Surf Point

### Context Profile for Surf Point

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: Surf Point is dedicated to supporting diverse visual artists and art workers through a residency program. The organization also focuses on stewarding 46 acres of coastal and forested land, hosting public programs, and promoting research related to its historic legacy. This mission emphasizes the importance of art in community engagement and environmental stewardship.
   - **Cause**: The organization aims to foster creativity and cultural heritage while providing a nurturing environment for artists to thrive.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Residency Programs**: Provides opportunities for visual artists and art workers to immerse themselves in a supportive environment.
   - **Public Programs**: Hosts various events and activities that engage the community and promote the arts.
   - **Research Promotion**: Shares findings related to the organization’s historic legacy, contributing to the broader understanding of local culture and history.
   - **Land Stewardship**: Actively manages and preserves the coastal and forested lands, integrating environmental care with artistic endeavors.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of Surf Point's communications is **friendly, inspiring, and professional**. The language used is approachable yet maintains a level of professionalism that reflects the organization's commitment to the arts and community engagement. The content is often warm and inviting, encouraging participation and support.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website and email communications do not prominently feature emojis. The tone remains professional and straightforward, focusing on clear communication rather than informal or playful elements.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details are not provided on the website, but the organization is based in York, Maine.
   - **Scale**: Surf Point operates on a relatively small scale, focusing on localized community engagement through its residency and public programs.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the organization emphasizes its role in supporting artists and preserving land, indicating a commitment to measurable impact in these areas.
   - **Volunteer Info**: There is no explicit mention of volunteer opportunities on the website, but community involvement is likely encouraged through public programs.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a friendly and inviting tone that reflects the organization’s commitment to the arts and community. Avoid overly casual language; maintain professionalism while being approachable.
   - **Content Structure**: Prioritize clarity and conciseness. Use headings and bullet points for easy readability, especially in emails and public communications.
   - **Call to Action**: Encourage engagement and support, whether through donations, participation in programs, or sharing the organization’s mission.
   - **Visual Elements**: Incorporate images of artists, events, and the natural landscape to enhance storytelling and connection with the audience.

This context profile provides a comprehensive overview of Surf Point, enabling AI assistants to create tailored and effective content that aligns with the organization’s mission and values.

LXCL:Suggested donation $25. Surf Point is a 501c3 public charity. In order to maintain our public charity status, we must raise funds from the broad public to show support beyond large donations. Your support in any amount, from $1, is beneficial to Surf Point being able to demonstrate public support and supports our programs.

