The Rent.com article highlights the best fall activities in Portland, ME, from scenic foliage drives to enjoying local craft beers, cider, and festivals. It encourages visitors to explore the Old Port’s shops and restaurants, participate in pumpkin picking, and take scenic boat tours. The feature showcases unique aspects like the Harvest on the Harbor festival, brewery tours, and pet-friendly locations, offering a mix of food, adventure, and cozy experiences. Flask Lounge is proudly mentioned as a top nightlife destination with its welcoming atmosphere and local music scene.
Flask Lounge is proud to feature Isaiah Quittner as our Artist of the Month this July. Known in the art community as “Fractal Boi,” Isaiah brings a deep, emotionally rich body of work to our brick walls. I enjoyed meeting Isaiah and discussing his art, inspiration, and journey.
Background and Inspiration
Isaiah Quittner, a visual artist based in Burlington, Vermont, has been creating art for over a decade. Though his current medium is primarily acrylic paint, he has a fondness for ballpoint pen and ink. Isaiah describes his art as a “visual journal,” capturing significant moments and emotions from his life.
“I hope people see the struggle that I’m trying to imbue into it, but also understanding that the most important thing about creating is you can take pain and make it palatable.”
Exhibit at Flask Lounge
This exhibit at Flask Lounge is Isaiah’s first solo show, and it holds a special place in his heart. Each piece represents a chapter in his life, a culmination of emotions and experiences. “I hope people can see the pieces and know they’re all really important chapters in my life.” He views his work as a means of connecting with others, helping them feel less alone through shared experiences and emotions.
Journey Through Art
Isaiah’s journey into art is significantly influenced by a traumatic experience in high school, which he describes as a brain anomaly or seizure. This event profoundly altered his perception and drove him to pour his emotions onto the page. “I spent an entire week filling a page as densely as I could because I was worried about my mortality,” he recalls. To try to encapsulate the deepest depths of our emotions, Isaiah balances the beauty and pain on a single page through contrast, using various textures, sizes, and depths of emotion. He incorporates expressions and body language positions to convey these emotions, considering how we naturally position our bodies as a way to connect with others on a deeply human level.
Live Painting at Festivals
Isaiah’s venture into live painting at festivals began with smaller community events, invited to paint at shows and festivals by his friend Kayla Levitt. These early experiences helped him grow comfortable with live painting, eventually leading him to larger festivals. “Live painting is a perfect confluence of most of my passions. I get to connect with people, dance, and enjoy the music,” he says. The energy and interaction with festival-goers add a unique dimension to his work; though he remains true to his vision, he sometimes incorporates audience suggestions.
Challenges and Inspirations
Like many artists, Isaiah faces financial challenges and the constant struggle of balancing work and life. “Often, I’ll stay up very late because it seems like the only blocks of solid time I can work on a piece.” Despite these obstacles, he finds inspiration in a diverse range of artists, from contemporary figures like Gabriel Welch and Jonathan Solter to historical greats like Hieronymus Bosch and Ernst Fuchs.
Memorable Moments
One of Isaiah’s most memorable live painting experiences was at a show for LTJ Bukem, where the synergy of the music and atmosphere made the painting process feel natural and ecstatic. “I was depicting a creature that kind of embodied the maniacal bliss I was feeling,” highlighting the joy and freedom that art brings him.
Connecting with Isaiah
Isaiah’s art is a testament to his resilience and ability to transform pain into beauty. He hopes that visitors to Flask Lounge will appreciate his work’s aesthetic and connect with the deeper messages within. To follow his journey and see more of his art, you can connect with him on Instagram at @fractalboi or via email at isaiahquittner@gmail.com. His website, currently under construction, will soon feature a range of his works and clothing items.
Rapid Fire Questions with Isaiah Quittner
Jessica Nolette: Are you a hunter? I have to ask you because you’ve got a gun up behind your head, and you’ve got a deer on your shirt. 🤨 Isaiah Quittner: That’s funny. 😂 No, that’s my roommate’s, and it’s a BB gun from when he was a kid. I don’t like killing things.
Jessica Nolette: What’s your favorite place to travel? 🧳 Isaiah Quittner: York Beach, Maine. It’s nostalgic for me, with memories of hanging out on the beach and getting candy from Goldenrod.
