ArtWaves founder Liz Cutler Steps Down as Organization Embraces New Leadership

 

Over the summer, founder and long-standing instructor, Liz Cutler, stepped down from her formal roles at ArtWaves. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the organization; celebrating Cutler's contributions while embracing a future of continued growth and creativity. With new staff and board members, this local community arts center is excited to enter a new era as Acadia Center for the Arts.

Liz Cutler started ArtWaves in 2012 from her studio in downtown Bar Harbor with the simple mission of offering art classes to locals and visitors. In April 2017, ArtWaves relocated to Town Hill and established itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Town Hill campus has a rich connection to the arts. It was formerly established as a dance school and then briefly owned by Marion Boulton ‘Kippy’ Stroud, a talented fiber artist, teacher, generous philanthropist, and impassioned promoter of contemporary art and artists, before being purchased by ArtWaves. Liz Cutler and other founding members of Artwaves were pivotal in this expansion, establishing visual arts studios and programming and recruiting teachers and groups to use the campus’s state-of-the-art dance studio. Over the years, the campus has enabled ArtWaves to host guest artists, organize summer festivals and events, and support other local nonprofits and community organizations. Now, Cutler hopes that the organization will continue to grow as she enjoys some much-deserved time in the studio, furthering her own artistic practice.

"The creation of ArtWaves came from a desire to be surrounded by creativity, connection, and community, and I’m proud to witness it continue to grow," says Liz Cutler, "I'm incredibly grateful to our new staff and board members that have stepped into leadership roles with such enthusiasm and a focused vision, and with their support, I look forward to stepping away."

The organization has been strengthened by the addition of a full-time Creative & Executive Director, a role which Katie Hodgkins has held since October 2024. A College of the Atlantic alumni, Katie brings extensive experience in event coordination, program development, and organizational leadership from her prior roles at The Jackson Laboratory and COA. She's supported by Assistant Director Will Erlanson, a marketing professional with over eight years of experience in brand development and digital strategy, and Mariah Reading, Visual Arts Instructor. A Bowdoin College graduate and eco-artist, Mariah has been an Artist-in-Residence at 4 national parks including Acadia, and will develop and teach a wide range of visual arts classes and workshops. This team, combined with the guidance of the Board of Directors—Isabel Mancinelli, Sam Coplon, Jaime Torres Jr., Kimberly Eason, Anne Woodman, and Lothar Holzke—represent a strong investment in ArtWaves' lasting success.

Exciting changes are coming to ArtWaves this fall, including campus improvements, a new name and logo, a re-branded website, and engaging programming; all while staying true to the original mission to support the arts and our wonderful community.

To learn more about the organization or register for events, visit www.artwavesmdi.org.

About ArtWaves: ArtWaves is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community arts center dedicated to making creativity accessible to all. Located on Mount Desert Island, we offer a welcoming space where artists of all ages and skill levels can explore, learn, and connect through the arts. Through dynamic workshops, classes, and exhibitions, we provide opportunities for hands-on learning in painting, printmaking, fiber arts, mixed media, and more. Our programs are designed to inspire self-expression, foster collaboration, and support lifelong engagement in the arts.

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Vactionland Coffee Inc.!

 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber Member, Vactionland Coffee Inc.!

"Here at Vacationland Coffee Roasters ' Coffee Pub ' we specialize in good vibes, freshly roasting 100% Arabica Coffee and canning our very own nitro driven lattes ( feel free to spike them for an even greater kick ) either for here or to go. When it comes to serving up amazing food, Chef Mike has ya covered! We are home of not only break-FAST-sandos, but also break-FAST-tacos! And if you're looking for lunch we have that too. We just so happen to be one of the only places on island where you will actually want to pay for a knuckle sandwich...ha...that's ok because we are happy to make up for it with 'HAPPY HOURS' that's right plural...both Friday & Saturday evening we have killer rotating food and beverage specials from 4-8pm. And for all you Sunday-Funday brunch goers, yup we got you covered there too : ) We look forward to meeting you, your family, your crew & yes even your pup!!

You don't have to leave your vacation behind when you bring home Vacationland Coffee!!"

