Holding up the Sky explores Wabanaki philosophies of leadership and obligation relating to humans and non-humans by highlighting 13,000 years of Wabanaki residence in what is now known as Maine. Wabanaki advisors guided the exhibition, interpreting 17th century colonial treaties, photographs, heritage items, and contemporary artworks—everything from ash baskets to haute couture fashion. Wabanaki voices provide context for the present-day relevance and repercussions of 400 years of shared histories between Wabanaki people and immigrants to their region. In addition to items from Maine Historical Society collections and newly-commissioned pieces from Wabanaki artists, the exhibition will feature artifacts generously loaned by many individuals and organizations, including: Abbe Museum, Hudson Museum, Passamaquoddy Cultural Heritage Museum, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Maine State Museum, Nova Scotia Museum, and Bangor Historical Society. Holding Up the Sky was developed in collaboration with a team of advisors, including Lisa Brooks (Abenaki), James Francis (Penobscot), Suzanne Greenlaw (Maliseet), Darren Ranco (Penobscot), Theresa Secord (Penobscot), Ashley Smith (Wabanaki descent), and Donald Soctomah (Passamaquoddy). We also invite First Friday Art Walk visitors to view Power of Potential: Photographs of the 1925 National Business and Professional Women’s Convention. The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) - which was established eight months before the 19th Amendment - hosted over 2,000 working women from around the country during their seventh annual convention in Portland in 1925. This exhibition features images from Evening Express’ coverage of this convention, which are part of the Portland Press Herald glass negative collection at Maine Historical Society.

Ready. Set. Laugh! Join Fresnel Theater for comedy improv in cozy Post Office Park (by Black Cow on Exchange Street). The jokes and scenes will be made up on the spot, thanks to *your* participation and creativity. The more belly laughs, the better! This performance is part of Portland Downtown's annual Square Hop, which features 4 free shows in 4 downtown parks from 6-8pm. "Hop" from square to square to enjoy a variety of local music & entertainment! Square Hop locations & performers include: Fresnel Theater Comedy Improv in Post Office Park; Maine Marimba Ensemble in Monument Square; Sea Level & The Memorial Skylight in Congress Square Park; and Palaver Strings Trio in Longfellow Square.

The intimate Longfellow Square provides a perfect setting for Palaver Strings, a musician-led string ensemble and nonprofit organization founded in Boston in 2014. Now in its fifth season, Palaver has established itself as a forward-thinking ensemble whose mission is rooted in community and creative programming. This performance is part of Portland Downtown's annual Square Hop, which features 4 free shows in 4 downtown parks from 6-8pm. "Hop" from square to square to enjoy a variety of local music & entertainment! Square Hop locations & performers include: Fresnel Theater Comedy Improv in Post Office Park; Maine Marimba Ensemble in Monument Square; Sea Level & The Memorial Skylight in Congress Square Park; and Palaver Strings Trio in Longfellow Square

TJ Whitmore Photography Exhibit and Book Launch Mechanics' Hall - Portland, Maine Whitmore is a travel and real estate photographer from Portland, ME. The Push/Shove exhibition is a collection of photos spanning from 2013 to 2019. The exhibit showcases the architecture of London as well as the natural beauty of Iceland and Maine. The gallery coincides with the release of the artist's photo book by the same title. Exhibit runs from June 7-13th, 2019. Gallery admission is free and most of the artworks will be available for sale. Other times to see the show are during Mechanics’ Hall library hours. Opening reception: 1st Friday, June 7th. FREE and open to the public. 5:00-8:00PM. Elevator access to second floor gallery. There will be a live acoustic performance by Chris Whitmore during the opening.

Google 'women titles in music' and you will find hundreds of songs from Sarah McLachlan's Adia to Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke. It seems as though the 60s, 70s and 80s were flooded with these epic 'she' titles. We hope you enjoy our art inspired by these songs and learning the stories behind these iconic women in rock.