about us
ADDRESS
Paul J. Schupf Art Center
93 Main Street
Waterville, Maine 04901
207.873.7000
HOURS
Ed Harris Box Office:
Open daily, 11am–7pm*
Ticonic Gallery:
Open daily, 11am–7pm*
Closed Tuesdays and federal holidays
*Hours may vary for special events
TICKETS
Tickets to all programs and events at Waterville Creates, the Waterville Opera House, the Maine Film Center, and Ticonic Gallery + Studios can be purchased online at watervillecreates.org, over the phone at 207.873.7000, or in-person at the Ed Harris Box Office, Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street, Waterville. Waterville Creates never uses third-party ticketing vendors. The validity of tickets purchased from resellers or third-party vendors cannot be guaranteed.
CODE OF CONDUCT Waterville Creates is committed to ensuring that the Paul J. Schupf Art Center and Waterville Opera House are welcoming places for all. We expect our visitors, volunteers, and staff to recognize and honor one another with dignity and respect. We have a zero tolerance policy regarding any acts of harassment or harmful behavior.
ACCESSIBILITY
All street-level entrances to the Paul J. Schupf Art Center are wheelchair accessible, and the primary box office door, located under the ARTS sign, is equipped with automatic door openers. The Maine Film Center’s screening rooms and the sky bridge to the Waterville Opera House are accessible by elevator. Designated wheelchair seating is available in all three film screening rooms as well as the orchestra level of the Waterville Opera House, and wheelchairs are available upon request at the Ed Harris Box Office. Assisted listening devices are available at the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House. For more information on accessibility or to request accommodations, please call 207.873.7000 or e-mail access@watervillecreates.org.
YOUTH ARTS ACCESS FUND
(YAAF) Waterville Creates believes that all youth, regardless of income, ability, or background, should have access to outstanding arts opportunities. In an effort to remove cost as a barrier to participation, we have created a dedicated fund to support free or pay-what-you-can admission for youth ages 18 and under to the full range of programming offered by Waterville Creates and its divisions, including art classes and camps, community theatre productions, live music, and film programming. Please visit the Ed Harris Box Office or call 207.873.7000 to access YAAF funds.
PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
Photographic, video, audio, and other recordings may be captured by Waterville Creates at its events and venues, including the Maine Film Center, Waterville Opera House, and Ticonic Gallery + Studios. This media may be used for marketing purposes in print, web, and social media marketing, as well as in third-party publications. Your presence at Waterville Creates events and venues constitutes your consent to being included in such media recordings.
WATERVILLE CREATES BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF ART TO ENRICH AND TRANSFORM OUR COMMUNITY, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.
The arts and cultural experiences we create transcend age, income, gender and race.
They are the antidote to misunderstanding and division.
By making these experiences available and accessible to everyone, our community is more connected, more vibrant, and more inclusive. Conversations begin, bridges are built, and common ground is established.
We’re part of the community. We’re from the community. Our deep roots prepare us for any need. Our passion and innovative approach position us for every opportunity. Community and creative partnerships are the fuel for our best solutions.
We exist to create arts and cultural experiences, but our job is to make those experiences available to everyone.
“Such a beautiful, welcoming, peaceful space for our community.”
AUGUST 1
SEPTEMBER 5
JULY 3
JULY 10
JULY 17
JULY 24
JULY 31
FIRST FRIDAYS
August 1, September 5, 5–7pm; Free Various times + locations
Visit downtown Waterville to meet artists, see performances, listen to live music, eat delicious food, shop at local businesses, enjoy the arts, and come together as a community.
Opening reception of Dark the Night and Bright the Stars at the Ticonic Gallery, Waterville Rocks, and Art Rocks at Head of Falls.
Guest artist Sarah Haskell and the opening of Chris Miller’s Wild Maybes in Levine’s Park, and Deathtrap at the Waterville Opera House.
ART IN THE PARK
Thursdays, June 26–July 31, 3–5pm; Free; Castonguay Square
Waterville Creates has again joined forces with the Waterville Public Library and the Colby College Museum of Art to offer dynamic, creative summer programming. Join us on Thursdays for an interactive storytime with a unique art-making activity. Check watervillecreates.org for descriptions of each workshop!
