Arts Dispatch Issue 11

JUL – SEP 2025

A quarterly guide to the arts in Waterville.

Colby Campus

Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World Is a Mystery Gertrude Abercrombie, Tree, Table, and Cat, 1937. Oil on canvas. 40 × 30 in. Private Collection, Illinois. Photo: Michael Tropea

Paul J. Schupf Art Center

Love Your Langlais: A Community Curates Bernard Langlais, Lion’s Head, c. 1970. Stained and painted wood, painted wire. 16 1/8 × 14 1/4 × 3 in. Gift of Patricia Davidson Reef

Join us on campus for

Free and open to all

museum.colby.edu

Community Day Sat. July 26

from us Summer in Waterville and Central Maine is always an extraordinary experience. As we kick off the Maine International Film Festival’s 28th year, I’d be remiss not to welcome you to this celebration of cinema, which remains a cornerstone of Maine’s cultural calendar—an immersive 10-day celebration of nearly 100 films from around the world and right here at home. Whether you’re a longtime festivalgoer or joining us for the first time, we invite you to explore bold new voices in independent cinema, revisit classics on the big screen, and engage directly with some of the most exciting and innovative filmmakers working today.

This summer, just steps from the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, Levine’s Park will become home to the Wild Maybes, an outdoor sculpture exhibition inspired by ancient (and future) animals that will stir imaginations and connect us deep in time. At Ticonic Gallery, we’ll present Dark the Night and Bright the Stars, a stunning exhibition of visual art, textiles, and sculpture exploring ancestral roots and intergenerational memory. And on Friday nights—including opening night of MIFF—Waterville Rocks will transform Head of Falls into a family-friendly concert venue, with free live music, art-making activities, and performances by great bands, starting with Adam Ezra Group and Bella Ann. Wherever your Maine cultural experience takes you this summer—on screen, in the park, or throughout downtown—thank you for visiting our extraordinary community. Your presence helps sustain the arts in Waterville and supports our mission to bring people together year-round through arts experiences for all.

Mike Perreault Maine Film Center Executive Director

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

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Imagine the sustainabilities At Sappi, our packaging, graphics and specialty papers harness the power of trees to make every day more sustainable.

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what’s inside about us events exhibitions partner events calendar staff spotlight

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WATERVILLE CREATES MEMBERSHIPS

Waterville Creates members enjoy special benefits at the Maine Film Center, Waterville Opera House, and Ticonic Gallery + Studios. Member benefits range from discounted admissions and advance ticket purchasing opportunities to free popcorn and merchandise. A selection of gifts from our partners at the Waterville Public Library and the Colby College Museum of Art is offered at all levels.

CLAY STUDIO MEMBERSHIPS

Available for intermediate level ceramic artists. Membership includes access to the studio, tools, glazes, use of pottery wheels, and kiln firings. All clay used in The Art of Clay Studio must be purchased through Waterville Creates. Access to the studio is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Clay members must be at least 18 years old.

BECOME A MEMBER

This issue of Arts Dispatch is printed on paper donated by Sappi.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

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WE’RE A COMMUNITY BANK FOR EVERYONE. Whether you’re starting your first job or retiring from your last, we understand that every financial situation is different ... just like the people we serve.

Learn more at www.KennebecSavings.Bank

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.

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Taking great pride in our downtown.

Office Hours: 7:30am–4:30pm Mon–Fri

One Common Street Waterville, ME 04901

(207) 680-4200 waterville-me.gov

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.

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“ Such a beautiful, welcoming, peaceful space for our community.”

events 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.

AUGUST 1

Opening reception of Dark the Night and Bright the Stars at the Ticonic Gallery, Waterville Rocks, and Art Rocks at Head of Falls.

SEPTEMBER 5

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!

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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

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Summer Story Walk at Reed Field: Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit

by Chris Van Dusen

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We love local: Local music. Local performers.

Local theater. Local news.

Visit metln.org to learn about our network of independent local newspapers and our commitment to Maine.

events 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!

JULY 11 JULY 25 AUGUST 1 AUGUST 8

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.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

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.

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“ We love living in Waterville and the Waterville Opera House and Waterville Creates are a big part of that!”

ROTHER

FREE CONCERT SERIES • HEAD OF FALLS • WATERVILLE Beer garden, food truck, Art Rocks at 6pm /// Music begins at 7pm WATERVILLECREATES.ORG/operahouse/waterville-rocks

events 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.

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events 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.

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“ Having a supportive and welcoming space to explore my creativity is priceless!”

events 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.

WABANAKI STORIES Waterville Opera House SEPTEMBER 19 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.

SEPTEMBER 7

SEPTEMBER 8–21

SEPTEMBER 18

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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 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.

