Side x Side

10/15/2026

Save the Date to join us for a Flatbread Co. Community Night Fundraiser in support of Side x Side - Tuesday, Oct. 27th!

10/14/2026

A collaboration with the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Creates is bringing community-centered arts projects to life across Maine. It includes Meditations in Art, a program in Rockport that addressed social isolation among older adults through ongoing creative opportunities that foster connection and belonging:
https://sidexsideme.com/our-work/professional-development/mainecreates/meditations-in-art/

10/07/2026

Artists making a difference in their communities through Maine Creates, a collaboration between Side x Side and the Maine Arts Commission.

10/06/2026

Meet Our Executive Director's Kindergarten Teacher:

“Some teachers stay with you for a lifetime. Mrs. Driscoll was one of those teachers,” says Side x Side Executive Director Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo of her kindergarten teacher, Shelby Driscoll.

From her earliest days in school, Beth loved learning, especially through the hands-on projects and creative activities Shelby brought to her classroom. Although Beth struggled through much of her school years with undiagnosed dyslexia, it wasn’t until college that she discovered her unique way of thinking and learning wasn’t simply a challenge—it was also a key to unlocking skills and talents that traditional teaching methods didn’t always recognize.

“I watched her forge her way through it all,” Shelby recalls.

For Beth, Shelby made learning fun while helping her believe in herself and her abilities. That early experience reflects the heart of Side x Side’s work: using creativity and hands-on learning to help students build confidence and discover their strengths.

Decades later, Beth and Shelby remain connected.

“Beth was a delight. And how lovely to share in her life’s work!” Shelby says.

Their story is a reminder that when a teacher understands how a student learns best—and helps them believe in themselves—the impact can last a lifetime.

Is there a teacher whose influence has stayed with you throughout your life? We’d love to hear your story. Please share it with us at [email protected]

09/28/2026

Classes are flexible and pro-rated to your start date: https://sidexsideme.com/oss/after-school-art-classes/
Mondays, 4:30–5:30pm: Threads & Textures
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm: Creative Explorations
Thursdays, 4:30–5:30pm: Drawing & Painting

09/25/2026

Join us for First Friday Art Walk (Portland, ME) next week on October 2nd!

09/24/2026

There is always something new and exciting happening outside our studio windows! We love our Arts District location. Thanks to local artist (and former Side x Side teaching artist) Ryan Adams and Portland Hearts of Pine for the new mural across the street. What a view!

09/23/2026

The Maine Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 2027 Maine Artist Fellowships. Six Maine artists will receive $5,000 awards to support their artistic practice and career, with Fellowships available in Fine Craft, Literary Arts, Media Arts and Photography, Performing Arts, Traditional Arts, and Visual Arts.
Applications are due October 14, 2026.
Learn more and apply:
mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Funding/Individual-Artist-Fellowships

The Maine Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 2027 Maine Artist Fellowship, recognizing artistic excellence across an artist’s career.

Six Maine artists will be selected, with one $5,000 fellowship awarded in each of these areas:

• Fine Craft
• Performing Arts
• Literary Arts
• Traditional Arts
• Media Arts & Photography
• Visual Arts

Applications are due October 14, 2026.

This year’s application includes a new Media Arts & Photography category, covering photography, film, video, animation, digital art, digital media, and other lens-based or technology-mediated work.

If you’ve developed a body of work that reflects your artistic voice, skill, and ongoing commitment to your practice, take a look at the guidelines and consider applying.

Learn more and apply in the link below:

https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Funding/Individual-Artist-Fellowships

📸 A hand-crafted guitar by Jim McDonald, 2026 Maine Artist Fellowship recipient in Fine Craft. James Macdonald

09/22/2026

A new school year brings new Side x Side arts-integrated programs to elementary schools throughout Portland! We love collaborating with the fabulous Portland Public Schools educators. Stay tuned for upcoming programs... and meanwhile, enjoy a glimpse of last year's programs.

09/10/2026

https://sidexsideme.com/oss/after-school-art-classes/
Mondays, 4:30–5:30pm: Threads & Textures
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm: Creative Explorations
Thursdays, 4:30–5:30pm: Drawing & Painting