Jessica Nolette: If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? 🍽️ Isaiah Quittner: Probably a friend of mine that I’ve lost, Connor. I think there would be something really nice about that.
Jessica Nolette: What is a go-to app on your phone that you feel like you can’t live without? 📲 Isaiah Quittner: Instagram. It has my entire artistic timeline since eighth grade, and I fear losing all that history.
Jessica Nolette: What’s your favorite food? 🍔 Isaiah Quittner: Probably a hamburger, or some Annie’s macaroni and cheese.
Jessica Nolette: Do you have a favorite movie? 🍿 Isaiah Quittner: “Mr. Nobody” and “Waking Life.” “Mr. Nobody” explores different life paths based on decisions, and “Waking Life” dives into existential and philosophical concepts with a unique rotoscoping animation style.
As Isaiah continues to explore and express his artistic vision, we are honored to showcase his work at Flask Lounge. We invite you to come and experience his art’s emotional depth and intricate beauty throughout July.
At Flask Lounge, we pride ourselves on being a space where creativity flourishes and diverse voices are heard. This June, we’re excited to feature Jason Weinberg as our artist of the month. Jason has a strong connection with Portland’s art scene and deep roots in the Flask community, resulting in a remarkable display of his work. This offers us a window into his extensive career and unique artistic perspective.
The Artist’s Path
Jason moved to Maine from Stamford, Connecticut, nearly four decades ago, beginning what would become a rich and evolving journey through the world of art. After graduating with a degree in oil painting from Hampshire College, Jason found himself drawn not just to the traditional canvas but to spaces where his work could resonate on a more personal level. “I wound up showing in places where they just wanted to have stuff on the walls. They didn’t necessarily care whether they could sell it or not,” Jason recounts, highlighting his initial solo show at the Elvis Room—a popular spot for young creatives during the mid-90s.
His artwork, often recognizable by its expressive use of color and form, diverges from Maine’s more traditional landscapes and seascapes. Instead, Jason’s pieces offer an introspective look at abstract and minimalist styles, each painting a testament to his belief in art as a personal and expressive act.
An Evolving Career
Over the years, Jason has navigated the changing tides of Portland’s art scene. From his early days at local cafes to more established venues, his journey reflects the broader narrative of an artist finding his place in an evolving city.
His current exhibit at Flask Lounge brings together a collection of oil paintings, some dating back to 2004. This collection is not just a retrospective but a cohesive assembly of works that showcase recurring themes and techniques that have defined Jason’s career. “The whole show at Flask is oils. There are no acrylics in that show at all,” emphasizing the medium’s importance in his artistic expression.
The Flask Connection
Flask Lounge is not just a space for Jason’s art but also an integral part of his social life, merging the realms of art, music, and community. “It’s exciting to see my artwork in the backgrounds, in front of people dancing and expressing themselves,” reflecting on the vibrant atmosphere at Flask that complements his vivid artworks.
As we display his paintings, Jason hopes visitors will appreciate the simplicity and dedication evident in his work.
“What I want people to take away from my art is that in the end, if you want to express yourself, you just need a canvas, a paintbrush, and some paint.”
A Retired Life Full of Adventures
Since retiring, Jason has embraced a life filled with travel and exploration, which continues to inspire his art. “The first winter of my retirement, I lived in Mexico and did a small series of paintings that I’m really quite fond of.” His travels have taken him to diverse and remote locations, including Great Barrier Island in New Zealand, where he briefly set up a studio and created pieces that sold locally. “It’s always exciting to know that what I created for artwork actually sold in New Zealand and fairly easily.”
Jason’s wanderlust has influenced his artistic journey, providing new perspectives and experiences that shape his work. His retirement has allowed him the freedom to explore these opportunities without the constraints of a traditional work schedule. “Traveling was age-related, whereas painting can be done no matter how frail you might be,” emphasizing his decision to prioritize travel early in his retirement.
Upcoming Show and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Jason is preparing for another exciting exhibition this August. “I haven’t included the body of work from Mexico in the show yet, so that’s going to be in the show in August for the first time,” he reveals. This upcoming show promises to offer fresh insights into his creative journey, showcasing new pieces that reflect his recent travels and experiences.
