Image: Kayla Mohammadi in the Hallam Studio. Photo by Kerry Constantino.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026, 2-4PM | YORK, MAINE
Join us on Friday, March 20, 2026 to meet current residents Olivia Berke and James Eric Francis Sr.
We invite the community to Surf Point to visit the participating studios and connect with the residents. This is a drop-in event, and guests are welcome to arrive and depart at any time between 2PM and 4PM.
The studio is a sacred creative space. It is a vulnerable space of experimentation, research, and development, and we invite visitors to observe and interact with respectful curiosity and reverence for each individual’s unique creative process.
Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when visiting an artist or artists’ studio:
Greet the artist! Say hi, introduce yourself, and listen to whatever the artist has to say. They will often give a brief overview of the projects or works in progress, and mention any relevant studio notes.
Ask before taking photos, and clarify whether or not the images may be shared on social media. If yes, tag accordingly.
Engage with the work. Look at it, think about it, ask questions if the artist seems receptive. Offer observations, as it can be really helpful to tell the artist how fresh eyes encounter the work. Ask before touching.
Sometimes artists will have material in their studios that is political, explicit, violent, or offensive. Try to engage with this material from a place of curiosity rather than judgement, and always maintain respectful communication.
Be kind, curious, and gracious. On your way out, sign the guest book if you see one, and thank them for sharing their practice.
In addition to the studio visit guidelines, we've found it is very helpful for people to understand our community values and expectations in advance. Please take the time to read through them here.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. The address and directions will be shared in advance of the event. Donations are optional and deeply appreciated. A suggested contribution of $25 supports Surf Point’s residency and public programs.
We hope you’ll join us to experience Surf Point in action. Learn more about Surf Point here.
For questions, please contact info@surfpoint.me.
About the participating residents
Olivia Berke (Brooklyn, NY)
Olivia Berke is an emerging artist living and working in Brooklyn, NY. She received a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History from Oberlin College with an emphasis on sculpture and ephemeral art in the Early Modern period.
Her practice is centered around every day materials as portals to the imagination and finding wonder in the mundane.
Her work has been a part of several group exhibitions, most recently at The Sheerly Touch-Ya/Shisanwu Warehouse in Glendale, Queens and Voltz Clarke Gallery in New York, NY.
Visit Olivia’s website here.
James Eric Francis Sr. (Old Town, ME)
James Eric Francis Sr. is a prominent member of the Penobscot Nation who serves as the tribe's Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation and Tribal Historian. His work is dedicated to exploring and preserving the intricate relationship between Maine's Native American peoples and the land.
Historian and Preservationist: As a historian, Francis has curated exhibits at notable institutions such as the Abbe Museum and Harvard University. His work often involves uncovering and highlighting histories not found in books, such as his extensive oral history projects for the Penobscot Nation. He has been instrumental in implementing the Maine Native American Studies Law in schools and co-produced the film Invisible, which addresses racism experienced by Native Americans. Francis is also a co-founder and Chair of the Council of Local Contexts, an initiative that supports Indigenous communities in managing their intellectual property and cultural heritage.
Artist and Creator: Beyond his historical work, Francis is a versatile artist who works as a painter, photographer, filmmaker, and graphic artist. His paintings are particularly known for a unique style that uses small, circular dots to build texture and form. This meticulous technique was inspired by the ancient practice of flint knapping. His art, which often depicts animals and traditional stories, serves as a powerful means of cultural expression and preservation, with pieces held in collections like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Museum. He also serves on several boards, including as former Co-Chair of the Abbe Museum's Board of Trustees, and is a lifetime member of the Maine Historical Society.
Visit James’ Instagram page here.