About this Event
Writing is solitary work, increasingly done at kitchen tables as opportunities in our field continue to shrink. One of the best things writers can do for one another is simply gather and nourish our work and ideas.
Whether you are a novelist, newspaper reporter, freelance critic, essayist, or a writer for your local museum (or wish to be any of these things), you are warmly welcome to join us at this salon-style gathering.
A handful of participants will share arts writing that has stayed with them over the years. Others will read from works in progress. Everyone is invited to bring a copy of a recent essay on a cultural theme for a participatory essay exchange.
Participating writers will include: Jorge Arango, a critic for the Portland Press Herald; Melaine Ferdinand-King, a cultural strategist, arts writer, and 2026 winner of the Rabkin Prize based in Rhode Island; Jori Finkel, a contributing writer for The New York Times and 2023 Rabkin Prize recipient; Nyamoun Nguany Machar (Moon), a spoken word poet, a teacher with the Telling Room and a mental health advocate; and Devon Zimmerman, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Facilitating the discussion is Jameson Johnson, founder and editor-in-chief of the Boston Art Review. Bold Magazine Shop will be on hand with a table of wonderful titles to peruse. Nibbles and drinks will be provided, too.
The event is a collaboration between Surf Point, the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation, and Mechanics' Hall. It was inspired by Jori’s presence in Maine for a residency at Surf Point, which is sponsored by the Rabkin Foundation.
Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 6:00 p.m.). Free to the public, registration is required.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of arts writers and collaborating with others to uncover more viable futures for the field. We do this through community building, thought leadership and the recognition of excellence. The Rabkin Prize is the central initiative of the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation, an artist-endowed foundation. The prize is awarded through a nomination process. When possible, we provide additional support for the arts writing field. The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation is based in Portland, Maine and is home to a destination gallery space where all are welcome to explore the art and archives of Leo Rabkin (1919-2015), a school teacher, art collector and artist
Surf Point is a nonprofit organization on the coast of York, Maine that supports diverse visual artists and art workers through a residency; stewards 45 acres of coastal and forested land; hosts public programs; and promotes and shares research on our historic legacy.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.
Street Parking: Available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and nearby streets. Pay by meter or the Passport Parking App. Free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and between Parris and Alder Street. Some blocks may vary — look for posted signs.
Garages: The Arts District Garage (41 Brown St) has 250+ spaces, is open 24/7, and accepts credit card only, with entrances on Brown, Cumberland, and Casco. The Elm Street Garage (21 Elm St) is conveniently near the Portland Library. The Spring Street Garage is three blocks away at 45 Spring St.
ACCESSIBILITY
To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. Please note that the wheelchair ramp has a steep incline.
A wheelchair-accessible elevator is available. The elevator is 60" deep, 48" wide, with a 32" door opening. There are four wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on the third-floor level, adjacent to the Ballroom.
If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.
Event venue & nearby stays
Mechanics' Hall, 519 Congress Street, Portland, United States
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