Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Illustrating Plovers: Bruce Hutchinson

Illustrator Bruce Hutchinson has become passionate about piping plovers. This is perhaps not surprising, given that he shares an affinity for Maine beaches with these tiny endangered birds. Raised in Waterville, Maine, Bruce’s large Catholic family squeezed into their Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser and drove to Reid State Park in coastal Georgetown almost every Sunday after mass. Tuning into this deeply ingrained ocean connection, Bruce and his wife would go on to live in Cape Elizabeth once their...

Camden Talent Group Founder Melissa Coulombe

Driven by her desire for work-life balance and her passion for entrepreneurship, former attorney Melissa Coulombe took a chance when she started a legal recruiting firm at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Raised in Lewiston, Melissa now lives in southern Maine, but her ambitions are not limited by geography: the Camden Talent Group, specializes in high-profile partner placements in the Boston and Washington, DC areas. A lover of art, Melissa applies her own creativity to working toward p...

Defying Labels: Jack Soley

Jack Soley is reimagining the way in which Maine approaches and builds workforce housing.  This is an interesting turnaround for someone who admits that his initial entry into real estate was somewhat begrudging. In the late eighties, he was teaching at Portland’s King Middle School, working on Outward Bound courses and designing furniture, when one of his brothers first floated the idea for a new professional path. Jack eventually agreed, and approached this the way he approaches all of his...

Setting the Pace: Chris Strong

Chris Strong has always lived up to her name. She grew up in Thomaston, Maine– a coastal town so small that her beloved high school (Georges Valley) no longer exists, having since merged with those in other local communities. The lessons she learned there, however, have had an outsized impact on Chris. After almost losing her leg in a freak childhood accident, Chris would go on to play alongside the boys on the town’s only soccer team, long before this was a widely accepted practice. Her res...

Liz Prescott’s Art World: Creating,Teaching and Community

New England native Liz Prescott loves to teach, and her passion for painting is apparent when she talks about process and technique. Liz earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maine College of Art in Portland, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. A lifelong learner, she names Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being as a recent source of inspiration. Liz loves being in nature, and incorporates beautiful settings into her teaching through her Mo...

From Ireland to Maine: Artist Christopher O’Connor

When artist Christopher O’Connor arrived in Maine, one of the first things he did was to visit a few of the state’s many islands. A native of Ireland, he soon noted the similarities and differences between the two coastlines. Christopher spent many childhood hours exploring the Irish seashore, clambering over ledges covered with moss and lichen, due to the country’s persistent damp weather. He quickly became intrigued by the stark angularity of Maine’s rocky coast, which proved a source of i...

Maine Architect Scott Simons on Design Excellence and Team Building

Scott Simons has spent three decades creating an enduring architectural legacy. Founder, Partner, and Principal of Simons Architects in Portland, Scott’s exceptional work has been incorporated into residential and commercial buildings across Maine. While his success is due in no small measure to his design excellence, Scott suggests that the efforts he and his colleagues have put into team building have had an even more significant impact. As Scott enters “the next third” of his life, he und...

A Maine Legacy: Thos. Moser’s Furniture, Family and Future

Founded by former Bates College professor Tom Moser, the Thos. Moser company is venerated for its handmade American furniture and highly respected for showcasing Maine craftsmanship to the world. Thos. Moser has benefited greatly from the involvement of Tom’s sons, each of whom has had a role in the company’s growth. Chairman Aaron Moser has been integrally involved with this evolving local business. Aaron draws on his experience as he reflects on the Thos. Moser commitment to strong design ...

Breaking the Mold: Shannon Richards’ Company, Hay Runner, Reimagines the Home Building Process

Maine native Shannon Richards has always had a strong and committed vision for her life. Acting upon that vision, Shannon founded an innovative business called Hay Runner, which assists homeowners with everything from planning and construction to interiors and plant design. Given her exuberant personality and strong work ethic, it’s unsurprising that Shannon has surrounded herself with a team of professionals who can take on nearly anything home-oriented. When she’s not working, Shannon navi...

Art Consultant Returns to Maine to Support Artists: Phoebe Cole

Maine native Phoebe Cole wants art, artists, and art lovers to thrive. A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, Phoebe’s bachelors degree in arts administration focused on the “business of art.”  She regularly uses this foundational knowledge and expertise in the nuances of art collecting in her work with Powell Fine Art Advisory. Phoebe expertly navigates the sometimes competing needs of finding something a client loves, ensuring that it is a good art investment and respecting budgetary con...