Register for Meet the Residents

Please read the details below before filling out the registration form. Join us on Friday, March 20, 2026 to meet current residents&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a>&nbsp; We invite the community to Surf Point to visit the participating studios and connect with the residents. 2:00 PM &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Welcome and arrivals2:15 PM &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Studio visit with&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a>3:00 PM &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Studio visit with&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a> The artist studio is a sacred creative space. It is a vulnerable space of experimentation, research, and development, and we invite visitors to observe and interact with respectful curiosity for each individual&rsquo;s unique creative process. Please take a moment to review our <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/studio-visit-guidelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Studio Visit Guidelines</a> before registering.&nbsp; We&#39;ve found it is also very helpful for people to understand our Community Values and Expectations in advance. Please take the time to read through those <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/community-values" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a>.<br style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-thickness: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-thickness: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-thickness: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-thickness: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required.&nbsp;Donations are optional and deeply appreciated. Surf Point is a 501c3 public charity. In order to maintain our <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/publicly-supported-charities#:~:text=More%20In%20File&text=An%20organization%20is%20a%20publicly,is%20a%20publicly%20supported%20charity." rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">public charity status</a>, we must raise funds from the broad public to show support beyond large donations. Your support in any amount, from $1, is beneficial to Surf Point being able to demonstrate public support and supports our programs. The address and directions will be shared in advance of the event.<br style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-thickness: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-thickness: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">We hope you&rsquo;ll join us to experience Surf Point in action. Learn more about Surf Point <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a>. For questions, please contact <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="mailto:info@surfpoint.me" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">info@surfpoint.me</a>. About the participating residents <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a> (Brooklyn, NY) Olivia Berke is an emerging artist living and working in Brooklyn, NY. She received a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History from Oberlin College with an emphasis on sculpture and ephemeral art in the Early Modern period.&nbsp; Her practice is centered around every day materials as portals to the imagination and finding wonder in the mundane.&nbsp; Her work has been a part of several group exhibitions, most recently at The Sheerly Touch-Ya/Shisanwu Warehouse in Glendale, Queens and Voltz Clarke Gallery in New York, NY. Visit Olivia&rsquo;s website <a fr-original-style="" href="http://olivia-berke.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here.</a> <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a>&nbsp;(Old Town, ME) James Eric Francis Sr. is a prominent member of the Penobscot Nation who serves as the tribe&#39;s Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation and Tribal Historian. His work is dedicated to exploring and preserving the intricate relationship between Maine&#39;s Native American peoples and the land. Historian and Preservationist: As a historian, Francis has curated exhibits at notable institutions such as the Abbe Museum and Harvard University. His work often involves uncovering and highlighting histories not found in books, such as his extensive oral history projects for the Penobscot Nation. He has been instrumental in implementing the Maine Native American Studies Law in schools and co-produced the film Invisible, which addresses racism experienced by Native Americans. Francis is also a co-founder and Chair of the Council of Local Contexts, an initiative that supports Indigenous communities in managing their intellectual property and cultural heritage.&nbsp; Artist and Creator: Beyond his historical work, Francis is a versatile artist who works as a painter, photographer, filmmaker, and graphic artist. His paintings are particularly known for a unique style that uses small, circular dots to build texture and form. This meticulous technique was inspired by the ancient practice of flint knapping. His art, which often depicts animals and traditional stories, serves as a powerful means of cultural expression and preservation, with pieces held in collections like the U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service Museum. He also serves on several boards, including as former Co-Chair of the Abbe Museum&#39;s Board of Trustees, and is a lifetime member of the Maine Historical Society. Visit James&#39; Instagram page <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesericfrancissr?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; -webkit-user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here.</a>

Dear friends, We look forward to welcoming you to Surf Point for Meet the Residents with <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a> and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a>, on March 20 from 2 - 4 pm. Below are a few details to help you prepare for your visit. Schedule2 pm | Welcome and arrivals, with snacks generously provided by Kathryn Ferguson!2:15 pm | Studio visit with Olivia Berke3 pm | Studio visit with James Eric Francis Sr. Studio VisitsThe artist studio is a creative space, a place of experimentation, research, and development. We invite you to observe and engage with respectful curiosity for each individual&rsquo;s creative process. Please take a moment to review our <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/studio-visit-guidelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Studio Visit Guidelines</a> and our <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/community-values" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Community Values and Expectations</a> in advance. Parking and CarpoolingWe encourage carpooling if possible. Parking will be available in the lot in front of the house and along the dirt road driveway. You may need to walk a short distance. LocationSurf Point is located at 32 Surf Point Rd, York, ME 03909. Directions are available <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/directions" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a>. GPS will generally bring you close, however cell service can be limited in the final stretch of the drive, so printing or screenshotting directions in advance may be helpful. Support Our Work<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AAUDDLDADZ3VS" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Donations</a> of any amount are deeply appreciated. We will also have <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/shop" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">merch available for sale</a> including t-shirts, books, bandanas, and hats. Lastly, we want to acknowledge the third member of this residency cohort, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/rachel-adams" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Rachel Gloria Adams</a>, who cannot participate in Meet the Residents due to her solo exhibition opening on March 20 from 5-8 pm at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/notch8gallery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Notch8</a> in Portland, Maine. If you can attend, we encourage you to stop by and support her work. We look forward to seeing you! Very best,Yael and Samantha Yael Reinharz, Executive Director, yael@surfpoint.meSamantha Butler, Program Manager, samantha@surfpoint.me Surf Pointsurfpoint.meInstagram: surfpoint.meSupport Surf Point