ASSEMBLAGE ART: Use wood, paint, and glue to build fun, funky assemblage art inspired by play and artist Bernard Langlais.
ANIMAL SELF-PORTRAITS: Create animal self-portraits inspired by Bernard Langlais—and ride your bike for a fun surprise.
LAZY SUSAN ANIMATION: Get into the festival spirit with animation, braiding, and dancing stories at this special MIFF-inspired workshop.
WEAVING WITH NATURE: Use nature and imagination to weave a story of where you come from and who you are.
INDIGO BANDANAS: Make your own indigo-dyed bandana while snacking on cheese and learning about this ancient art.
SUMMER STORY WALK BOOKS
Summer Story Walk at North Street
Community Trail: Lucia Lacorte, Poor Sport by Christianne Jones
Summer Story Walk at Reed Field: Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen
JULY 11
JULY 25
AUGUST 1
AUGUST 8
ART ROCKS AT WATERVILLE ROCKS
July 11 + 25, August 1 + 8, 6–8pm; Free Various times + locations
Free Art-making + Live Music = Summer Fun!
Join us for Art Rocks, a series of free, hands-on art activities during Waterville Rocks concerts at Head of Falls. Swing by our tent between 6–8pm to get creative while you enjoy great music, dancing, and summer vibes. All ages welcome!
MAKE YOUR OWN INSTRUMENTS: Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll! Craft your own instrument and join the rhythm of the night.
STAMPED LEATHER BRACELETS: Design and stamp your very own leather bracelet—stylish, bold, and totally unique to you.
HANDMADE FANS: Beat the heat with a fan you design yourself! Decorate and personalize your perfect summer accessory.
PAPER BAG MASKS: Transform into something wild, silly, or mysterious with a one-of-a-kind paper bag mask. Let your imagination run wild!
WILD MAYBES BY CHRIS MILLER
August 2025, Levine’s Park, Waterville New semi-permanent public art. Wild Maybes—large, sculpted, friendly monsters—are visitors from an ancient Earth, wondrous beasts inspired by mysterious mammals that really did roam just after the dinosaurs, 50 or 60 million years ago. Now a few scattered fossils are all that remain of them. Did they once stand where we’re standing right now? Did they drink at the banks of the Kennebec? In another 60 million years, will they roam here again someday? Maybe. In the meantime, they will be honorary crossing guards in Levine’s Park, where the past meets the future and time flows deep!
FIELD TRIP EXPERIENCES AT WATERVILLE CREATES
Field trip experiences at Waterville Creates are designed to inspire a love of film, theatre, and visual art. Each experience aligns with classroom curriculum, Maine State Learning Results, and connects to the gallery’s exhibitions. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Education Manager Lisa Wheeler at lwheeler@watervillecreates.org. K–12 field trips are available at:
WATERVILLE OPERA HOUSE: Cultivating a love of theatre and live performance.
MAINE FILM CENTER: Engaging students by teaching and learning through film.
TICONIC GALLERY + STUDIOS: Fostering an appreciation for visual culture and hands-on art making.
THE HIGH KINGS
Wednesday, July 9, 7:30pm; $36–$46
Back by popular demand! The High Kings, comprising of Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Paul O’ Brien, and Brian Dunphy, have held the position as the distinctive voice of Irish Folk music across the world for the last 15 years.
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES WITH BREAKIN’ STRINGS
Saturday, July 26, 7:30pm; $76–$91
Formed in 2003, Trampled by Turtles takes their inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other genres that don’t rely on amplification. Comprised of musicians with experience in a wide array of genres, the group has carved out a fast, frenetic sound that owes as much to rock ’n’ roll as bluegrass.
LITTLE RIVER BAND
Sunday, July 27, 7:30pm; $91–$101
Little River Band garnered huge chart success with multi-platinum albums and chart-topping hits in the ’70s and ’80s. Their worldwide album sales and digital downloads amass to more than 350 million.
BLUEBIRD IMPROV
Monday, July 28, 7:30pm; $51–$61
A collective of some of the best improvisers on the planet, including Tim Meadows (SNL, alum of The Second City), Matt Walsh (Cofounder UCB, Veep), Joe Canale (alum of The Second City), Brad Morris (Cougar Town, alum of The Second City), and Rachel Dratch (SNL, alum of The Second City).