Despite his love for travel, Jason remains committed to his art and community in Maine. He dreams of eventually setting up a studio where he can fully immerse himself in his craft. “My ultimate goal would be to have a real oil painter’s artist studio where I can get crazy, make a mess, and do big paintings and small paintings simultaneously,” he envisions a goal that underscores his dedication to his art.
Rapid Fire Questions with Jason
In a light-hearted turn, we concluded our interview with rapid-fire questions to learn more about Jason’s tastes and personal reflections:
Most alarming food ever eaten? “Super hot curried scallops that I made so hot they were nearly inedible.”
Go-to song for a road trip? “Anything with a good beat; it’s more about the rhythm for me.”
Favorite local DJ? “There are many talented DJs in Portland, and they all bring something unique to the scene. Mr Dereloid will always be my #1.”
Hidden talents? “I’ve discovered I can sing. I’ve been to Karaoke all over the world, but there’s a unique flavor to Flask Karaoke that you will not find anywhere else.”
At the forefront of Portland’s queer scene, dj red tide is known not only for their dance parties and commitment to activism and community support, but also for the unforgettable moments they create. dj red tide holds the distinction of being the only DJ to ever set a subwoofer ablaze and surprise an ecstatic crowd with the Undertow Brass Band (formerly What Cheer? Brigade), an 18-piece ensemble that brought the house down. dj red tide’s events stand out as some of the most memorable that Portland has ever seen.
“It all started when I moved back to Maine from Philadelphia, where I had spent several years DJing through the early 2000s, hosting numerous house parties and really immersing myself in the music scene,” dj red tide explains. “After stepping away from the scene for a while, upon my return to Maine, I noticed a significant gap—there were no queer dance parties. That’s what inspired me to dive back into DJing. I gathered some friends, and together we approached Flask Lounge with our crazy idea. Flask was incredibly supportive and allowed us to bring our vision to life. SUB/MERGE lasted three and a half years and holds a very tender part in my heart.”
SUB/MERGE was about more than just music; it aimed to create a space that connected dance parties with queer community building and broader radical political activism. “It was always a fundraiser. We raised $11,000 and donated it to various organizations over those years, which is pretty cool. But for me, as a DJ, what’s crucial is how to connect a party to community activism.”
When discussing the impact of community events on advocacy, dj red tide emphasized the powerful role of intentional spaces: “We’re embodying the kind of world we want to live in. It’s about setting intentions, creating a space where we can dance, have fun, and advocate for change simultaneously.”
These photos are from the beautiful @kreweofchickpea parade on Lundi Gras. Always grateful for what new Orleans teaches me about culture, resistance, joy & grief.
Give directly to this community water project: Venmo @wellforthepeople with “water” in the subject line.
This year’s Pride party is meaningful, as it supports two important causes: Portland Outright and a crucial water project in Gaza. dj red tide passionately discussed the vital work of Portland Outright, saying, “In the midst of a severe backlash against trans youth and a broader right-wing agenda scapegoating trans people, Portland Outright stands out by nurturing young leadership within the LGBTQ+ community. They’ve been developing leaders who continue to advocate for change both in Portland and across the country. It’s an incredibly important time to support such a program.”
Expanding on their global advocacy, dj red tide spoke about their commitment to the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and their direct involvement:
“The war and genocide happening in Palestine are among the most pressing issues of our times. For 20 years, I’ve been involved in Palestinian solidarity work, and right now, we need to be thinking about Palestine all the time. We’re raising money through this party to support a community water project in Gaza, where the funds go directly to developing a water distribution system. This direct involvement helps us ensure the resources we raise are immediately put to work to aid the community—because water is life.”
As for what attendees can expect from this year’s Pride event at Flask Lounge, dj red tide promises a blend of joy and resistance. “This year, it’s about embodying queer resistance, showing that our joy and our rights are intertwined. We are creating spaces for celebration but also for advocacy and change, reinforcing the idea that our gatherings are not just parties but acts of solidarity and activism.”
This Pride, Flask Lounge invites you to experience the Queer Revelry and the heart of activism woven by dj red tide. Join us to celebrate, support, and contribute to a movement that dances boldly in the face of adversity.
