Please join us on Thursday, October 8 at Mechanics’ Hall in Portland, ME for an intimate gathering of writers who record culture in all its forms.
Writing is solitary work, increasingly done at kitchen tables as opportunities in our field continue to shrink. One of the best things writers can do for one another is simply gather and nourish our work and ideas.
Whether you are a novelist, newspaper reporter, freelance critic, essayist, or a writer for your local museum (or wish to be any of these things), you are warmly welcome to join us at this salon-style gathering.
A handful of participants will share arts writing that has stayed with them over the years. Others will read from works in progress. Everyone is invited to bring a copy of a recent essay on a cultural theme for a participatory essay exchange.
Participating writers will include: Jorge Arango, a critic for the Portland Press Herald; Melaine Ferdinand-King, a cultural strategist, arts writer, and 2026 winner of the Rabkin Prize based in Rhode Island; Jori Finkel, a contributing writer for The New York Times and 2023 Rabkin Prize recipient; Nyamoun Nguany Machar (Moon), a spoken word poet, a teacher with the Telling Room and a mental health advocate; and Devon Zimmerman, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Facilitating the discussion is Jameson Johnson, founder and editor-in-chief of the Boston Art Review. Bold Magazine Shop will be on hand with a table of wonderful titles to peruse. Nibbles and drinks will be provided, too.
The event is a collaboration between Surf Point, the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation, and Mechanics' Hall. It was inspired by Jori’s presence in Maine for a residency at Surf Point, which is sponsored by the Rabkin Foundation.
EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Mechanics’ Hall
519 Congress Street, Portland, ME
RSVP HERE
This event is free. While our invitation is publicly visible, it is intended for writers, specifically those who cover or explore culture in their work. Space is limited and registration is required.
Attendees are encouraged to review Surf Point’s Community Values to ensure a respectful environment.
For questions, please contact info@surfpoint.me.
Make a $25 donation to Surf Point to support our programs. Surf Point is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Support from a broad base of donors helps us maintain that status by demonstrating public support. Contributions of any amount, including $1, make a difference. Your gift strengthens Surf Point’s public support and sustains our programs for artists and the broader community. Learn more about Surf Point here.
Getting to Mechanics’ Hall
Parking and Transportation
The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of the Mechanics’ Hall building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.
Street Parking: Available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and nearby streets. Pay by meter or the Passport Parking App. Free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and between Parris and Alder Street. Some blocks may vary — look for posted signs.
Garages: The Arts District Garage (41 Brown St) has 250+ spaces, is open 24/7, and accepts credit card only, with entrances on Brown, Cumberland, and Casco. The Elm Street Garage (21 Elm St) is conveniently near the Portland Library. The Spring Street Garage is three blocks away at 45 Spring St.
More directions and parking details here
Accessibility
To enter the Mechanics’ Hall building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. Please note that the wheelchair ramp has a steep incline.
A wheelchair-accessible elevator is available. The elevator is 60" deep, 48" wide, with a 32" door opening. There are four wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on the third-floor level, adjacent to the Ballroom.
If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact Mechanics’ Hall at programming@mainemechanics.org or 207-773-8396.
About the partners
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of arts writers and collaborating with others to uncover more viable futures for the field. We do this through community building, thought leadership and the recognition of excellence. The Rabkin Prize is the central initiative of the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation, an artist-endowed foundation. The prize is awarded through a nomination process. When possible, we provide additional support for the arts writing field. The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation is based in Portland, Maine and is home to a destination gallery space where all are welcome to explore the art and archives of Leo Rabkin (1919-2015), a school teacher, art collector and artist.
Mechanics’ Hall
Mechanics’ Hall is a historic cultural hub and member-supported library in Portland, Maine that brings together bold ideas, diverse voices, and vibrant community through the arts and humanities. We connect exceptional thinkers and artists – spanning writers, performers, and curious minds of all ages – to enrich intellectual life, celebrate creativity, and spark meaningful connection. By inspiring curiosity and empowering both emerging and established talent, we work to shape a more imaginative, inclusive, and connected future.