POSTMODERN JUKEBOX
Tuesday, July 29, 8pm; $61–$166
Back by popular demand! Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is a genre-busting, rotating collective of musicians and vocalists that reimagines modern popular songs in vintage swing and jazz styles.
MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE: TREASURE ISLAND
Camp (sold out): August 4–9
Performance: Saturday, August 9, 12pm
Young Jim Hawkins, a mischievous lad, lives with his Mother and six Sisters in a seaside village on the coast of Maine. Longing for adventure, Jim comes under the hypnotic spell of the legendary pirate, Long John Silver.
DEATHTRAP
August 29, 30, September 5, 6 at 7:30pm August 31, September 7 at 2pm; $31–$33
The comedic murder mystery provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.
START MAKING SENSE
Friday, September 12, 8pm; $31–$36
Back by popular demand! The musicians in this 7–10 piece Talking Heads tribute take pride in faithfully recreating the music of Talking Heads’ entire career. Together, they bring much of the Heads’ unique live show to the stage, including the Big Suit.
TASTE OF IRELAND
Monday, September 15, 7:30pm; $45–$65
Performed by former World Irish dance champions and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, it transports the audience through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit. Watch this blend of melodic folk mashups, jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling.
CASEY ABRAMS + FRIENDS
Sunday, September 21, 7:30pm; $36
Featuring Dylan Chamber and Hunter. American Idol finalist and Postmodern Jukebox alum Casey Abrams blends every type of music from blues to jazz to soul to rock to Americana to pop to classical. Join them as they take the audience on a journey through 60 years of icon music.
MATT FRASER
Friday, September 26, 8pm; $66–$175
America’s top psychic medium! With his sold-out live events, captivating television appearances, and powerful spiritual teachings, Matt has brought healing, hope, and laughter to a global audience. He is a trusted figure for people seeking closure, guidance, and connection with their loved ones.
SHEMEKIA COPELAND
Saturday, September 27, 8pm; $41
Back by popular demand! Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-GRAMMY nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs, as well as for her winning, engaging personality.
“Having a supportive and welcoming space to explore my creativity is priceless!”
EXHIBITIONS
DARK THE NIGHT AND BRIGHT THE STARS
July 9–October 12, Ticonic Gallery
Dark the Night and Bright the Stars showcases visual art, textiles, sculpture, and traditional crafts to focus on themes of ancestry. Featured artists include Gabriel Frey, Raphael Gribetz, Sarah Haskell, Daniel Minter, David Lonebear Sanipass, Avis Turner, and Maria Wolff, each bringing unique perspectives influenced by Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, Jewish, Afro-Atlantic, Scandinavian, and Celtic ancestral roots. This exhibition is curated by Lights Out, a nonprofit arts hub based in Norway, Maine.
SEPTEMBER 19
SEPTEMBER 7
WABANAKI STORIES Waterville Opera House
The land and waters known as Maine have been home to Wabanaki People for over 12,000 years. As part of Dark the Night and Bright the Stars, this vibrant production of Wabanaki stories and music spotlights five Wabanaki artists coming from several different nations and traditions. Co-commissioned by Portland Ovations.
DEATH WINGS PROJECT RESIDENCY
Death Wings Project will offer free storytelling and art-making programs about loss and grief to the Waterville and Colby communities in collaboration with Colby Department of Performance, Theater, and Dance, ColbyArts, Two Cent Theatre, and Waterville Creates.
MINI WING MAKING WORKSHOP
1–4:15pm; Paul J. Schupf Art Center
Free but reservation required through watervillecreates.org
Join Bess Welden in a new session focused on grief, loss, and life transitions. Participants will reflect and create a set of mini wings from paper and fabric.
DEATH WINGS ART EXHIBITION
SEPTEMBER 8–21
SEPTEMBER 18
Free and open to the public
Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts at Colby College Featuring large format wings created by Bess Welden and mini wings created by community members.
DEATH WINGS: A PLAY WITH SONGS
7:30pm; Free and open to the public, but reservations strongly recommended through arts.colby.edu/events
Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts at Colby College
Staged reading of Death Wings: A Play With Songs by Bess Welden featuring Central Maine and Colby student actors followed by discussion and script signing. In collaboration with Two Cent Theatre.
