The Cynthia Winings Gallery is pleased to host a special First Friday event celebrating Nightfall, a group exhibition honoring the wonder of Maine’s night skies. This evening of art, community, and stargazing takes place on Friday, October 3, from 5–7PM.

Presented in partnership with Dark Sky Maine, the program features Nancy Hathaway, co-founder of the nonprofit and passionate advocate for preserving Maine’s Dark Sky Heritage. Hathaway serves on the Surry Conservation Commission, chairs the town’s Dark Sky Committee, and organizes the annual Stars Over Surry star party. She will share insights into the current state of Maine’s night skies and offer ways we can all work to protect them.

The celebration also includes a unique opportunity to observe the waxing gibbous moon and other celestial objects through a telescope with Ray Santullo, an amateur astronomer based in Blue Hill. A retired Air Force optometrist, Santullo brings his love of astronomy to the community and will photograph the moon in advance of NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night on October 4.

Adding to the festivities, Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop has created a special dark-sky-inspired flavor for the occasion. Together, art, science, and community will merge in a joyful evening dedicated to reflection, preservation, and wonder.

This program is presented as part of Dark Sky Maine’s seasonal festival and celebrates the gallery’s commitment to connecting art with the natural world. We are grateful to Nancy Hathaway, Dark Sky Maine, and all participating artists for inspiring us to turn our gaze upward.