Looking forward: It’s a new year, with new things just around the corner at local arts and entertainment venues.

Mobius magic at Miles: Last Thursday afternoon, Dec. 19, I had the pleasure of spending time in the art studio downstairs at River Arts in Damariscotta talking with and watching the artists in the Mobius Inc. Creative Expressions program.

Textile artist to the rescue: This is the story of how an old quilt was rescued and transformed into a beautiful coat. More specifically, this is the story of how a woman named Mary Lavandier Myers bought a $3 bag of rummage sale items at the Miles Memorial Hospital League tent sale in Damariscotta earlier this fall into which was stuffed a pink-and-white quilt that was worn out and stained, and gave the quilt to her textile artist friend Jody Halliday to do her magic on. The result: a lovely (and virtually spotless) “art jacket.”

The inimitable Mr. Kando: Late last month, I wrote in this column about the importance of the arts – or rather, a number of people helped me write about the importance of the arts, sending me thought-provoking responses to the question, “Why are the arts important?”

Community enrichment through the arts: “I’m pleased to display a few of my pieces at the CLC Y because the Y is a major focal point of our community’s resilience,” wrote Bristol artist Winslow Myers in a recent press release for his 10-painting exhibit currently on the walls of the Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta.

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

Why the arts?: Regularly, I talk with people that have definite opinions on the importance of the arts – visual, musical, theater, culinary, and so on. Many seem to delight in and thrive on taking part in an artistic pursuit, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or acting in community theater, whether they are professionals or amateurs. Many others seem to feel similarly fulfilled and excited about being part of the audience for such creative, expressive endeavors.

Representing the beauty of Maine: Lovely Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, in Boothbay, has been honored for its breathtaking beauty by being chosen by the U.S. Postal Service as one of the 10 garden venues nationwide to be featured in its 2020 American Gardens series of first-class Forever stamps.

Follow her anywhere: Whitefield’s Sheepscot General on any given Friday evening is a busy, fun place, in large part due to the fact that Fridays from 5-8 p.m. are Pizza Night, the one night each week when one can partake in the sourdough-crusted gloriousness topped with fresh (and often delightfully interesting) ingredients that is Sheepscot General’s regionally famous pizza.

“The less there is to look at, the more important it is that we look at it closely and carefully. This is critical to abstract art. Small differences make all the difference.” – Kirk Varnedoe, “Pictures of Nothing: Abstract Art Since Pollock”

Masterful work: Open since July, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts’ new building in Edgecomb, the Joan Pearson Watkins House, houses an art gallery. Currently, the gallery is hosting an exhibit titled “Masters and Apprentices,” featuring the work of master basket, wood, blockprint, assemblage, and jewelry artists and their apprentices.

Wanting to see less plastic: I like hanging out with Damariscotta artist Marnie Sinclair. Every so often, the enthusiastic Sinclair just pops up on my arts radar and we chit-chat about her latest project – always, it seems, focused on the environment.