Janice Kasper BOLD COAST

Art at Bartlett presents . . .

BARTLETT ART TALK: Janice Kasper

Wednesday, April 22^nd (Earth Day!), 10am

at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community in Rockland

The first BARTLETT ART TALK of the 2026 season at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is slated for Wednesday, April 22^nd, at 10am with long-time Maine environmental painter JANICE KASPER. The Art Talk is associated with the current exhibition, “CHICKADEES, ALLIGATORS AND STONEHENGE,” which features contemporary works by painters Janice Kasper, along with Cicely Aikman and photographer Dirk McDonnell.  All works are on loan from Caldbeck Gallery, Rockland.  Open to the public, the Art Talk is free. Located at 20 Bartlett Drive (just off Talbot Avenue between Broadway and Old County Road), the non-profit retirement community continues its commitment to its Art at Bartlett Program through hosting this special event.

About Janice Kasper:

“My work is directly related to my growing concern over the protection of wildlife and wild lands in Maine” – Janice Kasper

Janice Kasper paints powerfully simple, dramatic oils that represent the repullulating intrusion of man and his technologies upon nature. D. Dominick Lombardi wrote in the New York Times on 09/27/00 that Janice Kasper “can be loosely described as Georgia O’Keeffe with a cause”. Her poignant sense of irony adds an aura of accessibility to her work. Kasper has a BFA in Painting from the University of Connecticut. She has studied with the Artist-in-Residence at Unity College (Leonard Craig) and at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Her work is in collections around the country, including the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, ME, the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME, and the Hitchcock Collection at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. A few of her most recent solo and group exhibitions include the O’Farrell Gallery formerly of Brunswick, ME, the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, NY, and the L.C. Bates Museum in Hinckley, ME. She received several grants including an Artist Resource Trust Grant, a Maine Percent for Art commission and a Good Idea Grant from the Maine Arts Commission. She has been with the Caldbeck Gallery in Rockland since 1993. Kasper has been published in 8 books and museum catalogues. In 2007, Janice received an artist-in-residence position at Denali National Park in Alaska. She was an artist-in-Residence at Isle Royale National Park in 2009. For further information about Janice, contact: Caldbeck Gallery, 12 Elm Street
Rockland, Maine 04841 tel. 207.594.5935  info@caldbeck.com.

   Janice Kasper WINTER DEER

Janice Kasper sketching in the bone yard on Isle Royale National Park, Michigan; photo by Bob Brooks.

No comments yet

Members Newsletter

No comments yet

The first new art show of the 2026 season at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community opens on Friday, March 20th, with a reception from 4-6pm. “CHICKADEES, ALLIGATORS AND STONEHENGE” will feature contemporary works by painters Janice Kasper and Cicely Aikman, and photographer Dirk McDonnell.  Open to the public, the exhibition will run through August 28, 2026. Located at 20 Bartlett Drive (just off Talbot Avenue between Broadway and Old County Road), the non-profit retirement community continues its commitment to its Art at Bartlett Program through hosting this new exhibition, (on loan from Caldbeck Gallery). Free and open to the public, Sun-Fri, 8am to 5pm.

About the Artists:

Cicely Aikman (American 1923-2013). Born in Texas, where she lived until the age of six, Aikman spent her childhood in Los Angeles – a child of the west – before going to high school in Washington D.C. She studied at the Corcoran School of Fine Arts (1938-40), the University of Chicago (1940-42), and the Art Student League with mentor Morris Cantor (1942-1946). Aikman reflected “This was a serious art education – our only regret was that due to World War ll, we could not go to Europe, in particular to Paris to see, first-hand, the works of Picasso and Matisse.”

