The Downtown Arts Group is pleased to announce the final First Friday Art Walk of the 2012 season, on Friday, October 5th, from 6-9 p.m. This dynamic event, new to Bar Harbor this season, showcases a wide variety of fine art & craft, with special events and refreshments at many participating galleries. New to the Art Walk for October is The Village Emporium on Cottage Street, featuring photographs by Michele LaBianca and a trunk show of jewelry and accessories by Maine Dock Designs.

Art Walk brings residents and visitors alike out for an evening to appreciate and celebrate the arts. You’ll find traditional and contemporary pieces, many by local and Maine artists, including wall art, sculpture, glass, pottery, jewelry and fiber arts. Harborside Shakespeare Company will bring the performing arts to the event, presenting vignettes at locations all over town. Says Linda D’Alessio, co-coordinator of the event, “The energy and enthusiasm of the first two Art Walks was exhilarating, and we are expecting the finale to be even more exciting, with community wide participation and support. Join the fun and stroll around town to enjoy the work of many creative and talented people.”

Participating Galleries & Shops for the October event are: Sagegrass Gallery, highlighting glorious American craft both wearable and for the home; Katahdin Photo Gallery, showing photographs of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island by owner Steven Bart; Island Artisans, featuring art and craft by over 150 Maine artisans, celebrating their 30th year; Collins Gallery, showing paintings and sculpture by Maine artists including work of owner Bruce Collins; Alone Moose Gallery, showing wildlife sculpture in bronze and wood, pottery, jewelry and watercolors by co-owner Ivan Rasmussen; Spruce & Gussy, featuring the world in miniature, as envisioned in terrariums, photos, jewelry and shadowbox dioramas; Jesup Memorial Library, showcasing the works of Maine painter Rebecca Nichols; Eclipse Gallery, with a wide variety of fine American craft, including glass, ceramic, metal, paper and wood; Artemis Gallery, featuring the work of Robert Pollien and other Maine artists; A Little Mad: Island Shop & Gallery, with whimsical home accents, unique gifts, art and jewelry; The Mason Gallery, scenes from the Island by photographer Stan Mason; D’Alessio Studio & Gallery, original figurative expressionist contemporary art by local artist Russell D’Alessio; Argosy Gallery I & II, original fine oil and watercolor paintings by renowned artists from across the USA, focusing on the beautiful coastal Maine as well as still-life; and The Village Emporium, featuring photographs by owner Michele LaBianca and a trunk show by Maine Dock Designs.

Walking maps are available at all participating shops, galleries and the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on Main Street, as well as most lodging establishments. Refreshments will be served at the galleries.

The Art Walk is a great night on the town, so grab a friend and come out for a wonderful evening celebrating Bar Harbor’s Art and Fine Craft. For further information call Linda D’Alessio at 207.351.5450 or Sherry Rasmussen at 207.288.4229.