Please read the details below before filling out the registration form. Join us on Friday, March 20, 2026 to meet current residents <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a> and <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a>  We invite the community to Surf Point to visit the participating studios and connect with the residents. 2:00 PM          Welcome and arrivals2:15 PM          Studio visit with <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a>3:00 PM          Studio visit with <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a> The artist studio is a sacred creative space. It is a vulnerable space of experimentation, research, and development, and we invite visitors to observe and interact with respectful curiosity for each individual’s unique creative process. Please take a moment to review our <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/studio-visit-guidelines" target="_blank">Studio Visit Guidelines</a> before registering.  We've found it is also very helpful for people to understand our Community Values and Expectations in advance. Please take the time to read through those <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/community-values" target="_blank">here</a>. The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. Donations are optional and deeply appreciated. Surf Point is a 501c3 public charity. In order to maintain our <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/publicly-supported-charities#:~:text=More%20In%20File&amp;text=An%20organization%20is%20a%20publicly,is%20a%20publicly%20supported%20charity." target="_blank">public charity status</a>, we must raise funds from the broad public to show support beyond large donations. Your support in any amount, from $1, is beneficial to Surf Point being able to demonstrate public support and supports our programs. The address and directions will be shared in advance of the event. We hope you’ll join us to experience Surf Point in action. Learn more about Surf Point <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me" target="_blank">here</a>. For questions, please contact <a href="mailto:info@surfpoint.me" target="_blank">info@surfpoint.me</a>. About the participating residents <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/olivia-berke" target="_blank">Olivia Berke</a> (Brooklyn, NY) Olivia Berke is an emerging artist living and working in Brooklyn, NY. She received a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History from Oberlin College with an emphasis on sculpture and ephemeral art in the Early Modern period.  Her practice is centered around every day materials as portals to the imagination and finding wonder in the mundane.  Her work has been a part of several group exhibitions, most recently at The Sheerly Touch-Ya/Shisanwu Warehouse in Glendale, Queens and Voltz Clarke Gallery in New York, NY. Visit Olivia’s website <a href="http://olivia-berke.com/" target="_blank">here.</a> <a href="https://www.surfpoint.me/newsposts/james-eric-francis-sr" target="_blank">James Eric Francis Sr.</a> (Old Town, ME) James Eric Francis Sr. is a prominent member of the Penobscot Nation who serves as the tribe's Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation and Tribal Historian. His work is dedicated to exploring and preserving the intricate relationship between Maine's Native American peoples and the land. Historian and Preservationist: As a historian, Francis has curated exhibits at notable institutions such as the Abbe Museum and Harvard University. His work often involves uncovering and highlighting histories not found in books, such as his extensive oral history projects for the Penobscot Nation. He has been instrumental in implementing the Maine Native American Studies Law in schools and co-produced the film Invisible, which addresses racism experienced by Native Americans. Francis is also a co-founder and Chair of the Council of Local Contexts, an initiative that supports Indigenous communities in managing their intellectual property and cultural heritage.  Artist and Creator: Beyond his historical work, Francis is a versatile artist who works as a painter, photographer, filmmaker, and graphic artist. His paintings are particularly known for a unique style that uses small, circular dots to build texture and form. This meticulous technique was inspired by the ancient practice of flint knapping. His art, which often depicts animals and traditional stories, serves as a powerful means of cultural expression and preservation, with pieces held in collections like the U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service Museum. He also serves on several boards, including as former Co-Chair of the Abbe Museum's Board of Trustees, and is a lifetime member of the Maine Historical Society. Visit James' Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesericfrancissr?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank">here.</a>

Surf Point

Meet the Residents Registration: Olivia Berke and James Eric Francis Sr

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