Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend is Almost Here
Ellsworth is showing up in the pages of DownEast Magazine as a featured city for Maine Craft Weekend! From October 1–4, Art of Ellsworth will bring four days of craft, culture and community to locations throughout downtown and beyond.
The full weekend is taking shape, and events are beginning to appear on the statewide Maine Craft Weekend calendar. Our Art of Ellsworth page is the best place to start: it brings the local lineup together, highlights what Heart of Ellsworth is hosting and connects the weekend to our work supporting arts, culture, downtown discovery and community connection.
Heart of Ellsworth works year-round to support downtown’s economic and cultural vitality. Our annual Downtown Ellsworth Experience Survey adds a community-wide snapshot to that ongoing work by capturing how people use downtown, what they value and what shapes their experience.
Whether you live or work downtown, own a business or property, visit regularly or only stop by occasionally, your perspective contributes to a fuller picture of Ellsworth today. The survey is open through November 15 and will help inform future conversations, partnerships and committee work.
We are incredibly grateful to Fogtown Brewing Company for turning one of its locally crafted ciders into ongoing support for Heart of Ellsworth. Since August 1, Fogtown has donated 5% of its on-site Table Cider sales to support our work throughout downtown.
This semi-dry sparkling cider is made with heritage apples from local orchards and wild fruit foraged throughout Ellsworth and along the Downeast coast. The apples are pressed, fermented with native yeasts and aged in oak barrels for at least six months, creating a cider rooted in this place.
Thank you to Jon Stein and the entire Fogtown team for investing in the community around them. The next time you visit, order the Table Cider and raise a glass knowing part of your purchase is giving back to downtown Ellsworth.
Now Your Support Goes Directly to Our Work with Zeffy
We are deeply grateful for every contribution made to Heart of Ellsworth, and we want as much of that support as possible to reach the work it was intended for. That is why we have moved our online donations to Zeffy, a fundraising platform created specifically for nonprofits with no platform, transaction, or credit card processing fees.
When you donate through Zeffy, Heart of Ellsworth receives 100% of your gift. Zeffy remains free through an optional contribution donors may choose to add at checkout. By making this change, we are doing everything we can to keep fees from cutting into your generosity and ensure more of every dollar supports our work in downtown Ellsworth.
Clay programming is growing at 16 State with two new six-week offerings. Whether you are picking up clay for the first time or ready to push your practice further, there is a place for you at the table.
Handbuilding I runs Wednesdays, September 23 through October 28. Beginners and returning makers can register for the complete six-week series or choose individual classes based on the projects that interest them and the dates that fit their schedules.
Handbuilding II: Functional Tableware runs Tuesdays, September 22 through October 27. This offering is structured as a complete six-week cohort, giving participants time to deepen their skills and develop a custom tableware set alongside a consistent group of makers. Some clay experience is helpful, but not required.
Register for a full six-week offering by September 10 to receive introductory pricing: $275 for Handbuilding I or $315 for Handbuilding II. Prices increase to $300 and $340 after the deadline.
Individual Handbuilding I classes are also available to book now.
Since opening in August, Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change has welcomed visitors from near and far to the gallery at 16 State. The exhibition has received incredible publicity and created meaningful opportunities for people to experience the stories of Maine women whose leadership, courage and creativity have shaped our communities.
Two free programs remain before the exhibition closes on September 25:
Tuesday, September 15 The New Deal at Work: Frances Perkins, Labor Reform and the Continuing Legacy
Saturday, September 19 Voices & Visions: An Art-Making and Song Gathering for All Ages
There is still time to experience the exhibition and be part of the conversations it continues to inspire.
Love art? Enjoy meeting people?
Want to make a difference in downtown Ellsworth?
The Makerspace at 16 State Street is looking for Volunteer Gallery Stewards to welcome visitors and help keep our gallery open and accessible. No gallery experience is needed, and training is provided. Even one shift a month makes a difference.
Sunday Society is now open in downtown, bringing contemporary mat Pilates to a welcoming space designed for every body and every stage of the fitness journey. Classes are thoughtfully programmed to build strength, improve mobility and posture, and allow participants to modify or progress movements at their own pace. The studio combines upbeat playlists and encouraging instruction with an emphasis on intentional movement, restoration and community.