Be sure to check out their menus at: https://vacationlandcoffeeroasters.com/, stop in and say hello (and enjoy a cuppa!) and you can also find them on Facebook!

Library’s 130th Anniversary Celebration Week of Events July 21-27, 2025

 

Southwest Harbor: The Southwest Harbor Public Library is proud to commemorate 130 years of service to the community with a week-long celebration filled with engaging events for all ages. From Monday, July 21 through Sunday, July 27, the library will host a wide range of activities that honor its rich history and vibrant role in the life of the town. The celebration marks the 130th anniversary of the construction and opening of the library’s iconic brick building at 338 Main Street in 1895.

Festivities begin Monday, July 21 at 4:30 p.m. on the library's Main Street lawn with a Town Proclamation Ceremony. Town Manager Karen Reddersen will officially declare Southwest Harbor Public Library Week, followed by celebratory cake and lemonade.

Highlights of the week include:

● Tuesday, July 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – The McCue Lecture with Lincoln Caplan, renowned legal scholar and author of six books on the Supreme Court. Caplan will present: "Does the Supreme Court Have Too Much Power — or Not Enough?"

● Wednesday, July 23 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Children’s Celebration, featuring fun activities including coloring, library-themed cookie decorating, and more.

● Thursday, July 24 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Featured Guest Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo, will speak on the lawn of St. John’s Church. Russo’s novel Empire Falls, set in coastal Maine, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2002.

● Friday, July 25 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Library Open House, featuring local oral histories and a walk-through of the library’s evolving legacy.

● Saturday, July 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Front Lawn Read-a-thon. Community members are invited to bring and read a favorite book or poem aloud on the library lawn.

● Sunday, July 27 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Finale Celebration Pig Roast Plus, a ticketed event on the lawn of St. Andrew’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Enjoy delicious Pig Roast by Pitmaster Seth Mclain, additional dishes by Clark Point Catering, and live music from J.B. Harrison and the Seal Harbor Boys.

Throughout the month of July, visitors can enjoy special historical exhibits inside the library, including: a curated selection of historic photographs of the library; works and equipment from photographer Willis Humphreys Ballard (1906–1980); photographs of Ralph Stanley Boats; and opportunity to explore the library’s Oral Histories Collection.

Join us in honoring the Southwest Harbor Public Library’s 130-year journey of literacy, learning, and community connection. Registration and details at www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.

For the Calendar

July 21 Town Proclamation & Party 4:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Kick-off Event. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 22 Supreme Court Lecture 5:30-6:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library 130th Anniversary Event. McCue Lecture Lincoln Caplan. "Does the Supreme Court Have Too Much Power — or Not Enough?" www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 23 Children’s Celebration 3:00-5:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Event. Activities and cookie decorating. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 24 Author Talk Richard Russo 5:30-6:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library 130th Anniversary Event. On the Lawn of St. John’s Church across from the library. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 25 Open House & Oral Histories 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Event. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 26 Front Lawn Read-a-Thon 9:00-1:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library 130th Anniversary Event. Bring and read a favorite book or poem aloud on the library lawn. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 27 Pig Roast Plus Fundraiser 5:00-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Event. On the Lawn of St. John’s Church across from the library. Rain or Shine. Tickets $130 available at www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Receives “Best-In-State Bank” Recognition from Forbes for Fourth Consecutive Year

 

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB), the parent company of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce that the Bank has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s “Best-In-State Banks” for the fourth consecutive year. The Bank was selected for the honor based on customer feedback and is one of only 191 banks to be recognized, representing less than 5% of all U.S. banks.

“To be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Banks for our home state of Maine for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous honor,” said Curtis C. Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “This recognition reflects our entire team’s unwavering dedication to our customers and communities, and our commitment to provide exceptional service to everyone who trusts us with their financial needs. We strive for excellence every day because we believe that is what our customers deserve.”

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been serving the financial needs of Northern New England residents and businesses since it was founded in 1887 in Bar Harbor, Maine. The Bank balances the delivery of digital services that customers require, such as mobile banking and mobile deposit, with a personal approach to banking that customers desire. The Bank has a full-service network of more than 50 branches across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

In addition to the “Best-in-State Banks” honor, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust also received recognition from Newsweek earlier this year as one of “America’s Best Regional Banks.”

