BELFAST — Belfast artist David Estey has published a humorous, illustrated memoir called “Whoop and Drive 'er" – Growing up in Aroostook County, Maine. He describes it as a labor of love, a personal piece of Americana about colorful family members, friends, characters and situations he experienced while growing up in Fort Fairfield, Presque Isle, Belfast and during 42 years away.

Although the unique memoir begins in Aroostook, he includes attending Crosby High School in Belfast, going to Rhode Island School of Design, studying art in Italy for a year, spending two years in the army, doing public affairs for IRS, dealing with the news media, living in the South, and enjoying a second career as an award-winning artist back in Maine.

The book is endorsed on the back cover by Carl Little, distinguished poet and author of several books on Maine painting, and Kathryn Olmstead, editor of Echoes magazine and a columnist for Bangor Daily News.

Carl wrote, in part, "In this entertaining and often moving memoir ... vintage photographs and Estey's portraits and paintings are the perfect accompaniment to a storyline that will leave you laughing and inspire a tear or two." Kathryn wrote, in part, "David's memoir is laced with humor and filled with anecdotes that make it a tribute to small-town America."

The 144-page memoir is an art book with 41 photos, drawings, and paintings he did over the years. By mid-October, it will be available in local stores, at www.maineauthorspublishing.com, at www.amazon.com, and directly from the artist at 16 Pierce Street, Belfast, ME 04915. Book signings are scheduled at:

Penobscot Marine Museum Store, Main Street in Searsport, on Thursday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Carver Hill Gallery, 338 Main Street in Rockland, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Beyond the Sea, at Lincolnville Beach, on Saturday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.