KENNEBUNK – The Brick Store Museum announced the appointment of its inaugural artist-in-residence, Beth Crowe. The Artist-in-Residence Program has been funded by a grant from the Bauman Family Foundation, inviting artists to create new works with the museum to deliver new perspectives and develop discussions based on local history and art.

Beth Crowe Courtesy photo

In a July 12 press release, the museum said, “For its inaugural position in 2022, the museum selected Crowe, a Kennebunk-based artist who proposed to use oral history to weave community stories through textile artwork in which the entire community could take part. As community is at the core of the museum’s operations, Beth was the ideal artist to launch this residency program. Beth Crowe is an oral storyteller who uses history to create vivid stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.”

Throughout July, August and September, Crowe will offer a free series to present three glimpses into Kennebunk history.

The first story, The Great Cannonball Caper, takes place in the summer of 1950 and follows the adventures of two best friends growing up in Kennebunk. The session takes place Saturday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. and is appropriate for all ages. After the story, the audience will be encouraged to work with Crowe to learn the simple art of needle felting. Participants – no experience necessary – will add their work to the finished pieces Crowe will create to retell the story visually.

Throughout July, August and September, Beth Crowe will offer a free series to present three glimpses into Kennebunk history at the Brick Store Museum. For more information or to register, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org/calendar or call 20-985-4802. Courtesy image

“If you can color in a coloring book, you can needle felt,” said Crowe in an email. “If you can draw a tree, a house or a bike, the you can design.”

After each of the three story sessions, running once per month (new story each session), Crowe will be in the museum’s exhibit galleries every Tuesday morning (10 a.m. to noon) to work on the needle felt tapestry. Visitors are welcome to join her in creating pieces that will be added to the final artwork. Admission to the museum is free to the public on Tuesdays through December.

Registration for the story sessions is encouraged but not required. For more information or to register, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org/calendar or call 20-985-4802.