Favorite Dance Track: Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” is a surefire hit. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that not only has people singing along but inspires coordinated dance routines. Video Bonus: Check out this throwback clip from 10 years ago to see the magic in action!
Digital or Vinyl: Digital – it allows for creativity, sharing, and accessibility, despite a love for vinyl records. Morning or Night person: Somewhere in between, but not quite built for the typical DJ late nights. One app they can’t go without: The weather app – crucial for planning parties.
SO far the weather for 🏳️🌈 Pride Portland is looking perfect! 😎
Last book read: “Dilla Time” – a biography of Jay Dilla, a musical genius and pivotal figure in hip-hop history. Favorite podcast: “Maintenance Phase” – a podcast about fatphobia and the weight loss industry, filled with humor and political insights.
Connect with DJ red tide
• On Instagram @redtide207 which is regularly updated. DM on Instagram for bookings. • Substack for occasional mixes and writing about dance music.
Upcoming events: 🗓️ On June 14th dj red tide is djing for Nebula! A Queer Party at Geno’s Rock Club that will feature incredible burlesque and drag performances and will close with a dance party. 🗓️ On Friday July 19th DISCO DUNGEON and I will be at Flask Lounge for a takeover of Friction Friday.
Boston Area Palestine Mutual Aid LinkTree: linktr.ee/bostonareamutualaid Give directly to this community water project: Venmo @wellforthepeople with “water” in the subject line
From Street Art to Sobriety: Bob Peterson’s Journey of Creative Resilience
This May, Flask Lounge features artist Bob Peterson (@dollydarko27) following the debut of Geo SanGiovanni. Visitors can explore Bob’s distinctive work, which blends graffiti and street art, throughout the month. A special meet-and-greet event on Friday, May 10th, from 7-9 p.m. offers an opportunity to connect with Bob in person and hear more about his journey of creativity, community, and sobriety. Mr Dereloid, one of Bob’s favorite local DJs, hosts Foundation Friday at 9 p.m.
From Manchester to Portland: Finding Community and Inspiration
Relocating from Manchester to Portland marked a pivotal moment for Bob, providing him with a supportive environment that nurtured his creativity. “In Manchester, there wasn’t much of a vibrant street art scene,” Bob shared. “Coming up to Portland, it’s a lot more immersive. There are probably 50 or so people who are really into it. Everybody is inclusive and not as gatekeeping as you expect any scene to be coming in as an outsider.” This energetic atmosphere inspired Bob to push the boundaries of his work, creating a space where he could flourish alongside other artists.
Art as a Path to Sobriety
Bob’s path to recovery is linked to his art, which became a medium for expression and healing. Reflecting on the influence of sobriety on his creativity, Bob remarked, “When I got sober and was able to focus more on my art, it showed. My art really propelled me to the next level, and my focus was all there.” This clarity allowed him to pour more of himself into his work, capturing the dualities of darkness and light into his pieces.
“I remember how far I’ve come and how much my art has resonated ever since sobriety. So it’s been a positive spiral ever since then.”
Artistic Style and Inspirations
Bob’s art combines various influences, from the intricate work of Salvador Dalí and Vincent van Gogh to the raw creativity of graffiti and street art. “I draw a lot of inspiration from graffiti and street art, which I’ve been kind of immersed in most of my life,” he explained. Bob also finds inspiration in the people around him, particularly his fellow artists in the local scene. “My art is like a daily journal of my emotions and life, so I express myself through that and hope it resonates with people.”
Graffiti Etiquette and Artistic Ethics
As a seasoned street artist, Bob maintains a code of ethics that emphasizes respect for other artists’ work, particularly within collaborative spaces. “It’s generally considered tacky to tag over anyone else’s work, especially if it’s well done and there’s thought put into it,” he said. He values collaboration and the inclusive nature of Portland’s art community, where artists gather regularly to share their work and support one another.
A Special Connection to Flask Lounge
Flask Lounge holds a special place in Bob’s artistic journey, offering a platform where his work finds a receptive audience. His collection features seven pieces, four of which are part of his black-and-white stencil series. “I thought they went really well against the brick wall and the ambiance of the place,” Bob noted. One of his standout pieces, a 30×40″ piece named Track Cat, took two days to complete and remains one of his favorites. For Bob, displaying his work at Flask was an emotional experience, saying, “It’s the place I’ve come to the most in Portland over the years…so to have some of my best work hanging on the walls of my favorite place definitely brought a little tear to my eye.”
