waterville with GRR! (Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights!)
ARRT! sign at the Maine State House in Augusta with GRR! (Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights!)
ARRT! banner in the Maine State House with GRR! (Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights!)
Activist holding an ARRT! banner at Bath Iron Works.
Activist holding an ARRT! banner at Bath Iron Works.
ARRT! banner for the Biddeford Community Garden Artwalk open house, 23 July 2023.
The Artists’ Rapid Response Team (ARRT!) is a project of the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA). ARRT! is grateful for the support of the UMVA and a donor-advised fund of the Maine Community Foundation. UMVA members and others are always welcome to join in, and ARRT! is always on the lookout for organizations in need of our services. Check out our website.
Image at top: ARRT! banner for the Whitefield Independence Day parade.