Join us for an evening with Maine-based author, scholar, and curator Elena M. Sarni, the leading expert on The Folly Cove Designers (1941-1969). This predominantly women-based block-printing collective was founded in Gloucester, Massachusetts, by Caldecott Award-winner and beloved children's book author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios of The Little House and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel fame.

Sarni will trace the roots of the Folly Cove Designers' formation and talk about the trailblazing community that flourished around it, its Finnish roots, and Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios's teaching methods and process. She will share signature designs by various group members and even some never-before-seen designs. Lite snacks and drinks will be available.

Ms. Sarni has covered the arts in Maine for various publications. Trailblazing Women Printmakers (Princeton Architectural Press/Chronicle Books) is her first published book, the first comprehensive history of the Folly Cove Designers.

This event is sponsored by AIGA Maine in partnership with Mechanics' Hall, Back Cove Books and The Frances Perkins Center. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing by Back Cove Books.