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events CLAY CLAY STUDIO MEMBERSHIP AT THE ART OF CLAY STUDIO Memberships are available on a limited PRICING basis for intermediate-level ceramic artists Membership Fee: $170/month, or over the age of 18. The Art of Clay Studio $480/three months (a $30 savings) features two kilns, eight wheels, a slab 25-pound bag of clay: $35 roller, two types of clay for purchase and a variety of glazes. 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.)

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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.

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events 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?

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partner events COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART museum.colby.edu LUNDER INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN ART SUMMER THINK TANK 2025: CENTERING PERFORMANCE ART IN AMERICAN ART Weekly on Thursdays, June 12–July 31*, 4pm; Greene Block + Studios Featuring public programs consisting of live performances, film screenings, workshops, and will explore the role of performance art in our understanding and stewardship of American art at large. *Some alternatives apply.

COMMUNITY DAY AT THE COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART Saturday, July 26, 12–4pm; Free, All Ages Families with younger children welcome from 11am–12pm Join the annual celebration! The museum brings together local arts and education organizations, businesses, community groups, and artists for a day of art making, games, exhibition tours, music, performances, and food.

AUGUST FIRST FRIDAY: LOVE YOUR LANGLAIS! Friday, August 1, 5–7pm Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery at the Paul J. Schupf Arts Center Join us for a celebration of Maine artist Bernard Langlais at our community-curated exhibition, Love Your Langlais! Enjoy music, food, refreshments, and art-making for all ages.

WATERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY watervillelibrary.org BOOK SALE! July 12–29 Need a new book to add to your summer reading, or to read between films at MIFF? Stop by the library and check out the summer Book Sale!

Featuring a wide selection of books, DVDs, music CDs, and more. There will be something for people of every age! All sales are by donation.

THREADS & TALES Every Tuesday, 5:30–6:30pm; Free Come down to the library to spin a yarn with fellow fiber artists!

Crochet, cross-stitch, sewing, quilting, embroidery—all crafts and all abilities are welcome. This is a relaxed and informal group; you do not have to attend every session. Just pop in whenever it works for you!

MAD SCIENCE OF MAINE: RAMP IT UP! ENERGY SHOW Saturday, August 9, 1–2pm; Free Hop on board the Mad Science express and get ready for a highspeed romp into energy and power! Reach your potential and become ecstatic as we make things fly, spin, and soar. Do you have the energy for the Mad Science Power Pedaler? Give it a try!

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

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partner events 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.

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Proudly Supporting the Arts in Central Maine!

Cheryl W. Flewelling, CFP® William C. Paradis, Financial Advisor

10 Water Street, Suite 113C Waterville, ME 04901 207-660-4506 www.4seasonsfinancial.com Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. CFP Board owns the CFP® certification marks in the US. Four Seasons Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

BOOKS~CARDS~GIFTS

150 Main Street Waterville, ME 207-707-2123

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MOTORS AUTO GROUP

Supporting the Arts in the Heart of our community since 1935

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Caring. Commitment. Community.

Proudly supporting the arts in Maine

In these times, we feel more than ever that there’s something special about being part of a great community.

At MaineGeneral, we believe our community deserves the best. That’s why we give you ours.

To learn more about our comprehensive quality services, call 1-866-4MGH-INFO or visit www.mainegeneral.org.

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HealthReach — affordable, high-quality healthcare for your family

HealthReach Community Health Centers is proud to support Waterville Creates!

Our Facebook:

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Interested in working at a mission-driven, values-oriented, community nonprofit?

See our Employment page for our listing of open positions!

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HEALTHR EACH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

MFC TGS

Maine Film Center Ticonic Gallery + Studios

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Little River Band 7:30PM, WOH

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23

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

30

SAT

04

05

10 Waterville Rocks: 11

12

Art in the Park: Assemblage Art 3PM, WC

Adam Ezra Group with Bella Ann 6PM, WOH

Art Rocks: Make Your Own Instruments 6PM, WC

Art in the Park: Animal SelfPortraits 3PM, WC

17

MIFF28

18

Art in the Park: Lazy Susan Animation 3PM, WC

MIFF Screenprinting 11AM, TGS

MIFF28

THU

jul

MIFF28

MIFF28

19

Maine Student Film + Video Festival 12PM, MFC

24

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

MIFF28

25

MIFF28

26

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

Art in the Park: Weaving with Nature 3PM, WC

31

Waterville Rocks: End of the Line 6PM, WOH

Community Day 10AM, Colby Museum

Art Rocks: Stamped Leather Bracelets 6PM, WC

Trampled By Turtles with Breakin’ Strings 7:30PM, WOH

Art in the Park: Indigo Bandanas 3PM, WC

Arts Dispatch | Jul–Sep 2025 33

aug 2025 SUN

MON

TUE

MFC TGS

Maine Film Center Ticonic Gallery + Studios

WED

WC Waterville Creates WOH Waterville Opera House

THU

FRI

FIRST FRIDAY

03

04

05

06

07

01

Dark the Night and Bright the Stars Reception 5pm TGS Waterville Rocks: Atlanta Rhythm Section 6PM, WOH Art Rocks: Handmade Fans 6PM, WC

