People visiting Bangor from Sunday, March 7, through Sunday, March 21, should be sure to stroll through the Bangor Mall and see what’s on display there.

“Our Art Students Exhibit” features artworkby young people in kindergarten through grade 12 and selected by their teachers.

The show is the work of Art in the Heart of Maine, an organization of art teachers from the Greater Bangor area who volunteer their time and effort to put this wonderful event together.

Bangor High School teachers Kal Elmore and Sarah Tabor are coordinating the event this year.

The art teachers will be hanging their students’ artwork from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 7, and you are invited to stop by, visit with them and ask questions.

If you can’t make it on Sunday, be sure to visit the mall any day during normal business hours, and stroll among the displays. You’ll be glad you did.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover what hidden talents lie among us, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Art in the Heart of Maine member Courtney Harvey of Veazie Community School reports that “juried work will become part of the University of Maine Hartgen Travel Art Exhibits 2004-2005, and will travel around the state of Maine.”

It’s easy to imagine what a thrill it is to have your artwork chosen for that honor because it means residents and visitors alike throughout the Pine Tree State will be viewing your work.

I know that I am always impressed with the show, and I am sure you will be as well.

Thanks to this group of dedicated art teachers and the folks at the Bangor Mall, we have the privilege of sharing in the outpouring of expression that art affords.

On behalf of the Penobscot Branch of the American Association of University Women, Cathy Marquez of Orono invites the public to attend a performance of Finnish folk music.

You are invited to hear Kantele Laulu at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Church of Universal Fellowship on Main Street in Orono.

Donations will be accepted at the door.

According to its Web site, the kantele is a Finnish lap harp with a 2,000-year history, and an important symbol of the Finnish culture.

The performance will be led by Sarah Cummings, president of Kantele Laulu Inc.

That Maine organization received its official nonprofit status in 2002. Among its missions is to be “a permanent addition to the cultural life of Maine” and the United States, and to offer “opportunities for public, community and school performances” as well as workshops and residencies relating to Finalnd’s music, its instruments and its culture.

It seems everyone connected with Waldo County General Hospital is “getting into the act” for the hospital’s eighth annual Dessert Cabaret beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 12, at Belfast Area High School.

According to show organizer and hospital staff member Ann Hooper, you can begin your evening by purchasing elegant desserts provided by health care staff or, if you prefer, you can enjoy drinks, hot dogs, popcorn and snacks dispensed by folks from the hospital’s human resources department.

Then it’s time for members of the hospital family and friends of the hospital to step on stage as the curtain goes up for the cabaret at 7 p.m.

Masters of ceremonies for this event will be Dr. Terrance Smith and Dr. Shelby Wilbourn.

And while admission to the show is free, donations are requested.

Hospital Aid members will be there to greet you and sign you up for free door prizes, which will be awarded at intermission, and you can also enter a 50-50 raffle.

Hooper is expecting a variety of talent, to appear in the show, including “the return of a couple of audience favorites” that should make for a most entertaining evening.

However, you might like to know a few time slots are still available if you want the opportunity to perform on stage.

If you’re interested in appearing in the cabaret, call Hooper at 338-9366 or Sandra Gordon at 338-9303 to request an application.

All proceeds will help support Waldo County General Hospital community wellness outreach activities, including free health screenings, exercise classes and the Waldo County Family Wellness Fair.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.