Maine

This show is part of Maine Calling's ongoing coverage of topics relating to Maine's bicentennial.

Marking the September 25th opening of a major exhibit on artists Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington at the Portland Museum of Art, we examine the significance of Homer's work and his time in Maine. The seminal period in Homer's career spent living and painting on Maine's rocky coast have produced some of the paintings that are considered masterpieces in American art--and defining images of Maine.

Following the announcement that no police officers would be charged in the killing of Breonna Taylor, protesters in Portland took to the streets Wednesday night.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the already prevalent problems of scams have gotten worse, often using some reference to COVID-19 to target people--particularly older people. Some pose as contact tracers to get private information; others claim to offer cures or tests--for a price--to prey on victims. We will learn about the nature of these scams, and what to do to spot them--or to deal with the aftermath if you've fallen for one.   

Our panel discusses the legacy of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and looks ahead to the looming battle over her potential successor. What does the future hold for the Supreme Court?

Municipal governments have seen many firsts in recent years, as more people from other countries have stepped up and run for public office. We’ll talk with some of the immigrants who hold elected office in Maine to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose to serve—whether on City Council or School Board—and hear their views on the growing role of immigrants in Maine. We’ll also discuss how their perspectives have forwarded more efforts toward racial justice statewide.

So far, many schools in Maine say they’ve been pleased as they’ve welcomed students back into the classroom this fall. But COVID-19 risks still exist in and outside of school: in just the past week, positive cases prompted schools in Harpswell, Sanford and Dixfield to close their doors for at least a few weeks.

We check in on how the start of school has been for districts across the state, whether students are attending in-person, remotely, or in some hybrid of the two. We’ll talk to educators, parents, students—and Maine’s DOE Commissioner about the challenges and successes of the first weeks of school, and we’ll hear about some schools that have had to alter their game plans.

Getting outside while the weather is still good and making the most of Maine's abundant outdoor recreation opportunities is one way to get through the pandemic, and stay distanced from others. We discuss the top-notch outdoor recreation options that can be found in Maine and New England, including different forms of recreation and different places to go. We highlight better known attractions as well as hidden gems, and how to enjoy them safely.