Even though we’re technically at the start of Spring, the age-old season of renewal, it hasn’t quite actually felt like it. Many of us are still in grouchy hibernation mode, overly saturated with politics and the news feed, feeling the twin crunch of tax and bathing suit season.

But hang tight, April is ushering in five unique events around the state that will act like a brain stimulant. So rip off that Band-aid of Winter and and give your life the pop of color it needs right now.

Two “Art and Word” Ekphrastic Events

April 2 & April 12 — Belfast & Portland

April kicks off the start of National Poetry Month and at least two ekphrastic exhibits are taking place around the state. Ek-what? Ekphrastic refers to a verbal description of a visual work of art. Belfast artist Marjorie Arnett asked 27 poets to write poems interpreting one of her paintings, “Delicate Balance” above. There will be an opening reception at the Belfast Free Library combining those poems to her painting on April 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. And if that suits your fancy, Portland is also hosting an ekphrastic exhibit called “ArtWord” on April 12 inspired by the art at Portland Museum of Art.  Authors of selected poems will read them at the museum at 5 p.m. in an auditorium program. FMI: ArtWord

Makers And Artists’ Conference

April 4 & 5 — Northport

This event is the perfect springboard for anyone creativity has felt dormant. As I’ve written about before, this is the only conference of its type, with nearly half of this conference’s participants drove more than an hour away to attend. It hits every aspect of an artist or marker’s career: Foundational, Transformational, and Inspirational – for those just starting a business, those looking to take their business to the next level, and those interested in tips for maintaining fulfillment, passion, and inspiration.Switching it up this year, the Conference will span two days with one-day passes as well as a bundle pass and kick off on a Thursday night with artist Robert Shetterly discussing artists who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness in their work from 5 to 6 p.m. Having attended this conference, I can personally say the most valuable thing about it is learning about social media tips and tricks, opportunities for Maine artists and the ability to chat and connect with other artists in your genre. For the full schedule and speakers/cost, click here.

Moonlight Forest Enchanted Dance Party

April 6 — Portland

To get out a late winter rut, experts suggest changing your surroundings and this adult fairy tale dance party not only gives you an excuse to stay overnight in Portland, but this epic charity ball (supporting Wayside Food Programs) will be a portal into another dimension. Here’s what they are asking: “Please come dressed in your finest homage to the witchy woods, wild beasts, dainty woodland creatures, fanciful fairies, eclectic elves, old growth evergreens, gnarly oaks, mystical moss, mythic monsters, wise witches, stylish sorcerers, dazzling dragons and the like are highly encouraged.”  1  drink ticket provided with Rising Tide Brewery hosting. After that, enjoy a cash bar of beer and wine. $20/Advance, $25/Day of at the door. FMI: Mayo Street Arts

Air Play

April 11 —-Portland

Get ready to have your mind blown. Husband-and-wife team of Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone merge their circus and street theater performance art with the sculptural artistry of Daniel Wurtzel for Air Play, a surreal performance. The description reads: “Circus and science collide as fabrics dance in the wind, balloons have a mind of their own, confetti turns into the night sky, and an enormous canopy of hovering silk brings to life the very air we breathe” so you know this isn’t going to be our everyday Checkov play. Note: not for little kids. Fog and strobe lighting are used during the show. Latex balloons are used onstage and in the audience. Tickets vary and the show starts at 7 p.m. at the Merrill Auditorium FMI: Air Play

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com