Looking Ahead
With aspirations of a solo gallery show and plans to publish a book documenting the street art scene, Bob remains rooted in his passion for art and the supportive Portland community. He recognizes the importance of channeling creativity as a form of positive compulsiveness, encouraging other artists struggling with addiction to “channel [their] compulsiveness into something positive.” For Bob, art is both an outlet and a beacon of hope, offering a path toward a brighter future. “I’ve never woken up in the morning and picked up a marker, pencil, or object and made art and regretted it afterward.”
Rapid-Fire Questions with Bob Peterson
Favorite Color: Purple, although “it’s always changing,” Bob said. Favorite App: Instagram. He explained, “I live on it.” Favorite Food: Spaghetti. Favorite Restaurant in Portland: Otto’s Pizza. Dream Gallery Partner: “My homie Wilt.” Favorite Musician/Band: Pavement and Sonic Youth. Ideal Artist to See at the Las Vegas Sphere: Pretty Lights. Favorite Tree: Willow.
Exploring Resilience, Expression, and Community at Flask Lounge
In Portland, Maine, Flask Lounge fosters creativity and community. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Geo SanGiovanni, an inspiring artist whose life and work exemplify the power of art to transcend boundaries and explore personal identity. Geo’s multifaceted background as a former band member in New York during the 90s scene adds a rich layer to their artistic expression.
Geo, a long-time Portland resident and a voice for marginalized artists shared their journey into the art world—a path marked by challenges and triumphs. From early struggles with acceptance due to their sexual orientation to finding solace and expression in abstract art, Geo’s story is a testament to resilience. Their art, characterized by vibrant neon colors and transformative black light effects, now graces the walls of Flask Lounge, making it a beacon of inclusivity and artistic innovation.
Art as a Medium for Healing and Expression
For Geo, art has been a sanctuary, a place to heal and grow. They spoke passionately about their evolution as an artist, from facing criticism and doubt to embracing their unique voice through abstract expressionism. “I think because I was so intimidated by form in art, I became an abstract artist and became more expressionistic,” Geo reflects. Their work at Flask is not just visually striking; it invites patrons to experience art in a new light, literally and metaphorically. By day, the artworks radiate calm beauty, but by night, under black lights, they come alive—mirroring the dual lives many of us lead.
Breaking Barriers: A Space for Artistic Freedom and New Beginnings
Thanks to Kris Noyes, the creative force behind many of Flask Lounge’s recent endeavors, Geo and other artists have found a new canvas for expression. Kris has led Flask’s transformation into a non-traditional art space that breaks down the conventional boundaries of art presentation. Geo praised Flask for its innovative nature, stating, “Flask kind of blows all that out of the water.” This approach democratizes art, making it accessible to young artists who might otherwise never have the opportunity to be featured in a gallery or museum. Geo added, “Being able to be seen at Flask is a low threshold, and it’s exciting because I don’t have a lot of money. I’m a pretty poor artist financially, but I’m super grateful to be received by Flask and have a chance to make a splash in Portland, be seen, and have an influence.”
What I appreciate about abstract art is the opportunity for each viewer to see something different. As I’ve taken in Geo’s pieces every night around the dance floor, I’ve come to see the varying patterns, colors, and styles of each piece to represent the movements of different dancers. Some people have more structured dance moves, others move wildly—I see these differences mirrored in Geo’s pieces and I’ve loved chatting with patrons about what they see.
–Kris Noyes
Influences and Personal Struggles
Geo’s artistic influences include abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock and Jean-Michel Basquiat and local Maine artist Abby Shawn, who has significantly shaped Geo’s approach to art. “I can get really into detail, and it’s really soothing and calming, and it’s helpful for that reason,” Geo mentioned, discussing the meditative nature of their creative process.
Despite these artistic achievements, Geo has faced significant personal challenges, notably being disowned by their family due to their queer identity. This experience has deeply impacted Geo, fueling their commitment to use art as a means of advocacy and support for others experiencing similar rejections.
