John Spain, the owner of Maine Art Hill, has once again been selected to be one of only nine candidates taking part in the Real Men Wear Pink of Maine campaign. This campaign gives men a leadership role in the fight against breast cancer.
Real Men Wear Pink is an opportunity and an honor for Spain. Cancer has touched his world personally. Also, many of Maine Art Hill’s employees and artists have fought with this disease, either individually or alongside family members.
“The fact that I am in a position to help focus awareness and offer support to our local community is overwhelming and impossible to resist,” says Spain. “This is everyone’s disease, be it a survivor who continues to fight every day, or someone who battled bravely but lost the fight. My job in this is easy, working to make the job of others that much easier.”
Maine Art Hill is supporting its owner in this endeavor in a variety of ways. The 2nd Annual Pink Show fills the Pop-Up Gallery from October 1 to October 31. Over twenty Maine Art Hill artists are participating in this show, in addition to giving 10% of their proceeds back to Spain’s campaign. The gallery will match that 10%, making 20% of each sale impacting the fight.
Ellen Welch Granter, a participating artist for the second year and a survivor herself shares this about Solace, her piece for this show. “Even though the stupid relentless war goes on full-time until we beat this, Solace is a gentle refuge. It is a reminder in bursts of pink that we don’t have to battle every day.” Granter knows first hand the benefit of rest, of taking a moment to find beauty around you, and just being. This is what this show is all about.
In conjunction with the gallery and Spain’s fundraising effort, Maine Art Hill is hosting Hope on the Hill, an Artist Reception and Celebration Saturday, October 12 from 5 to 7 pm, at Studios at 5 Chase Hill Road. Many of the artists are attending and are excited to share this evening with the community. Hope on the Hill is a ticketed event with 100% of the $35 ticket going back to the campaign. This is possible by local businesses partnering for this purpose. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS. There will be light bites from select Kennebunk Resort Collection chefs, Suga Suga Portland, and Shannon Bard Catering; cocktails and wine from Cellardoor Winery Maine and Maine Craft Distilling; and music from Lisa Mills and the Blue Notes.
Another artist, Charles Bluett shares, “I am so lucky and blessed to be able to paint and bring joy to others. There is no better way to show appreciation than being able to do what I do to support causes. So many need support and funding to help when life casts a shadow over them.” After having gone through cancer with his dear wife, it is a cause close to Bluett’s heart. “I know every cent counts towards battling this terrible disease.”
The complete show may be viewed virtually by clicking here. Pop-Up on Maine Art Hill is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. FMI call 207-204-2042 or info@maine-art.com. Be on the lookout for Spain’s alter ego, Real Man, around the area and learn more about the show and the cause on Maine Art’s Facebook page.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Susan Bennett, Claire Bigbee, Charles Bluett, Lucie Boucher & Bernie Huebner, Donna D’Aquino, Alex Dunwoodie, Elizabeth Ostrander, Kathy Ostrander Roberts, Margaret Gerding, Ellen Welch Granter, Rick Hamilton, Liz Hoag, Julie Houck, William B. Hoyt, Ingunn Joergenson, John LeCours, Karen McManus, Craig Mooney, Janis Sanders, Jill Valliere, Bethany Harper Williams, Richard Winslow, David Witbeck, and Wade Zahares