RUMFORD — The area’s number one party for the arts, “Kaleidoscope,” is set for 7 p.m. Friday, March 1 at 49 Franklin’s Mystic Theater. The event is a premium opportunity for artists and the public to mix, mingle and network while enjoying what local artists and performers have to offer.

Kris Howes and crew from Ink Maine in downtown Rumford will lead and facilitate “Art Fusion,” a live interactive art activity where five artists volunteer to take an easel and chalk to create art, while a musical performer does a song. When the song is finished, each artist will step over to the next easel and add to what has been done; after five songs each artist has taken part in creating five unique pieces, which will happen several times throughout the event. Area artists are also invited to display and actively create art at their own space.

Local magician Scot Grassette will be master of ceremonies for the event and guest magician Mark Vaillancourt will perform tableside. Adam Breton, solo on acoustic guitar and vocals, is one of the musical performers. Thea Dunn has assembled several of her students who will take the stage, including Ainsley Brown of Telstar Regional High school; Ashley Gurney of Buckfield High School; Michaela Beauchesne of Mountain Valley High School; and Liam and Ashley Child (brother and sister team) of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

A very special activity will take place for the first time in the area: Nick Graham and Jessica Rodrigue will set up an interactive and creative “escape room” including five puzzles that must be solved in 10 minutes or less. The activity is free and is a taste of what the creative duo will offer in their soon to come “Hoodwinked Escape Rooms” at the Mexico Rec Center in Mexico.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The event is free to enter, participate and attend. There will be a pub-style menu with sandwiches, salads and fried foods to choose from along with a cash bar.

For more information, contact Scot Grassette at 207-369-0129 or grassette@gwi.net.

Ainsley Brown

Michaela Beauchesne

“Art Fusion.” (Photo by Greg Viger)