Economic Challenges: Sustaining Art in Portland
As Portland becomes increasingly expensive, the city’s creative scene faces significant threats. Rising costs are pushing artists to the outskirts, challenging the diversity and vitality that define Portland’s art community. “Portland is becoming more and more expensive every day to the point a lot of younger folks that don’t have a lot of money have to move out, and that’s really hurting the art scene in Portland,” Geo remarks, stressing the need for affordable spaces like Flask that offer artists a platform to be seen and heard.
A Dynamic Community Contributor
Geo is deeply embedded in Portland’s creative community. As a seasoned art model and co-founder of the Portland Drawing Group, they support other artists, particularly from marginalized groups. “It’s been really great to help other models be seen, especially queer and trans models. It really helps me get past my own judgments about my body,” Geo explains. Their efforts are crucial in providing visibility and opportunities for queer and trans models, helping them be seen and appreciated for their true selves.
Recently, Flask hosted the Portland Drawing Group, featuring a drag queen as the model. The event was highly received, and plans are underway to make such events a regular feature at Flask. “One of the things I live for is creating spaces for other artists. So thanks to Flask for being that way.”
Looking Ahead: Geo’s Aspirations
Geo is enthusiastic about potential collaborations, such as with the Portland Museum of Art, which could bring their work into new and prestigious contexts. They dream of a future where venues like Flask continue to break molds and foster a rich tapestry of artistic voices.
Bonus! Get to Know Geo: Rapid Fire Questions
Favorite Color: Fuchsia pink
Favorite Utensil: Scraper
Can’t Live Without: Coffee with oat milk
Favorite Podcast: “New Mainers Speak”
Favorite App: WMPG
Conclusion
Geo SanGiovanni’s journey underscores the importance of supporting marginalized artists and providing opportunities for their work to be recognized, particularly in non-traditional spaces like Flask Lounge. By promoting diverse artistic expressions, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant art scene.
Thursday nights at Flask Lounge have always been synonymous with fun, music, and good vibes. But this year, we’re taking it up a notch!
Karaoke night at Flask is not just a weekly event; it’s a tradition, a place where you can be a star, a diva, or have a great time with friends. Whether you’re channeling your inner Taylor Swift, stepping into the shoes of a hair metal frontman, or going all out with a Meatloaf power ballad, Flask Lounge is your stage.
But wait, there’s more!
✨ Introducing the Secret Karaoke Challenge ✨
We’re spicing things up this New Year with a competitive twist to our beloved karaoke nights. Each month, we have a secret song challenge – but shh, it’s a secret for a reason. We want diversity, not a chorus of the same tunes!
Keep an eye on our social media for monthly hints and challenges. Feel the urge to step into the spotlight? Just let our friendly door person know you’re ready to compete.
🎤 Here’s how it works:
Every performance related to the monthly challenge gets recorded.
At the end of the month, these performances are put to a vote – by you, our discerning audience!
The crowd favorite will be crowned our Karaoke Darling of the Month, walking away with a prize box brimming with merch and unique treats from the Flask community.
🏆 January’s Challenge: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
To kick things off, we’re celebrating Elvis Presley this January. Anyone belting out an Elvis song gets a shot at the prize box. Speaking of which, this month’s prize includes a stylish Flask beanie (a fashion statement given the mild weather!) and exclusive art goodies from local artists.
👯♀️ February Teaser: Best Duets
Got a singing partner? February is your month! Start practicing now for our Best Duets challenge. It’s a chance to showcase your harmonies and maybe, just maybe, secure that prize box for yourselves.
🤗 Join Us Every Thursday!
Remember, it’s not just about winning; it’s about the fun, the music, and the community. Whether you’re a seasoned karaoke veteran or a first-timer, Flask Lounge is your place to shine. See you on Thursday!
“We are proud to stand with Jessica and honored to be able to match her $2,500 worth of bottle collection with a $2,500 grant. These are real people who have sacrificed everything to open a business, and are now sacrificing everything else to keep it going. Please continue to donate, share, and amplify as much as possible so that we can keep doing whatever we can to help whoever we can. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the help thus far!” –Maine Music Alliance (MEMA)
Q&A w/ MEMA & Flask Owner
Jessica Nolette – Owner of Flask Lounge
MEMA:When/why did you open Flask Lounge?