08

Waterville Rocks: Mallett Brothers Band 6PM, WOH

10

17

Fireflies: Wolfwalkers (2020) 12PM, MFC

24

11

12

18

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

25

19

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

26

13

20

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

27

14

21

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

28

Art Rocks: Paper Bag Masks 6PM, WC

15

22

SAT

02

09

Theatre Camp Performance: Treasure Island 12PM, WOH

16

Fireflies: Wolfwalkers (2020) 12PM, MFC

23

Kids Clay Camp 9AM, TGS

29

30

31 Deathtrap 2PM, WOH

34 Arts Dispatch | Jul–Sep 2025

Deathtrap 7:30PM, WOH

Deathtrap 7:30PM, WOH

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

2025 SUN

MON

01

TUE

02

WED

03

THU

08

09

Death Wings Project: Mini Wing Making 1PM, TGS Deathtrap 2PM, WOH

14

Fireflies: Babe (1995) 12PM, MFC

21

Casey Abrams & Friends 7:30PM, WOH

28

15

Taste of Ireland 7:30PM, WOH

22

29

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

16

23

30

FRI

SAT

04 FIRST 05 FRIDAY

WATERVILLE CREATES CLOSED

07

sep 06

Wild Maybes Opening Reception 5PM, WC

10

Community Draw 6PM, TGS

17

24

11

18

Death Wings Performance + Story Share 1PM, TGS

25

Intermediate Clay: WheelThrowing Lidded Containers 1:30PM, TGS

Deathtrap 7:30PM, WOH

Deathtrap 7:30PM, WOH

Start Making Sense 8PM, WOH

Fireflies: Babe (1995) 12PM, MFC

12

19

13

20

Wabanaki Stories 7:30PM, WOH

26

27 National Theatre Live: Inter Alia 12PM, MFC

Matt Fraser 8PM, WOH

Shemekia Copeland 8PM, WOH

Arts Dispatch | Jul–Sep 2025 35

BOY LOCKSMITH SAFES • HOME • BUSINESS

Scratch Baking Daily Sweet & Savory Open 7am - 6pm Monday - Saturday 207-877-7899

Rolling to your door to meet all your security needs

Proud to be neighbors of the arts!

207 872 5862

Located directly across Main Street

Your family owned copy and print store since 1984!

Where Creativity Meets Quality Proudly supporting our community and the Arts for over 40 years!

Whether it’s a single copy or a full-scale project, we’ve got your back.

No job too small or big for us!

We are here to help your vision come to life!

Swing By or Give Us a Shout!

54 Main Street, Waterville • (207) 873-7947 www.maineprintingservices.com

©CapShore Photography

LIKE A LOCAL GUIDE IN YOUR POCKET The Explorer App will guide you around town or in the great outdoors to locations and experiences across Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

Embark on a self-guided tour of the region’s environmental art and sculpture, vintage and antique shops, and craft breweries. Dig into listings for scenic drives, roadside oddities, and historic sites.

GPS mapping and alerts will lead the way.

Learn more at VisitKennebecValley.com

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD

Waterville Creates 51 Main St., Waterville | 873-5101 | AllenIF.com

SCAN ME

We

General Contracting Construction Management Design-Build Engineering

Since 1947 WWW.SHERIDANCORP.COM

staff spotlight STEVIE WEBB

PATRON SERVICES ASSISTANT

Name, title, and when did you begin working at Waterville Creates? Stevie Webb. Patron Services Assistant. I began working at Waterville Creates in the summer of 2023.

What does a “typical” day look like for you? A typical day for me is waking up and making my wife a latte before breakfast. Then it’s a blur until I arrive at work. At work I start by checking the voicemails and emails. After that it’s a day of selling tickets in-person or on the phone. Some days, there’s a fun little project to do between serving the patrons.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I think I enjoy the connections I’ve made with members of the community the most. It feels very special that so many of the faces I see are now familiar.

How do you take your popcorn?

I take my popcorn with butter and nutritional yeast. Or, if it’s available, I put Mochi Crunch (also known as Arare Crackers) on it. I was born and raised in Hawaii and that’s the way folks like it down there.

Can you recommend an artistic experience our readers should try? If one is so inclined, I recommend auditioning for a play! The joys of theatre cannot be overstated.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

Arts Dispatch | Jul–Sep 2025 39

Where Originals Take Shape

Concerts, performances, readings, and workshops open to all

Learn more and get your free tickets at arts.colby.edu

Follow @colby.arts on social media to stay up to date

PAUL J. SCHUPF ART CENTER 93 Main Street, Waterville, Maine 04901 207.873.7000 watervillecreates.org