Fall Adult Education Offerings Open for Registration
Ellsworth Adult & Community Education has opened registration for its fall offerings, including new initiatives designed to support local workers and businesses. Programs include Downeast Pipeline to Commercial Driving and Roadmap to a Future in the Trades, along with courses in micro-memoirs, needle felting, paper quilling, eggs Benedict, watercolor cars, auto and home insurance, banjo, pennywhistle, Maine natural history and geology, raising chickens, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Google Workspace for the workplace and more. Ellsworth Adult & Community Education is a program of the Ellsworth School Department, and its enrichment programs are self-sustaining.
Throughout September, the Ellsworth Public Library is giving community members another reason to sign up for, renew or help someone else discover a library card. When a patron refers a friend who signs up for or renews a library card during Library Card Sign-Up Month, both people will be entered into a drawing for one of two $50 gas cards. Eligibility requirements apply.
The City of Ellsworth is closing out summer with four free Thursday evening concerts at the Franklin Street Parklet.
The September lineup includes Chris Ross and Amy Love on September 3, Hymn for Her and Bowen Swersey on September 10, Tim Lewis Band and Budd Williams Jr. on September 17, and Cam King’s Dead Night and Madcap Minstrels during Autumn Gold Weekend on September 24.
Oh My Goddess:
An Exhibit Celebrating the Divine Feminine
Artsworth’s newest exhibition brings together artwork exploring the divine feminine and the full spectrum of inspiration, love, rage, creation, guidance, appreciation, nurturing, protection and fertility.
The opening will take place Saturday, September 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A fundraising silent auction will begin during the opening and continue through Saturday, October 3 at 4 p.m.
Autumn Gold Weekend returns with several days of activities throughout Ellsworth, including the annual car show, Kid Zone, golf tournament, murder mystery dinner and Business After Hours. Jumbo Jackpot tickets are also on sale for $10 each, offering a chance to win $2,500.
After 10 years in business and seven years on Main Street, Poppy & Polka Dot has announced that it will close at the end of October. The boutique and owner Amanda have become a meaningful part of downtown Ellsworth, and we will deeply miss having them here.
We encourage the community to stop in before the doors close, support the shop and help celebrate the relationships, memories and unmistakable style Poppy & Polka Dot has shared with Ellsworth over the years.
Healthy Acadia's 25th Anniversary Celebration
Healthy Acadia is celebrating its anniversary with a family-friendly gathering featuring food, live local music, activities for all ages and opportunities to connect with its staff, board members and community partners. The celebration will also include the unveiling of Healthy Acadia’s Art for Health and Hope community art installation. Community members who have been involved for years and those just getting to know the organization are all invited. RSVPs are suggested to help with planning food and activities.
Pokemon Trade Night at Coastal Sports Collectibles
Saturday, September 12th
4PM - 7PM
Pokémon collectors are invited to bring their cards to Coastal Sports Collectibles for an afternoon of trading. The store will take in trades at 90% of TCGplayer Market value.
An evening of decadence, delight and death is coming to the Barn at Woodlawn as a benefit for The Grand, Woodlawn and the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. The evening will include cocktails, raffles, valet parking and a catered three-course dinner by Chippers. Guests will enjoy passed appetizers followed by their choice of filet mignon, applewood-smoked chicken breast or grilled salmon piccata, with a gluten-free chocolate torte for dessert.
The First Congregational Church of Ellsworth will host a public supper featuring roast pork, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, salad, rolls, homemade pies and beverages. The church is handicap accessible, and all are welcome.
2 Church Street $12 Per Person, $25 Per Family (2 adults, 2 kids)
FMI: Call Lois at (207)669-2028
Be in the know about road closures, parking information and more by following updates from City Hall on their website. Attend and/or watch City Council Meetings by following their YouTube channel as well!
As we continue developing the space, planning workshops, gallery opportunities, rentals, and creative community programming, we invite you to follow along.
For all things Makerspace and most current updates, follow on social media.
Many of you have told us how much downtown Ellsworth means to you, how a vibrant downtown has enriched your life and increased your sense of pride and connection to this place.
Your support of economic growth through projects in the downtown district is what makes our work possible. We are asking for your help to sustain our work year-round. Your generosity will keep the Heart of Ellsworth beating strong.
