Downeast with SPL
Downeast with SPL, a Stonington Public Library fundraising series, showcases local makers, producers, and artists. These small, intimate gatherings are a chance to meet the people and businesses behind the tastes and beauty and moments that we love about Downeast Maine. Our partners are generously donating their time and services and handmade goods to support Stonington Public Library’s mission, because pitching in and helping our neighbors is a trademark of our island and the peninsula.
Downeast with SPL tours have limited space and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. To make reservations and for payment information, email stonington.public.library@gmail.com with the tour(s) and number of spaces.
Family Sunset Cruise
Friday, July 18, 7-8:30pm
Isle au Haut Mail Boat, 27 Seabreeze Avenue, Stonington
A family trip with breathtaking views!
Sunset cruise with SPL and Isle au Haut Boat Services aboard the Otter. Captain Garret Aldrich will take us on a memorable evening tour of Stonington Harbor for all in the family to enjoy. Bask in a glorious sunset while giving back to a public resource—Stonington Public Library—that opens its doors to everyone. Participants are welcome to bring along light bites and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the cruise.
$50 minimum donation
Modernmaine Studio Visit
Friday, August 1, 1:30-3:30pm
Modernmaine Studio, 10 Memorial Lane, Stonington
Visit the studio where inspiration is transformed into contemporary artist-made lighting. Take home a Modernmaine votive holder.
Studio visit with Modernmaine founder and designer Julie Morringello. Learn how she creates unique light fixtures for homes and businesses. Her work crosses traditional boundaries, in that it is both functional and sculptural, and created from a combination of digital and handmade processes. Most pieces are made from a very thin, translucent wood veneer, to which color and pattern may be applied. Take home an original Modernmaine votive holder.
Learn more about Modernmaine here.
$75 minimum donation
Chris Ross Concert
Saturday, August 2, 6-8pm
Four Acre Woods Campground, 1181 Sunshine Road, Deer Isle
Live music, wood-fired pizza, and a night under the stars!
Maine musician, singer, and songwriter Chris Ross comes to Four Acre Woods Campground to perform an SPL benefit concert. Check out Chris on Instagram and Facebook.
Pizza by Hearth & Soul from 5-8pm. Music starts at 6pm.
$20 in advance • $25 at the door
Wine & Cheese Sunset Cruise
Friday, August 15, 7-8:30pm
Isle au Haut Mail Boat, 27 Seabreeze Avenue, Stonington
Tasty bites, delicious drinks, breathtaking views!
Sunset cruise with SPL and Isle au Haut Boat Services aboard the Otter. Captain Garret Aldrich will take us on an evening tour of Stonington Harbor with delicious bites and sips—beyond just wine and cheese—for all to enjoy. Bask in a glorious sunset while giving back to a public resource, Stonington Public Library, that opens its doors to everyone.
$100 minimum donation
Deer Isle Oyster Company
Thursday, August 21, 4-6pm
Mariners Park, Sunshine Road, Deer Isle
Slurp, sip, bask: freshly shucked oysters, wine pairings, and a view of Long Cove.
Learn about small-scale oyster and kelp farming on the coast of Maine, enjoy a half dozen freshly shucked oysters with wine pairings presented by Deer Isle Oyster Company founders Abby Barrows & Ben Jackson.
“Our oysters grow in the productive and cold waters of Long Cove, Deer Isle, Maine. Located in Penobscot Bay, the cove has a longstanding history of seafood harvesting, and today supports a community of lobstermen and clam diggers. The farm floats above a soft seafloor, catching nutrient-rich tides while remaining sheltered by the surrounding islands.”
Learn more about Deer Isle Oyster Company here.
$75 minimum donation
Abby Litman Concert
Sunday, August 31, 6:30-8pm
John Rohman’s Barn, 16 Thurlow Hill, Stonington
Live music by an island musician—and rising star—in a classic Maine barn!
Stonington-based singer-songwriter Abby Litman is a rising star in the folk genre whose songs marry the lyrical traditions of American roots music with innovative acoustic arrangements and modern concepts. Check out Abby on her website and Instagram.
Admission by donation at the door.
Kathy O’Rourke & Rugosa Rose Concert
Friday, September 26, 6-7:30pm
John Rohman’s Barn, 16 Thurlow Hill, Stonington
A trio of island women perform an eclectic mix of folk and pop classics and original tunes!
Three Stonington women make up the Rugosa Rose trio: Cindy Coombs (left), Lynn Winters (right), and Kathy O’Rourke (center). Cindy is a Maine native, while both Lynn and Kathy have chosen to retire here. They weave harmonies through an eclectic mix of folk, pop, country, and soft rock classics and originals. Cindy and Kathy accompanying on guitar and Lynn on mandolin. Their music is a big part of their personal happiness, and they take great pleasure in sharing it with others.
Kathy O’Rourke will also perform a selection of her original songs both solo and accompanied by musician friends.
Admission by donation at the door.