Joining Medicine with Clinical Herbalism and Art: Meet Maine Physician Jill Skrabalak

As a registered nurse and clinical quality specialist who has worked in primary care for many years, Jill Skrabalak is well-acquainted with the traditional tools of her trade. At the same time, she deeply understands that healing can come from many sources. Jill is in the process of completing a master's degree in clinical herbalism as a means of adding the power of plants to her toolbox. As the wife of Portland Art Gallery artist Cooper Dragonette, it may come as no surprise that Jill also ...

Joining Medicine with Clinical Herbalism and Art: Meet Jill Skrabalak

As a registered nurse and clinical quality specialist who has worked in primary care for many years, Jill Skrabalak is well-acquainted with the traditional tools of her trade. At the same time, she deeply understands that healing can come from many sources. Jill is in the process of completing a master's degree in clinical herbalism as a means of adding the power of plants to her toolbox. As the wife of Portland Art Gallery artist Cooper Dragonette, it may come as no surprise that Jill also ...

Your Maine Concierge: No One Knows Maine Like Food and Travel Expert Vanessa Santarelli

Vanessa Santarelli is passionate about Maine. A graduate of Cony High School in Augusta, Vanessa credits her Italian grandparents for instilling in her an abiding love of food via their restaurant, which was located on Water Street in that same town for many years. Vanessa’s clients benefit from her lifelong connection to the state through her Rockland-based business, “Your Maine Concierge.” In addition to being familiar with Maine’s coastal towns, Vanessa has spent much time exploring the r...

Maine Real Estate Leads to Professional Success and Personal Balance: Meet Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch had a successful finance career managing a bond trading group on Wall Street–until it clashed with his desire to be with his growing family. A graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Chris followed his heart back to Maine in the early 2000’s, seeking a more balanced personal and professional existence. Despite being warned away from real estate, and facing more than one detractor, Chris borrowed from his children’s college savings in order to found and build what would become one ...

High School Student Creates Climate Conversation Through his Innovative Sculpture: Benjamin Pochurek

Sculptor Benjamin Pochurek is highly attuned to the world in which he lives, and is unafraid to explore complex issues that deeply impact humanity. His poignant works articulate contrasting messages of vulnerability and pain; strength and hope. In 2022, Maine’s Portland Museum of Art introduced the “Tidal Shift Award,” to recognize young artists whose creations reflect innovation and sustainability, while focusing on solutions for climate change. Benjamin was one of only three award recipien...

Waynflete Student Creates Climate Conversation Through Innovative Sculptures: Benjamin Pochurek

Sculptor Benjamin Pochurek is highly attuned to the world in which he lives, and is unafraid to explore complex issues that deeply impact humanity. His poignant works articulate contrasting messages of vulnerability and pain; strength and hope. In 2022, Maine’s Portland Museum of Art introduced the “Tidal Shift Award,” to recognize young artists whose creations reflect innovation and sustainability, while focusing on solutions for climate change. Benjamin was one of only three award recipien...

Evolution of an Art Legacy: Meet Annie Darling

Annie Darling is carrying forward her family’s artistic legacy in a way that is uniquely her own. Growing up, she osmosed the ingenuity and perspectives of her creative kin, whose talents are represented in a variety of professions– from photography and interior design, to sculpting and academia. Annie deepened her learning through an educational focus on architecture, psychology and marketing. After many years in the communications field, Annie turned her attention inward, and opened a spac...

Evolution of an Art Legacy: Meet Maine-Based Encaustic Artist Annie Darling

Annie Darling is carrying forward her family’s artistic legacy in a way that is uniquely her own. Growing up, she osmosed the ingenuity and perspectives of her creative kin, whose talents are represented in a variety of professions– from photography and interior design, to sculpting and academia. Annie deepened her learning through an educational focus on architecture, psychology and marketing. After many years in the communications field, Annie turned her attention inward, and opened a spac...

Unexpected Divergence Leads to a Parallel Life of Medicine and Media: Dr. Lisa Belisle

Many of us have experienced points in life’s journey when, as New England poet Robert Frost once described, “Two roads diverged.” In this 100th episode of Radio Maine, our host Dr. Lisa Belisle reflects upon her ongoing role as a communicator and on-air host. and the significant divergence that brought her to this place. Lisa remembers the sudden death in 2007 of her Bowdoin College classmate, Hanley Denning, who had brought hope and light to countless children whose families lived near the ...

