>масиre no longer updating this blog. We’ve really enjoyed sharing our ideas and observations with the wide wide world these last few years- but have been refocusing our time and energy on our shop: Eli Phant (online at http://eli-phant.com). Visit us in Portland Maine!

Today is International Knit In Public Day and the sidewalk near Eli Phant was a knitting fest all day today thanks to KnitWit Yarn Shop.

carrier to noise ratio

I recently found Oilver Bishop, A UK designer and artist work with skips (waste containers) in the UK. His goal is to create and facilitate public engagement by creating spaces commonly found in the urban environment.

See more by Oilver Bishop here

The Maine Arts Commission is celebrating its 30th year of Public Art with a series of state wide events from May to November 2009. Public Art in Maine is supported largely by state and municipal budgets. The one percent for arts program is the main funding vehicle for these programs. Administered through a public request for proposal (RFP) process the one percent for arts funding is awarded to artist on a competitive basis.

One percent lands communities a mix of inspirational or pathetic art; like all good public art it encourages conversation and a wide mix of emotions. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Congrats MAC! Maine is more interesting because of you.

Schedule at: mainearts.maine.gov

The second annual Indie Biz Awards was held last night at the Empire in downtown Portland. Nine locally owned and independent businesses were recognized by Portland Buy Local for their commitment to and work in the community. Over 1,500 people cast votes for their favorite businesses.

View the winners here

The Maine Comics Arts Festival was held today in Portland, showcasing over 70 comic artists, illustrators, and cartoonists. Our favorite find was the Center for Cartoon Studies located in White River Junction Vermont. The Center offers a two-year course focused on the creation and dissemination of comic art, graphic novels, and visual narratives.

Sally and I are definitely heading up there for a visit, hoping to bring back some very amazing work to the store.

That’s right free advertising! A new ad campaign for the Salvation Army displays the familiar Salvation Army Seal each with a different message direct at you. I think these are great, what about you?