CLAY
CLAY STUDIO MEMBERSHIP AT THE ART OF CLAY STUDIO
Memberships are available on a limited basis for intermediate-level ceramic artists over the age of 18. The Art of Clay Studio features two kilns, eight wheels, a slab roller, two types of clay for purchase and a variety of glazes.
PRICING
Membership Fee: $170/month, or $480/three months (a $30 savings) 25-pound bag of clay: $35
watervillecreates.org/clay-studio
INTERMEDIATE CLAY: WHEEL-THROWING LIDDED CONTAINERS
Thursdays, September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:30–4pm; Ages 18+; $181
Join ceramic artist Cherie Giampietro for a six-week class exploring lidded vessels and the techniques used to create gallery, flange, and cap style lids. Students must have background and knowledge of wheel-throwing and be proficient at centering clay, trimming, and attaching pulled handles and knobs.
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY DRAW (AGES 16+)
September 10, 6–8pm; $11
Join us as we resume Community Draw after a summer break. Seasoned and aspiring artists are invited to participate in this costumed figure drawing program to hone their drawing skills in a supportive environment. Participants bring their media of choice, Ticonic provides the chairs, model, and camaraderie.
AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB
Registration opens Monday, August 18!
Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 (no class Nov 27), December 4, 3–5pm; $15 per session
Kids ages 8–12 take a deep dive into art in these exciting and engaging after school art sessions. Young makers and creators will learn about clay, 3D printing, and more! (WC follows the Waterville Public Schools’ weather cancellation policy.)
MIFF28 SPECIAL EVENTS
DROP-IN SCREENPRINTING WORKSHOP
Tuesday, July 15, 11am–1pm; Free Hinge Collaborative, 5 Silver Street, Waterville Make and create a memorable MIFF print at Hinge Collaborative, Waterville’s community-based printmaking studio and gallery.
3D PRINTING: LITHOPHANES AND THE MOVIES
Multiple days and times; Free Ticonic Lobby
Throughout MIFF, we’ll be transforming stills from MIFF films into 3D-printed lithophanes—images that reveal their magic when lit from behind. Originally crafted in porcelain in the 1800s, this classic art form gets a high-tech twist in 2025 with 3D printing. Old-school meets new-school!
MAINE STUDENT FILM + VIDEO FESTIVAL
Saturday, July 19, 12pm | Free
The Maine Student Film + Video Festival returns to the Maine International Film Festival! Support the next generation of visual storytellers as films from Maine students in grades K–12 are presented on the big screen.
FIREFLIES
A family-friendly film series.
Matinee tickets: $9 adults, students, 65+, military | $8 children (12 + under) | Members: 15% off all tickets
WOLFWALKERS
August 16 + 17, 12pm | 2020 | 103 minutes | PG
In a time of magic and superstition, rebellious young apprentice Robyn Goodfellowe joins her father in Ireland to hunt the few remaining packs of wolves. Robyn’s life changes when she meets Mebh, a free-spirited Irish girl from a mysterious clan who are rumored to transform into wolves at night.
BABE
September 13 + 14, 12pm | 1995 | 91 minutes | G
A childhood classic, Babe follows a young piglet named Babe who is having trouble finding his place on Farmer Hoggett’s farm. After being adopted by a Border Collie named Fly, Babe discovers his natural talent for herding sheep. When the rest of the farm animals are reluctant to accept him, Babe must choose whether to fit in or to follow his passion and disrupt the farm’s social order.
STAFF PICKS
Weeklong runs of films that deserve to be experienced on the big screen, selected by Waterville Creates staff. Tickets: adults: $12 evenings, $9 matinees | students, 65+, military: $10 evenings, $9 matinees | children (12 + under): $8 all times | Members: 15% off all tickets
O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
Opening August 8 | 2000 | 106 minutes | PG-13
In 1930s Mississippi, three convicts escape from their chain gang after one of them claims to know the location of buried treasure that is soon to be lost forever. With the clock ticking and the law hot on their heels, the trio make their way across the Deep South towards a massive fortune, encountering a host of colorful characters along the way.