After the war, Aikman traveled to Italy by boat with her young son, Paul, and lived in bohemian circles with others, drawn like Aikman, to the cultural life in Rome, Paris and elsewhere. Back in New York, Aikman began showing her work along with her downtown peers, among them Lois Dodd, Rudy Burkhardt and Gretna Campbell at the Pyramid Gallery. In the forties and fifties, Aikman painted winters in the city and summers in Provincetown, MA. She exhibited in New York with Green Mountain Gallery, the Blue Mountain Gallery, the Artists’ Gallery, the Westbeth Gallery, and with the Provincetown Art Association, while raising her son and holding down a series of jobs. She moved to Maine in 1973 with her second husband, Fred Scherer, whom she had met through her work at the Museum of Natural History in New York. Aikman began to show at Caldbeck Gallery in 1990. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the Farnsworth Art Museum, The Portland Museum of Art, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art and Roundtop Center for the Arts. Her work “January”, was included in WINTER IN MAINE by Carl Little, published by Down East Books. Aikman maintained a vigorous studio practice, splitting her time between Friendship, Maine and the Indian River in Florida. In 2005, Aikman and Scherer moved to Brattleboro, Vermont where they continued to live and work until 2013. https://www.cicelyaikman.com/

Janice Kasper “My work is directly related to my growing concern over the protection of wildlife and wild lands in Maine” – Janice Kasper

Janice Kasper paints powerfully simple, dramatic oils that represent the repullulating intrusion of man and his technologies upon nature. D. Dominick Lombardi wrote in the New York Times on 09/27/00 that Janice Kasper “can be loosely described as Georgia O’Keeffe with a cause”. Her poignant sense of irony adds an aura of accessibility to her work. Kasper has a BFA in Painting from the University of Connecticut. She has studied with the Artist-in-Residence at Unity College (Leonard Craig) and at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Her work is in collections around the country, including the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, ME, the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME, and the Hitchcock Collection at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. A few of her most recent solo and group exhibitions include the O’Farrell Gallery formerly of Brunswick, ME, the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, NY, and the L.C. Bates Museum in Hinckley, ME. She received several grants including an Artist Resource Trust Grant, a Maine Percent for Art commission and a Good Idea Grant from the Maine Arts Commission. She has been with the Caldbeck Gallery in Rockland since 1993. Kasper has been published in 8 books and museum catalogues. In 2007, Janice received an artist-in-residence position at Denali National Park in Alaska. She was an artist-in-Residence at Isle Royale National Park in 2009.

Dirk McDonnell (American 1952- 2021)  Dirk McDonnell started photographing in the mid-80s with his 35mm camera when he travelled extensively through Mexico. His “historiographic photographs have clarity, emotional depth and edge”, wrote Philip Isaacson in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

McDonnell also traveled to photograph life in a number of disparate places, including Turkey, Holland, England, Italy, France, Ireland, and China. He also concentrated on photographing the Maine landscape in winter, usually working with a large format camera which enabled him to manipulate the image while shooting.  He is also represented by Robert Klein Gallery in Boston. Later, McDonnell photographed in Argentina, Death Valley and the Isle of Skye. He worked with digital media.  He is in the permanent collection of the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME,  The Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe, NM, the Portland Museum of Art, Bravo Center, Oaxaca, Mexico, The Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, IL, Colby College Art Museum, The Norma Marin Collection at Smith Wellesley, the University of Maine, Machias, ME, the Bruce Brown Collection at the Portland Museum of Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art. McDonnell showed at Colby College in Waterville, the University of New England at Westbrook College, the University of Maine at Machias, at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, formerly  in Rockport, ME and at 162 Gallery, Rockport ME.  McDonnell’s work can also be seen at www.dirkmcdonnell.net

For further information at the artists, contact: Caldbeck Gallery, 12 Elm Street, Rockland, Maine 04841 tel 207.594.5935  info@caldbeck.com.

No comments yet

A Roaring Good Time at Bartlett Woods: Residents Step Back into the 1920s for Murder Mystery Night

On February 5, 2026, Bartlett Woods Retirement Community was transformed into a scene straight out of the Roaring Twenties as residents donned feathers, pearls, fedoras, and bow ties to take part in a lively 1920s-themed murder mystery event.

The immersive evening invited residents to step into character, bringing to life a cast of colorful suspects and sleuths. From flapper dresses adorned with fringe and beads to sharp vests and bowler hats, the attention to detail reflected both creativity and enthusiasm. Each participant embraced a role, complete with character names, backstories, and plenty of dramatic flair.

Just as the mystery was unfolding, the evening took an unforgettable turn. Local, internationally renowned mystery writer Tess Gerritsen surprised both the cast and attendees by arriving in character as the evening’s detective. Stepping seamlessly into the storyline, Gerritsen led the investigation, questioned suspects, examined clues, and ultimately brought the culprit to justice—much to the delight of everyone in attendance.