Divergence

Many of us have experienced points in life’s journey when, as New England poet Robert Frost once described, “Two roads diverged.”  In this 100th episode of Radio Maine, our host Dr. Lisa Belisle reflects upon her ongoing role as a communicator and on-air host. and the significant divergence that brought her to this place.  Lisa remembers the sudden death in 2007 of her Bowdoin College classmate, Hanley Denning, who had brought hope and light to countless children whose families lived near th...

Supporting Maine Art and Artists Everywhere: Emma Wilson

Well known to our Radio Maine Community, Portland Art Gallery Director Emma Wilson has spent many years supporting Maine artists. Emma finds joy in connecting art buyers around the country with contemporary art. Emma also continues to draw on her background in social work as she humanizes the ongoing need for, and challenge of, allowing ourselves to risk discomfort in order to fully experience the world around us. Join us for a Portland Art Gallery update with Emma Wilson today on Radio Main...

Emma Wilson Is Committed to Supporting Maine Art and Artists at Portland Art Gallery

Well known to our Radio Maine Community, Portland Art Gallery Director Emma Wilson has spent many years supporting Maine artists. Emma finds joy in connecting art buyers around the country with contemporary art. Emma also continues to draw on her background in social work as she humanizes the ongoing need for, and challenge of, allowing ourselves to risk discomfort in order to fully experience the world around us. Join us for a Portland Art Gallery update with Emma Wilson today on Radio Main...

Jill Hoy Is a Contemporary Impressionist Painter in Maine

Artist Jill Hoy is at a place of artistic integration. She would be the first to say that she benefited greatly from the creative critique she once received from her husband and fellow artist, Jon Imber. When Jon died in 2014 from ALS, Jill grieved not only the loss of her husband but also of her creative partner. That emotional process, occurring over the past few years during which Jill has focused on her art in a new way, has been accentuated by an internal wellspring of knowledge and con...

Jill Hoy’s Artistic Journey

Artist Jill Hoy is at a place of artistic integration. She would be the first to say that she benefited greatly from the creative critique she once received from her husband and fellow artist, Jon Imber. When Jon died in 2014 from ALS, Jill grieved not only the loss of her husband but also of her creative partner. That emotional process, occurring over the past few years during which Jill has focused on her art in a new way, has been accentuated by an internal wellspring of knowledge and con...

Betsy Evans Hunt and Intl Acclaimed Photographer Todd Webb on Building a Legacy

In 1989, Betsy Evans Hunt had an unexpected encounter with internationally acclaimed photographer Todd Webb that would prove life-changing. Her educational and professional background prepared Betsy well for the day that Todd and his wife, Lucille, walked into the Evans Gallery in Portland, Maine. Betsy’s graduate thesis about famed photographers Alfred Stieiglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe, and work for Robert Mapplethorpe in New York City, enabled her to speak intelligently and passionately abou...

Betsy Evans Hunt and Internationally Acclaimed Photographer Todd Webb: Building a Legacy

In 1989, Betsy Evans Hunt had an unexpected encounter with internationally acclaimed photographer Todd Webb that would prove life-changing. Her educational and professional background prepared Betsy well for the day that Todd and his wife, Lucille, walked into the Evans Gallery in Portland, Maine. Betsy’s graduate thesis about famed photographers Alfred Stieiglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe, and work for Robert Mapplethorpe in New York City, enabled her to speak intelligently and passionately abou...

”Dragons in the Snow” Avalanche Control in Utah’s Ski Country with Author and Journalist Ed Power

Author Ed Power first became intrigued by the human interaction with nature, and the risks inherent in this intersection, growing up as a surfer and sailboat racer on the mid-Atlantic coast. A former longtime editor and publisher, Ed had previously worked as a journalist for Virginia’s largest newspaper, The Virginia Pilot, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. When Ed eventually retired, he and wife, Marguerite, moved to Utah to become, in his words, “ski bums.”  The sounds of morning avalanche co...

The Dangerous Job of Avalanche Control in the Utah Ski Country, with Author and Journalist Ed Power

Author Ed Power first became intrigued by the human interaction with nature, and the risks inherent in this intersection, growing up as a surfer and sailboat racer on the mid-Atlantic coast. A former longtime editor and publisher, Ed had previously worked as a journalist for Virginia’s largest newspaper, The Virginia Pilot, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. When Ed eventually retired, he and wife, Marguerite, moved to Utah to become, in his words, “ski bums.”  The sounds of morning avalanche co...