MAMMA MIA!
Opening August 22 | 2008 | 108 minutes | PG-13
Donna, a single mother and owner of a small hotel in the Greek islands, is preparing to host her daughter Sophie’s wedding. What Donna doesn’t know is that Sophie secretly invited three of Donna’s ex-boyfriends to the wedding, hoping to discover which of them is her father. Pandemonium quickly ensues in this jukebox musical comedy featuring ABBA’s greatest hits!
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Theatrical productions presented on-screen at the Maine Film Center.
Tickets: $16 adults | $14.50 students, 65+, military | $13.50 children (12 + under) | Members: 15% off all tickets
INTER ALIA
Saturday, September 27, 12pm
Oscar-nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) reprises her role as Jessica Parks, a smart Crown Court Judge, a karaoke fiend, a loving wife, and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright?
ENJOY THE SHOW
Whether you are 35 or 75 our mission is the same... Grow and protect your family's treasure for your "Golden Age"
The Golden Age is before us, not behind us ... William Shakespeare
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM childrensdiscoverymuseum.org
MOBILE MUSEUM AT FARMERS’ MARKETS
Downtown Waterville Market: June 12 + 16, July 10 + 24, August 7 + 21
Mill Park Market in Augusta: June 3 + 17, July 1 + 15, July 29, August 12 + 26
Come play! The Mobile Museum consists of a series of mini interactive exhibits that inspire hands-on exploration and play and bring the Children’s Discovery Museum experience out into the community. Good for ages 2–10. Free!
ELM CITY MUSIC SCHOOL elmcitymusic.org
SUMMER CAMPS:
August 4–8: Rock Band Camp with Random Ideas punk rock band
August 11–15: Chamber Music Camp and Music Makers Camp
Fall semester opens September 1. Registration for fall lessons and classes opens on August 4. All ages welcome. See elmcitymusic.org for class information and registration.
COLBY ARTS arts.colby.edu
AUGUST FIRST FRIDAY:
LISA/LIZA, YOURS ARE THE ONLY EARS, AND THE SPOOKFISH August 1, 6pm; Greene Block + Studios; Free Enjoy a night of indie music by three local singer-songwriters.
SEPTEMBER FIRST FRIDAY:
GREENE BLOCK + STUDIOS OPEN HOUSE
September 1, 3pm–7pm; Greene Block + Studios; Free Kick off the 2025/2026 academic year at the Greene Block + Studios Open House. Enjoy arts and crafts, treats, and live music! Plus, enjoy a sneak preview of Colby Arts’ upcoming programming!
DEVELOPING YOUR ARTISTIC PRACTICE
Wednesdays, September 24–December 3, 3–5pm Greene Block + Studios; Free
Develop a personal, lifelong art-making practice working alongside Maine-based artists! This weekly art class is open to all artists of any skill level, and is offered in partnership with Maine Adult Ed.
MIFF28 MIFF28
Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS
Waterville Creates
MIFF28
Dark the Night and Bright the Stars opens 11AM, TGS
The High Kings 7:30PM, WOH
MIFF Screenprinting 11AM, TGS MIFF28 MIFF28
Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS
Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS
Art in the Park: Assemblage Art 3PM, WC
Little River Band 7:30PM, WOH Bluebird Improv 7:30PM, WOH
Art in the Park: Indigo Bandanas 3PM, WC 05 10 09 12 11 07 06 08 17 16 19 18 14 13 15 24 23 26 25 21 20 22 31 28 27 29
Postmodern Jukebox 8PM, WOH
Art in the Park: Animal SelfPortraits 3PM, WC
Waterville Rocks: Adam Ezra Group with Bella Ann 6PM, WOH
Art Rocks: Make Your Own Instruments 6PM, WC MIFF28 MIFF28
Art in the Park: Lazy Susan Animation 3PM, WC MIFF28 MIFF28
Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS
Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS
Waterville Rocks: End of the Line 6PM, WOH
Art in the Park: Weaving with Nature 3PM, WC
Maine Student Film + Video Festival 12PM, MFC MIFF28
Art Rocks: Stamped Leather Bracelets 6PM, WC Community Day 10AM, Colby Museum
Trampled By Turtles with Breakin’ Strings 7:30PM, WOH
