Serving the Cultural Arts Community in Southern Aroostook County
The Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project was organized in 1999 to help the arts flourish in southern Aroostook County, Maine, and is the umbrella program beneath which Visions and The Blue Moon Gallery operate. The term “Cultural Arts” describes the many forms of art that have organically grown from our local region, weaving together the fine, and folk art worlds that make up our diverse cultural arts scene.
Southern Aroostook Culture and Communities
Southern Aroostook County, Maine comprises several distinct communities historically connected by a trade center in the town of Houlton. Our population includes some 22,000 people clustered across 4,000 square miles of territory in northern Maine. Geographically, we are bounded by Mt. Katahdin and the great North Woods to the west and the Canadian border to the east. Our northernmost reaches extend into the towns of Monticello and Knowles Corner, and our southern rim includes Danforth, Benedicta and Sherman. Survival and growth of our rural communities have been historically tied to our natural resources, and our economy has always been based on hunting, fishing, forestry, potato farming, and supporting industries.
Our local arts have been intricately connected to this culture. One example is the famous “potato basket” created by the indigenous Maliseet and Micmac Indians. Made from the wood of the brown ash tree, these baskets were fashioned for use in the harvest of potatoes. Another example is the early 20th century decorative brickwork of the commercial buildings in historic Market Square, Houlton. More recently, artisans such as the wood turners, have come to this area to be near the medium that inspires them most. Still others find inspiration for their artwork in the rugged landscape, the old rambling buildings, and of course the colorful people who populate our beloved area.
From the very beginning, we have been fueled by other peoples generosity. From donated materials, rent sponsorship, and sweat equity, SACAP grew from our combined community efforts. Volunteers designed and painted the exterior storefront, the inside walls, shelves, counters, radiators, and other fixtures. They built racks and shelves, created and hung the sign, ran phone wires, set up systems for tracking sales, donated fixtures and appliances, cleaned windows, scrubbed floors and even polished brass on the door, and now they staff and run our shop! Our deepest appreciation and thanks goes out to everyone involved.
At SACAP, our vision is of a vibrant, joyful, and friendly community, where the arts are the spice and leavening for the revitalization of the economy, so stop in, and visit with us today.