JESSICA: Flask Lounge opened in November 2007 when I was 27. My goal was to open a neighborhood sports bar, serving homemade pub-style food and welcoming everybody. I quickly discovered my vision for Flask was not in line with the Portland community’s hopes. Only months after opening, the disco ball returned, and we were dancing, singing (def not me), rocking out, and hosting events of everything in between.
MEMA:How did the idea for the bottle drive come about?
JESSICA: Since the pandemic started, our Resident Dj’s and Musicians have been streaming online fundraisers and encouraging donations via our website to help us with operating costs. It’s hard to ask for money, especially when so many people are struggling financially. The bottle drive was an idea I could accomplish as one person and offered a way for people who wanted to help us do so creatively. It gave me purpose and a mission. It’s a little out of the ordinary, but so is Flask.
MEMA:Describe your day when you do your bottle route?
JESSICA: The response was incredible. In one month, I completed 100+ stops from Augusta to Sanford and collected $2,500 worth of returnables. Masked up and gloves on, I met amazing people along the way, some of whom have never been to Flask: “I have a friend that loves your bar, and it means a lot to them. I’ve always heard great things, so I wanted to donate.”
Jessica collected $2,500 worth of returnables making 100+ stops from Augusta to Sanford.
MEMA:Describe the financial reality of your business currently (to the extent you’re comfortable doing so).
JESSICA: The apparent burden is having no financial income to cover costs while being closed for a time unknown. There’s been no insight, even after emailing Governor Mills and the City of Portland. Are we waiting for a vaccine? Why are liquor licenses not being pro-rated? We need truth and straightforward updates to mentally, emotionally, and financially prepare for our futures.
“It breaks me to be inside the emptiness that is Flask right now.”
I am at risk of losing staff who I love. The staff, dj’s, and musicians are the cement that keeps Flask solid and growing. Wondering what’s next and whether I should sell Flask, I have spent the last six months preparing and educating myself toward a new career.
MEMA:What is your favorite memory of Flask?
JESSICA: There have been far too many amazing memories to choose just one. But my absolute favorite part of Flask is the lifelong friendships built between those bricks, including the many friends I have made along the way.
MEMA:What is your dream first show back?
JESSICA: I am most excited about a full rotation of ALL our resident events: Karaoke, Open Dj Night, Sundaze, Monday of the Mondays, Love, Foundation, Friction, Black Friday, Primary, Shank Painters, Rewind, Mainely House, Future Classic, Coven Club (formerly Sub/Merge), Retro Night, Flannel, ThumpDay, Cherry Lemonade (Drag Show), No Gimmicks, As Above So Below Events, Bass Faces, and more!
While I’m extremely eager to reopen, I will only do so when everyone is comfortable and confident with promoting, hosting, and attending events. It breaks me to be inside the emptiness that is Flask right now, but it would be devastating to reopen and risk the health of the Flask staff and community, as well as the health of our patrons.
A team of Maine music professionals and performers working to increase the awareness around the extraordinary live music venues of Portland and the tremendous impact their presence have in our local economy.
We value equality and inclusion and are against racism, oppression, and violence. We stand with our community in promoting change and supporting justice.
“One of the greatest problems of history is that the concepts of love and power are usually contrasted as polar opposites.
Love is identified with a resignation of power and power with a denial of love. What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.
Justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”― Martin Luther King Jr.
Rapper, MC, Producer, Artist, Writer, Lover of Calvin and Hobbes.
Jesse Duncan, also known as Khed/Kid Calvin or J.Dunkz, has been an artist for roughly 25 years, and was born in San Diego, and raised mainly in New York, Texas, and Maine (among other states). Recently, Jesse volunteered his time and created an epic mural in Flask’s downstairs bathroom, promoting messages of love and respect.
When did you first discover your love for art?
It was around 1987, at the young age of 6 or 7, when I started getting into skateboarding and it’s culture through the local teens from the housing complex I lived in at the time. They showed me how to draw and cut elaborate designs and logos on the griptape of skateboards. I was hooked with expressing myself through art ever since then. As I got older, I started getting into Calvin and Hobbes. I would cut comic strips out of newspapers and put them all over my walls. I eventually took to re-drawing all of those strips. Through the music I listened to growing up and all the skateboarding magazines I was reading daily, I started noticing graffiti. I got hooked on drawing letters, playing around and studying colors, as well as the freedom to think outside the box a bit and get funky.