Maine’s Home Staging Expert Got Her Start Well Before The Real Estate Boom. Meet Elizabeth Polansky

Elizabeth Polanksky was ahead of the curve when she started Maine’s first large-scale home staging business in 2000. The subsequent growth of the state’s real estate market has resulted in a significant demand for her skills and aesthetic sense. Elizabeth’s perseverance and business acumen have led to multiple important collaborations. Recently she helped facilitate a series of shows featuring Portland Art Gallery artists at the Cumberland Club, an historic social gathering spot in Portland,...

Editor of Maine Home+Design Magazine Talks About Her Job and New Life in Maine: Meet Danielle Devine

Danielle Devine is the editor of Maine Home+Design (MH+D), a beautifully curated magazine that showcases the state’s premier interior designers, architects and builders, as well as countless trade specialties. After a short stint working in finance, Danielle put her undergraduate education in English and art history to use through her work with national and international design publications. Having spent many years in New York, Danielle’s young family moved to Maine when her husband opened a...

Editor of Maine Home+Design Magazine: Career and Life in Maine

Danielle Devine is the editor of Maine Home+Design (MH+D), a beautifully curated magazine that showcases the state’s premier interior designers, architects and builders, as well as countless trade specialties. After a short stint working in finance, Danielle put her undergraduate education in English and art history to use through her work with national and international design publications. Having spent many years in New York, Danielle’s young family moved to Maine when her husband opened a...

Maine Healthcare Professional Laura Mrazik Discusses her Enduring Passion for Art

Artist Laura Mrazik is a person of many talents. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in community health education and a master’s in public health from the University of Maine system. She currently works as the manager of telehealth for one of Maine’s largest healthcare organizations. Most evenings, after her young children are in bed, she can be found in her home studio, engaged in something for which she has always had a passion: painting. Join us to learn more abou...

Laura Mrazik and Her Passion for Art

Artist Laura Mrazik is a person of many talents. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in community health education and a master’s in public health from the University of Maine system. She currently works as the manager of telehealth for one of Maine’s largest healthcare organizations. Most evenings, after her young children are in bed, she can be found in her home studio, engaged in something for which she has always had a passion: painting. Join us to learn more abou...

Quincy Hentzel

Quincy Hentzel had been leading the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce for three years when the global pandemic dramatically shifted the landscape. Previously Quincy had been highly regarded, and known to be proficient at leading the effort to support business in Maine’s largest city, but this put her leadership skills to the test. In a time of great uncertainty, multiple stakeholder groups had proposed initiatives that could negatively impact economic viability. Quincy met this significa...

Quincy Hentzel Discusses What’s New with the Portland Maine Regional Chamber of Commerce

Quincy Hentzel had been leading the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce for three years when the global pandemic dramatically shifted the landscape. Previously Quincy had been highly regarded, and known to be proficient at leading the effort to support business in Maine’s largest city, but this put her leadership skills to the test. In a time of great uncertainty, multiple stakeholder groups had proposed initiatives that could negatively impact economic viability. Quincy met this significa...

Admiral Greg ”Grog” Johnson

Growing up in a small town in Northern Maine, Admiral Gregory Johnson, USN, Retired, could not have foretold that he would spend more than three decades traveling the world with the United States military. With a BA in political science from the University of Maine in Orono, and an acceptance letter to attend  law school in his home state, it seemed his dream of becoming an attorney was within reach.  Then Greg got word that he would soon be drafted to serve in Vietnam. He rescinded his law ...

From Northern Maine To Commander of US Naval Forces Europe. Meet Admiral ”Grog” Johnson USN Ret.

Growing up in a small town in Northern Maine, Admiral Gregory Johnson, USN, Retired, could not have foretold that he would spend more than three decades traveling the world with the United States military. With a BA in political science from the University of Maine in Orono, and an acceptance letter to attend law school in his home state, it seemed his dream of becoming an attorney was within reach. Then Greg got word that he would soon be drafted to serve in Vietnam. He rescinded his law sc...

Maine Interior Design Meets the Optimism of Brady-Anne Winn at Nineteen Skies

Interior designer Brady-Anne Winn has approached her life with both unbridled optimism and unwavering persistence. Despite a few setbacks, and occasional advice from others that did not ring true, she has remained committed to her vision, and provided the space for her clients to do the same.  In naming her most recent venture Nineteen Skies, she pays homage to the global pandemic, reflecting her belief that a seemingly ominous horizon may portend unseen opportunities. With that commitment, ...

Brady-Anne Winn

Interior designer Brady-Anne Winn has approached her life with both unbridled optimism and unwavering persistence. Despite a few setbacks, and occasional advice from others that did not ring true, she has remained committed to her vision, and provided the space for her clients to do the same.  In naming her most recent venture Nineteen Skies, she pays homage to the global pandemic, reflecting her belief that a seemingly ominous horizon may portend unseen opportunities. With that commitment, ...

