ROCKS & SURF by Carl Austin Hyatt
Between the Sea & ME 2026
Our annual grief ritual for modern humans returns
Sunday, March 8th 1-4pm
12:30pm Doors Open
Mechanics’ Hall
519 Congress ST
Portland, ME
Hogfish, in collaboration with Good Medicine Collective and Mechanics’ Hall, is deeply honored to hold an empathetic, safe, and nurturing space for grief, gratitude, and community.
Grief and gratitude are not meant to be solitary, though today many of us grieve and give thanks alone; communal ritual offers the opportunity to witness one another's pain and joy, share our stories of heartbreak and heart-made, and to hold each other as we journey into the depth of our collective sorrow so that we may more fully experience the joy of being alive and connected to each other and the natural world.
This event will include:
poetry and song
an invocation to the unseen world through spoken word and drumming
grounding somatic movement practices to help us find deep support as we unwind and soften the bracing in our bodies
time to explore different healing modalities including Reiki, art therapy, and more
the creation of a beautiful shrine
guided writing practices that include an opportunity to share and witness in small groups
dancing and singing together to let our feelings move through us and back into the world
Robin Wall Kimmerer writes, “If grief can be a doorway to love, then let us all weep for the world we are breaking apart so we can love it back to wholeness again.’”
Tickets
We offer sliding scale ticketing with the goal of making this event accessible to all who wish to attend.
$25 for those who could use some help
$50 for those who can pay the full price
$75 for those who would like to support others
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Email programming@mainemechanics.org for pay what you can options.
Partners
Good Medicine Collective
More than a co-working space, we are a cross-pollinating community of independent healing providers that recognizes we can achieve more together. Through experiential gatherings and shared meals, collaboration and conversations, we exchange wisdom & wonderings. Aside from tenants, we have a community membership program to expand the mycelial network. Together we stay curious, surprised, humbled and passionate. We innovate, evolve, create accountability. And in turn, this is how we best serve individual & social transformation.
Mechanics’ Hall
Mechanics’ Hall is a historic cultural hub and member-supported library in Portland, Maine that brings together bold ideas, diverse voices, and vibrant community through the arts and humanities. We connect exceptional thinkers and artists – spanning writers, performers, and curious minds of all ages – to enrich intellectual life, celebrate creativity, and spark meaningful connection. By inspiring curiosity and empowering both emerging and established talent, we work to shape a more imaginative, inclusive, and connected future.
Healers & Facilitators
Portland, ME
A New Kind of Regenerative Artist
Residency
June 10 - August 9 2026
Photo Credit: Nick Johnson
Portland, ME
A New Kind of Regenerative Artist Residency
A unique, holistic
Regenerative Artist Residency
We are creating a holistic retreat for performing artists to connect with themselves, their community, and the land to regenerate their creative fire and change the world. We seek to empower and commission the next generation of diverse artistic voices across disciplines to tell stories that regenerate creative and physical health to their bodies, their communities, and their planet.
All Hogfish artists-in-REsidence receive performance opportunities, education, travel, housing, and a Stipend.
There is no fee to apply and no age limit. We actively seek performers of all disciplines (acting, singing, dance, instrumental), styles, ages, body shapes and abilities, gender & sexuality expressions, and ethnic backgrounds.
Maria Brea and Felix Jarrar performing on the 2023 Regenerative Arts Seed Project Series. (Photo Credit: Meredith Brockington)
Performing CarmXn to a sold out crowd at Mechanics’ Hall. (Photo Credit: Meredith Brockington)
PERFORMANCE
Like our namesake Hogfish, we seek to balance forms of performance - creating both whole group and individual regenerative works. Artists-in-residence are cast to fulfill the needs of and devise together the summer’s flagship production. Artists are also asked to bring a personal regenerative project that they will work on during their residency. Every effort will be made to pair artists-in-residence together for whom it would be mutually beneficial to work on each other’s projects. These personal projects will be presented on our Regenerative Arts Seed Project series with a chance for audience talk backs to help further develop your work.
The Rose Garden at Beckett Castle, where artists are welcome to visit, put their hands in the dirt, and learn from rosarian Lynn Shafer. (Photo Credit: Meredith Brockington)
REGENERATIVE TIME
The residency makes ample time for artists to connect to their own creative fire as well as the beautiful landscape of Maine. Each week will offer time for individual artists to work on their own projects in addition to group rehearsal, scenic walks in the glory of Maine nature in summer, time in the Beckett Castle rose garden and by the ocean, as well as company class in regenerative arts techniques including mindfulness, ecology, Alexander Technique, and more.
2022 Artist-in-Residence March Steiger taking an Alexander Technique lesson from Hogfish Faculty Audrey Luna
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
All Hogfish artists have the opportunity to receive private lessons in Alexander Technique, Reiki, and other healing modalities to regenerate their creative and physical health.
Partners & Community Sponsors
Partners & Season Sponsors
Great people
& organizations
We are honored to be making art for, with, and among an incredible community of people and organizations. Thank you to our major partners & sponsors for the summer 2026 regenerative arts residency and season!