For Forbes’ eighth annual ranking of the best banks in each state, the magazine partnered with market research firm Statista to conduct surveys with more than 26,000 U.S. residents about the banks and credit unions where they have a checking or savings account. Survey participants evaluated financial institutions based on criteria including: trust, customer service, digital tools, terms and conditions, and financial advice. The evaluation process also included analyzing more than 500,000 public reviews and ratings submitted over the past three years to gauge public sentiment about the banks under consideration.

Visit the Forbes website at www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-banks/ to learn more about the 2025 “Best-in-State Banks” recognition and the selection process.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating more than 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, and has more than $4 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

Welcome to new Chamber Member Bramble & Stone!

 

Please join us in welcoming Bramble & Stone to the Chamber!

They are "A small boutique where you’ll find fun items for women, children, and home."

They are just starting their 5th Season here in Southwest Harbor at 326 Main Street!

Be sure to stop in, say "hello", check out their lovely selection of gifts, and see what's new on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064131758491

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo in Book Groups, Screenings, & Talk featured for 130th Anniversary Celebrations

 

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo and his books, will be featured as a part of the Southwest Harbor Public Library’s 130th Anniversary Celebration events in June and July. In preparation for Russo’s talk on Thursday, July 24th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the lawn of St. John Church across from the library, take part in pre-talk activities: an Empire Falls Book Group on Wednesday, June 11th at 5:30 p.m., a screening of the Empire Falls HBO TV Mini-series, Part 1 on Wednesday, June 25th from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Part 2 on Wednesday, July 2nd from 5:30-7:00 p.m., and a Life and Art Book Group on Wednesday, July 16th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Books are available to purchase at the library; Book Group attendees receive a discounted price. View details and registration information as well as other anniversary events at https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.

Richard Russo has written two memoirs and ten novels, most set in fictional small towns in New England. They include Straight Man, Bridge of Sighs, and three books set in upstate New York and referred to as the North Bath series: Nobody’s Fool, Everybody’s Fool and Somebody’s Fool. His 2001 Empire Falls, set on the Maine coast, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and Russo later adapted it into a television mini-series.

For more information or questions, email programs@swhplibrary.org, or call 244-7065.

Upcoming events:

June 11 Empire Falls Book Group 5:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130 Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

June 25 Empire Falls Screening Part 1 5:30-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

July 2 Empire Falls Screening Part 2 5:30-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130 Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

July 16 Life and Art Book Group 5:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/. programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

July 24 Richard Russo Author Talk 5:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo. On the lawn of St. John Church. Southwest Harbor. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/. programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

Island Connections Raises the Bar for $20K Match Challenge

 

Island Connections is once again celebrating independence on Mount Desert Island with the launch of its annual Match Challenge fundraising campaign, running May 26th (Memorial Day), through the 4th of July. This Independence Day themed campaign highlights Island Connections’ mission to promote independence and dignity by providing essential rides to medical appointments, grocery stores and more, all at no cost to riders.

This year, the stakes are even higher; thanks to generous seed donors, this year’s goal is $5,000 higher than last year’s. All donations up to $20,000 will be matched dollar for dollar to support free, reliable transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.

“We’re challenging ourselves to go further than we did last year,” said Executive Director Carissa Tinker. “It’s the perfect time to do it; what better way to celebrate Independence Day than by investing in Independence for our Neighbors?”

Board President Stephanie Clement added, “This campaign is an opportunity to highlight one of the core values behind our mission: independence. Island Connections empowers people to live their lives fully, regardless of age or ability, and supporting this challenge means making that possible for more members of our community.”

Donations made between May 26th and July 4th will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. This match campaign would not be possible without the generous support of the seed donors: Glenn & Nancy Tucker, Liz Cutler, Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund, and two anonymous donors.

To contribute to the Match Challenge, visit islconnections.org and click “Donate,” or send a check to 93 Cottage St, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Call 207-288-4457 for more information.