While Joe is no expert in Pulp Art, he is a big fan of the Portland Public Library (seen in the foreground below, thanks to Corey Templeton), which is hosting the world's largest collection of Pulp Cover Art in a comprehensive touring exhibition of the original paintings and the magazine covers they became. This exhibition is the first in-depth look at these incredible yet misunderstood works of art, some of which, due to their controversial content, have not been seen in public since the Roaring Twenties. As described by scholars and specialists who have studied the genre, Pulp Art ... "is more than simply an American art form. It is a state of mind. Politically incorrect, shocking, offensive and obviously fun.... It is unforgettable." The exhibition will be on display in the main library until Friday, December 26. Find more about this project at the library's website, and have fun checking it out! 

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's work here and here.

Joe prefers a nice walk to a 26.2 mile run, but nonetheless he appreciates the effort that goes into running a marathon. On October 5, 2014, 3,500 runners will be running the Maine Marathon, starting and finishing at Baxter Boulevard, between Forest Ave and Preble Street. Proceeds from this year's race will go to benefit the Robbie Foundation, an organization designed to bridge the gap for children with developmental disabilities by funding adaptive equipment, assistive technology and therapy treatment not covered by insurances. Also, several organizations participate each year to raise money for their causes, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, the Center for Grieving Children and the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Find more about the race here. Joe wishes good luck to all the runners!

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's work here and here.

Joe is honored to play a small role in Hospice of Southern Maine's Twilight in the Park, an event meant to help us remember loved ones who have passed. At this touching event, over 1,000 luminaria each represent someone who has brought love and light into our lives. Joe is thankful that organizations like Hospice exist to provide comfort to those suffering from life-threatening disease, and he hopes that this meaningful and important event is a success. Find out more about Hospice of Southern Maine here, and about Twilight in the Park here.

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's work here and here.

Joe is excited for Portland Players' new 2014-2015 season, which kicks off with a production Les Miserables from September 26 to October 19. The Portland Players, a community theater in South Portland, is accepting scholarship applications from students who will be pursuing an education in the fine arts at the college level.  The scholarships are in memory of Joseph D. Thomas, a long-time director for The Portland Players. Application are due April 18, 2015.The scholarship will be based on the following criteria:

• Professional appearance
• Prepared, appropriate material
• Artistic presentation
• Voice/Expression
• Interview (Question and Answer)
• Timeliness of meeting deadline of submitting materials
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Performance resume
  • Audition materials
  • Essay

Applicants will be called in advance to set up an appointment for the audition.

Joe wishes luck to all the scholarship applicants, and hopes Les Mis is a great success!

This is one of those cryptic Time/Temp messages (aren't you glad you know about this blog?). If you already cracked the code, Joe is impressed. As you may remember from your high school English class, As You Like It is a play by William Shakespeare, but Joe didn't put this message up there as a tribute to ol' Bill; he put it up there to let Portlanders know that they have a chance to see this play being performed live, but only for the next few days. The Fenix Theatre Company's current production of As You Like It has been playing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for the past couple weeks in Deering Oaks Park. The final shows of the production will be this Thursday (8/7) through this Saturday (8/9). Joe says you should head on over to the Oaks at 6:30pm on any of those nights and check out some fine Portland theater. For more information, check out the official website.

PS- to the folks at Fenix, Joe says break a leg!

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's work here and here.

As heartbreaking as cancer can be, few things inspire Joe more than survivors and their resilience. Each year, over a thousand women (many of them survivors) gather in South Portland to swim, bike & run as they Tri for a Cure in Maine's only all-women's triathlon. The Tri for a Cure, held by the Maine Cancer Foundation, has become the largest triathlon in the state, providing a unique opportunity for women to engage in the fight against cancer here in Maine. The triathletes share a unique bond; some are cancer survivors, others are racing in support of their loved ones, but all of them share the desire to create a cancer-free Maine, a desire that Joe shares. This year's event is this Sunday, July 20th, in South Portland. Find more about the Tri at the official website. Joe wishes good luck to the competitors and to everyone who has ever suffered from this terrible disease and hopes that you consider participating next year (or at least coming to watch and cheer!)

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's work here and here.

Joe loves a good movie, especially one with a compelling lead character, so he's intrigued by the upcoming Bluestocking Film Series, the only film event in the world to require female protagonists. The event celebrates and promotes talented, emerging filmmakers who take the creative risk of placing female protagonists front and center and introduces Maine audiences to those who are bound to influence the future of filmed entertainment. The 2014 Bluestocking event will take place on July 18-19 at the Space Gallery in Portland. Find more about the event at its official website, and buy tickets here. Joe loves to see this type of creativity in his hometown and hopes the event is a great success!

We can all use a little "me" time now and again- some time to take a break and reflect on our lives and ourselves. Joe prefers walks on the beach, but if you're a yoga fan, he's got just the place for you. The Maine YogaFest (MYF) is a two-day festival held at the East End Community School in Portland, Maine from July 12-13, 2014. The mission of MYF is to create a wellness event for the Maine community to come together, celebrate the healing powers of yoga, and encourage a healthy, peaceful, and compassionate way of living. By raising awareness of the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, MYF hopes to strengthen the yoga movement and culture in our beautiful state. As an added bonus, one of Joe's favorite local organizations, Preble Street, is involved as well- in addition to donating $5 to the Teen Center from each festival pass sold, the Maine YogaFest team volunteers at the Teen Center throughout the year, offering weekly yoga classes to teens facing the challenges of hunger and homelessness. Find more about the YogaFest at its official website, and buy tickets here. 

Namaste, Portland.

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's work here and here.