Life & Culture - Portland Press Herald

Arts & Entertainment, Local & State, News

The Hill Arts plans to break ground on new Munjoy Hill venue in October

by Megan Gray June 20, 2025June 20, 2025

The Hill Arts has raised $9 million of the $18 million needed for the new 400-seat theater on Congress Street.

Arts & Entertainment, Books, Life & Culture

Portland author has collected his dream library of books – and most of them don’t exist

by Skyler Cummings June 20, 2025June 21, 2025

Hemingway’s missing novel. Alice’s backwards-printed book in “Through the Looking Glass.” Sylvia Plath’s never-finished autobiography. Reid Byers owns copies of all those “invisible” books that bibliophiles wish were real.

Life & Culture, Local & State, News

Westbrook Juneteenth celebration honors Black history and inclusivity

by Tim Cebula June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

Speakers at the fourth annual Juneteenth event emphasize empowerment and unity.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, News

Juneteenth, Pride celebrations collide in Portland’s Prismatic Ball

by Skyler Cummings June 19, 2025June 18, 2025

The sold-out event at Mechanics’ Hall Thursday night is billed as a celebration of Black Pride, Ballroom, and queer and trans artistry among Black, Indigenous and people of color.

Arts & Entertainment, Books, Life & Culture

‘Bug Hollow’ perfectly captures the unpredictability of life

by Ron Charles The Washington Post June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

Michelle Huneven’s novel begins as a family comedy before veering in unexpected directions.

Arts & Entertainment, Books, Life & Culture

Paul Rudnick’s latest is a wickedly funny farce set at a destination wedding in Maine

by Genanne Walsh June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

As the cast of eccentrics gather for the celebration at the heart of ‘What is Wrong with You?,’ subplots intersect, and love of all sorts gets its due.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture

Bates College exhibit gives a full view of ‘gonzo’ illustrator Ralph Steadman

by Megan Gray June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

‘Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing…’ gives visitors a chance to see the original works that were often published as reproductions in books and magazines.

Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Review

Wittenberg shows in Ogunquit, Rockland seduce and take no prisoners | Column

by Jorge S. Arango June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

‘A Sailboat in the Moonlight’ at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and ‘Cheek to Cheek’ at the CMCA in Rockland showcase Nicole Wittenberg’s aggressive approach to Maine landscapes.