Classical Uprising: Dr. Emily Isaacson Is Immersing Maine in Classical Music

Maine native Dr. Emily Isaacson is the founder and artistic director of Classical Uprising, a group of immersive community-oriented music programs that include the popular Portland Bach Experience. Emily is passionate about creating access to classical music, and illuminating its meaningful intersection with contemporary culture. Her original doctoral work in conducting and music literature provided her with a unique–and occasionally uncomfortable–perspective on leadership and inclusivity th...

Dr. Emily Isaacson

Maine native Dr. Emily Isaacson is the founder and artistic director of Classical Uprising, a group of immersive community-oriented music programs that include the popular Portland Bach Experience. Emily is passionate about creating access to classical music, and illuminating its meaningful intersection with contemporary culture. Her original doctoral work in conducting and music literature provided her with a unique–and occasionally uncomfortable–perspective on leadership and inclusivity th...

Cooper Dragonette, Artist

Known for his plein air landscapes, artist Cooper Dragonette has spent recent months experimenting with a different reality: that of time past. His newer pieces draw upon his unique background as an teacher and instructor, exploring Maine’s remote outer islands with the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Considering this contrast of approaches–integrating one’s self and memories into one’s work, rather than focusing solely on the present moment–provides an opportunity for reflection on t...

Portland, Maine Art and Culture: Cooper Dragonette Discusses his Artistic Path and ”Plein Air” Style

Known for his plein air landscapes, artist Cooper Dragonette has spent recent months experimenting with a different reality: that of time past. His newer pieces draw upon his unique background as an teacher and instructor, exploring Maine’s remote outer islands with the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Considering this contrast of approaches–integrating one’s self and memories into one’s work, rather than focusing solely on the present moment–provides an opportunity for reflection on t...

Iconic Maine Artist Philip Barter on Painting His Former Place of Employment: The Working Waterfront

"Philip Barter turns 83 in 2023, and the Portland Art Gallery is celebrating his 60 years of creating iconic Maine art with a solo exhibition. Much of the work presented will be from Philip’s private collection that he has meticulously stored away for decades. This is what Carl Little, Maine art critic and author, says about Philip Barter "Barter's art harks back to Marsden Hartley and other American Modernists and their abstracting ways; a kind of school has sprung up in his impressive wake...

Philip Barter, Artist

Philip Barter turns 83 in 2023 and the Portland Art Gallery is celebrating his 60 years of creating iconic Maine art with a January retrospective that will open at a reception on Thursday January 12th. Much of the work presented will be from Philip’s private collection that he has meticulously stored away for decades. This is what Carl Little, Maine art critic and author, says about Philip Barter "Barter's art harks back to Marsden Hartley and other American Modernists and their abstracting ...

Julia Blake, Artist

New England Artist Moves to Utah. Catching Up With Julia Blake on Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Julia Blake’s family and faith have had a profound impact on her art. She often returns to images of bright red poppies, which represent seasonal rebirth, and trees that represent the female deity. As a mother of six, Julia also strives to create a consistent and long lasting identity for herself as an artist. She has similarly encouraged her children to go out into the world to find their own paths. While Julia’s family considerations have recently prompted a move back to Utah from New Engl...

Beloved Torpedo Factory Artist Moves to Maine: Artist Sheep Jones

Sheep Jones is much beloved by art collectors across the United States. Raised in Waterville, Maine, she was affiliated for many years with the acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. When her husband, Charlie, died in his early 60’s, Sheep returned to Maine, to be near her sister, Julie Cyr (also an artist), in coastal Belfast. Following Julie’s death due to cancer in December 2019, Sheep once again restructured her life to spend more time with her sons and grandchildr...

Sheep Jones, Artist

Sheep Jones is much beloved by art collectors across the United States. Raised in Waterville, Maine, she was affiliated for many years with the acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. When her husband, Charlie, died in his early 60’s, Sheep returned to Maine, to be near her sister, Julie Cyr (also an artist), in coastal Belfast.  Following Julie’s death due to cancer in December 2019, Sheep once again restructured her life to spend more time with her sons and grandchild...

Jon Foley Sherman

Jon Foley Sherman has an intriguing academic and professional background.  A self-described “career communicator,” his formal education includes an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College in Vermont, a Diplôme from L'École International du Théàtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Jon draws additional expertise from his background in theater, teaching, and consulting. He now works in a mission-driven healthcare organization...