In-Person

This will be a studio visit and demonstration of gelli printing with stencils on paper and fabric, and image transfers onto paper. You will have an opportunity to try your hand at printing during your visit.

Gelli printing is a simple monoprinting method that uses a reusable gelatin-like plate to create unique prints. Artists apply paint, add textures or stencils, and press paper onto the plate to transfer designs, resulting in one-of-a-kind artworks without the need for special equipment.

Date: October 16, 2025

10 am - 12 pm

Location: Two Imagine Studios, 173 Mosher Hill Road, Farmington, Maine, 04938

Meredith received her BFA from Cooper Union in NYC.  She has worked as a calligrapher and graphic designer, and has pursued a path as a painter, printmaker, and hand bookmaker. Although she is currently retired and a member of Gold Leaf, you cannot keep her out of the studio.

In-Person

The course will be based on Eric Hooglund's memoir, still in progress, and will draw upon both his personal recollections and extensive historical research. The research includes interviews with community members and an in-depth examination of archival materials.

Maronite Christians are based in Lebanon and comprise about 65 percent of all immigrants from Lebanon in the period from the late 1890s to 1924. Waterville, Maine, boasted one of the largest Lebanese immigrant populations, at least 75% of whom were Maronite Christians

The first two sessions will explore the social, cultural, and historical aspects of this community, highlighting their migration experiences, integration into American society, and contributions to the local economy. 

The third session will feature a guided tour of the still-active St. Joseph's Maronite Church, a key institution in preserving the community’s religious and cultural heritage. This session's Location and time are TBD.

Additionally, participants can choose to enjoy a meal at the nearby Mezza Café, a Lebanese restaurant that offers a taste of the culture discussed in the course.

First session, October 27, 2025

Second session, October 31, 2025 

Third session, Joseph's Maronite Church talk and tour. The date and time to be determined.

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Sessions 1 and 2, The Landing, Olsen Learning Ctr, Lower Level

Eric Hoogland has been a Gold Leaf member since 2014. He is a retired professor of Middle East politics, having taught the subject at Bowdoin College (1976-81) and Bates College (2006-2010), as well as at Oxford University in the UK and Shiraz University in Iran, among other institutions.

In Person

Baskets to Buggies will include visits to two unique museums on Route 27 from New Portland (Nowetah's Indian Store) and Kingfield's Stanley Museum.

Nowetah's is a hidden gem where visitors can explore a collection of meticulously curated and displayed Native American artifacts, with one room devoted to Maine baskets. There is no entry fee.

The Stanley Museum ($5 entry fee) houses artifacts and information about the renowned Stanley family, including inventors and artists. 

Lunch is possible in Kingfield. If this class is cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule for the Spring term.

Date: November 18, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Nowetah's Indian Shop: 2 Colegrove Rd, New Portland, ME 04961

Stanley Museum: 40 School St, Kingfield, ME 04947

The museum staff are very knowledgeable.

In-Person

The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine provides opportunities for all to engage with five centuries of cartographic materials. With half a million items dating back to 1475, our place-based collection invites you to stay curious!

In the OML's Cohen classroom, you will receive a brief history of the collection and an introduction to the different digital resources available after your visit. In our Reading Room, you’ll have a chance to look at our permanent globe display and a selection of “Gems from the Collection.”  There will also be time to visit our gallery space, which has rotating exhibitions throughout the year. OML staff members will be on hand to answer questions about the various items on display.

January 7, 2026

Snow date: January 14, 2026

Location: USM Osher Map Library, 314 Forest Avenue, Portland, Maine, 04101

Kelsey Riordan arranges tours and events at Osher. Other library staff may lead the tour.

In-Person

This will be a tour of both the Farmington Public Library and the Mantor Library at UMF. The directors of each library will lead the tours. The Farmington Public Library tour will start at 10:30. After a lunch break, the Mantor tour will start at 1:00. More detailed information will be sent to participants shortly before the tour date.

The Farmington Public Library (Cutler Memorial), established in 1890, provides all Farmington area residents with ready access to a broad collection of materials in a variety of media that record knowledge, ideas, and culture.  

Mantor Library, located at the heart of the University of Maine at Farmington campus, serves students, faculty, staff, and the wider community by offering access to a wide range of academic and recreational materials in both print and digital formats. 

January 27, 2026, with a snow date of February 3

10:30 am at the Farmington Library, 117 Academy St, Farmington, ME

1:00 pm at Mantor Library, 116 South St, Farmington, ME 

Jessica Casey came to Farmington to attend UMF, where she studied English and Psychology. Jess began working at the Farmington Public Library in 2018, took on the role of director in 2020, and received her MLIS shortly after. Her favorite author is Stephen King.

Bryce Cundick has been at UMF since 2007 and has been the director at Mantor since 2017. He has served as the President of the Maine Library Association and is the current Chair of the Maine Library Commission. In his spare time, he writes books under the pen name Bryce Moore and is an avid player of Magic: The Gathering.