Can you give us a brief history of graffiti culture?
Graffiti in some shape or form has been around for a long time (like ‘kilroy was here‘ and cave paintings), but it wasn’t until the early ’60s, that graffiti culture started taking shape. There was early Chicano gang graffiti on the west coast taking shape with their own letterforms. Around ’65, a guy writing ‘cornbread’ in Philly (Darryl McCray,) would walk the city bus routes spraypainting and writing his name on everything. Eventually, this would spread into NYC and surrounding areas. Primitive tags turned into more elaborate ones, then quick 2 colors ‘throw-ups’ or ‘stamps.’ Eventually evolving into more and more intricate pieces with 3-d’s and abstract designs, characters, backgrounds, and murals.
Has the culture changed in recent times? It definitely has given the rise of social media. Before that, it was kind of a passed down trade in a sense, such as the unwritten rules, tools, tricks, tips, and stories about graffiti. Older, more experienced writers would pass down knowledge to the younger kids. There are still folks out there paying homage to the unwritten rules of graffiti, though. It’s also much easier to see what’s getting painted online these days, instead of having to go out and look for spots and hope you find graffiti-like it used to be. Now a lot of folks are missing out on exploring the city they live in. Many younger writers are in it for the quick fame these days without thinking about longevity. There are still folks out there paying homage to the unwritten rules of graffiti and doing things the proper way.
“Crack Is Wack” by Keith Haring at Harlem River Drive and E. 128th St. Keith Haring moved to New York from Pittsburgh in 1978. Eight years later, he created his “Crack Is Wack” piece on two sides of a handball court that sits beside the Harlem River Drive at E. 128th St. He created the piece during a time when HIV/AIDS and the crack epidemic were hitting the city hard. (Haring himself tragically died of AIDS in 1990 at age 31.)
How does someone earn the title of “Graffiti Artist?”
Writers is the preferred term, but, anybody who has a graff name and focuses on letterform, and then proceeds to put up their name continually, would be considered a writer. Writers and street artists are two completely different things.
What are your thoughts about tagging?
Tagging is gravely misunderstood from the viewpoint of outsiders. It’s the foundation of graffiti. Without it, there wouldn’t be the elaborate pieces and murals you see today. With graffiti, there are rules about where it’s appropriate to tag. Mom and pop shops/venues, schools, churches, houses, civilian cars are all off-limits. Tagging is deeply rooted in typography and handwriting. It’s based very much on understanding letter structure and form. Styles can be very different regionally too, and there’s a lot of rich history behind the evolution of certain handstyles. There’s a wonderful book called “Flip The script: a guidebook for aspiring vandals & typographers” I highly suggest if anyone is interested in learning more about it.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Bill Waterson, Learn, Rich, Jurne, Kerse, Mecro, Taste, Twist, Mone, Mes, Aves, Spek, trixter, daks, baser, aves, mes, cezanne, klimit, keith haring, jackson pollock, daks, soe, the solo artist, turdl, vane, write, neil geiman, jack kirby, bode, dondi, salvadore dali. The list could go on and on forever, there’s so many.
If you could share space for a mural with anyone, who would it be with, and what location?
Anyone of my close homies. I love painting with good friends and having fun vibing. I’ve always wanted to paint in Australia, Vancouver, Canada, and the pacific northwest. I love to paint in hidden spots away from the beaten path, preferably near water.
What’s one of the most significant challenges you face as an artist?
Time. Between balancing work, being a dad, making music, and producing art, it’s really hard to find time for everything.
What are you most proud of?
The birth of my twins 10 years ago. Those little nuggets are my life.
I’m trying to further my Aqua Velvet Audio brand by releasing more music, more art, more murals, collaborating, doing more shows, more community outreach, and possibly starting a clothing line. Other than that, raising my kids and working on myself every day.
Your favorite lyric?
This is the hardest thing for me, haha. I loved so much different music over the years, so many genres, moods, and feelings, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Favorite Color? Sea Foam Green
A word you think is funny? Discombobulated
Tell us a secret? “Loose lips sink ships”
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