Gasps, laughter, and applause followed as residents realized they were being investigated by one of the world’s most celebrated mystery authors. Her unexpected appearance elevated the experience, blending professional storytelling with community theater in a way few will soon forget.

Throughout the night, laughter echoed through Bartlett Woods as clues were exchanged, alibis questioned, and playful accusations flew. The event encouraged collaboration and conversation, drawing residents together as they worked to solve the mystery while enjoying the theatrical experience.

Beyond the fun of the whodunit, the evening highlighted the strong sense of community at Bartlett Woods. Residents supported one another in costume preparation, character development, and performance, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and inclusive.

Staff members praised the event as a wonderful example of active engagement and creative expression. “Seeing everyone so involved, laughing, and truly committing to their roles was incredibly special,” one organizer shared. “And having Tess Gerritsen join us as the detective made the night truly extraordinary.”

As the mystery was solved and the evening drew to a close, one thing was clear: Bartlett Woods knows how to throw a party worthy of the Jazz Age. The 1920s murder mystery will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout event—proof that imagination, community spirit, and a little drama never go out of style.

No comments yet

Dinner Theatre comes to Bartlett Woods on February 5, 2026

JAZZ, GIN, MONEY & MURDER, an inhouse production organized by Bartlett Woods’ Activities Department and starring over twenty Bartlett residents, will take place during the noon time meal at Bartlett Woods on Thursday, February 5th.

A 1920s murder mystery is the theme, with lots of shady and glamourous characters a la The Great Gatsby style. Sassy costumes, realistic props, and a “who dun nit” suspenseful script will all be set in the “mansion” dining room during a special, multi-course 1920s elegant feast prepared by Chef Aaron and his Bartlett Kitchen Team.

Upwards of 1/3 of the Bartlett residents are taking part, many of whom have a passion for theatre, or even years of practice in the performing arts. Talented artists and writers are also among the production crew. There has been much excitement for weeks,  over costumes, character development, and the great many other details of such a production.

This event, another example of the mission of “Art at Bartlett,” promises to be wildly entertaining and definitely memorable. Unfortunately, the event is not open to the public, just our Media Friends! For more information, please reach out Activities Director Amy Sabins at 207 593 1428 or asabins@bartlettwoods.com; also Executive Director Kelly Osborn at 207 593 1259 or kosborn@bartlettwoods.com.

No comments yet

No comments yet

Closing Reception 2/6/2026 for

FAMILY MATTERS: Sculpture, Watercolor and Drawing by Lydia, Erik and Richard Kaeyer

Friday, February 6th, 4-6pm with refreshments and music; open to the public

No comments yet

No comments yet

No comments yet

Earlier this year, residents and staff began discussions about creating a Garden Club at Bartlett Woods. The first project would be to realize a raised bed vegetable garden for the entire community to enjoy. Our front lawn, off the sun porch, was chosen as a prime spot. It faces south, has good access to our outdoor water faucets, and may be visited either through our dining room doors or from the walking path along the parking lot.

As the spring season arrived, garden supply vendors were approached by our Business Manager Gail Kenney for potential donations to the project. GOOD NEWS! They said, “Yes!”

We want to thank each and every one for the generosity. From construction of raised beds, to delivery and installation and coaching, to the mountain of soil and mulch, kindness was on display at every turn.

Thanks to our important donors:

Ergonomic Gardens, LLC. (Chris & Kerry Stetson) https://ergonomicgardens.com

The Stetsons donated 2 Evolution Garden Beds with Trellis.  We are the first recipients of their kindness!  They would like to kick-start partnering with non-profits in a way to help make gardening accessible to everyone.

Viking Lumber Donated the Materials for the Maine State Prison Show Room to build 2 raised beds

JBI Inc. donated garden soil to fill the beds.

Ferraiolo also donated garden soil to fill the beds and Skip Starr donated the mulch for the gardens.

Duvall Designs (Charles Duvall) https://www.duvalldesign.com donated an Osprey awning for residents to enjoy the back patio.

WE ARE SO GRATEFUL! Thank you.

No comments yet