Arts Dispatch 2023 Issue 4

A quarterly guide to the arts in Waterville.

from us

At Waterville Creates, community is at the core of everything we do. We believe that all people should have access to outstanding arts opportunities and that shared experiences in the arts build stronger, happier, and healthier communities. In order to truly fulfill our mission of arts experiences for all, we need your help!

Be a bridge. We know that there are many people who have not yet stepped through the door of the new art center. Help us spread the word that the arts are for everyone and all are welcome. Next time you head to Schupf Arts, tell a neighbor, bring a friend, post on social media.

Make a donation. Ticket sales and registration fees make up less than 50% of our budget, which means we rely on contributions to keep our programming accessible. There are many ways to give, from one-time gifts to recurring monthly donations to gifts of stock. Every gift makes a difference.

Become a member. Our members provide a crucial base of direct support for our programming and enjoy special year-round benefits, including advance ticket sales and discounts. Every membership we receive is a vote of support for our mission.

Volunteer. We simply could not offer the level of programming you see in this publication without the support of dozens of wonderful volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to be involved, and we offer some pretty terrific benefits. Learn more on the volunteer page of our website.

Support + promote the Youth Arts Access Fund (YAAF). YAAF provides free access to youth ages 18 and under to any program that we offer. It has been used over 1,500 times since its launch in March 2022 and has provided over $60,000 in free arts programming. Help spread the word about this program and, if you are able, consider making a gift. Your donation will have a huge impact.

If you have questions about how you can be more involved in our efforts to build a thriving, connected, and equitable community, please reach out to any of us. We are so grateful for your support.

Shannon Haines President + CEO

Patricia King Vice President

Mike Perreault Maine Film Center Executive Director

Michelle Sweet Waterville Opera House Executive Director

BECOME A MEMBER

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 are offered at all levels.

Every membership directly supports our film, visual, and performing arts and education programs and helps to build a community where all people can enjoy transformative experiences in the arts.

For more information, visit watervillecreates.org/membership or inquire at the Ed Harris Box Office.

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

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 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.

VALUES COMMUNITY

We are building a thriving, connected, and equitable community through shared experiences in the arts. By presenting arts programming by, with, and for our community, we promote growth and well-being.

CREATIVITY

We recognize the vital role creative expression plays in a fulfilled life and a vibrant community, nurture individual artistic endeavors at all levels, and encourage all creative outlets.

COLLABORATION

We connect and work with creatives, arts and cultural organizations, and other strategic partners to energize and enrich our community through the arts.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION

We support, encourage, and honor diverse stories and perspectives. We provide relevant, accessible programming while making space for community conversations that deepen understanding and foster discourse around critical issues of our time.

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. Lear

COMMUNITY-CENTERED ARTS PROGRAMMING

The following events are funded by Waterville Creates through a competitive call for proposals designed to offer community-centered arts programming at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center. Visit watervillecreates.org for more information on the eight projects selected to receive funding.

WATERVILLE MOVES

Saturdays through May 2024 (check website for dates); Free Parent + child (AGES 4 + UNDER), 9:30–10:15am; All ages (5 TO 105!), 10:30–11:30am

Waterville Moves is a bi-weekly, drop-in community movement class with Matthew Cumbie + Jenny Ngidi-Brown designed for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

KENNEBEC VALLEY CHORDSMEN WORKSHOP + PERFORMANCE

Performance: Friday, October 6, 6pm; Free Kennebec Valley Chordsmen invite youth, parents, and grandparents, to learn barbershop harmony in a workshop-style environment, culminating with a live performance as part of October First Friday.

TOGETHER LAUNCH

Friday, October 20, 4:30–6:30 pm; Free; Registration opens September 29

Waterville Creates is excited to host the official launch of Together, a project presented by Studio B and organized by artist Peter Bruun. Together is designed to enable residents to share positive community experiences through art and story, to highlight existing community-building initiatives, and to strengthen connections among all those invested in a healthy, whole, diverse Waterville. Visit bruunstudios.com/together to register and for details.

WRITING WATERVILLE WORKSHOPS

Join Central Maine Writers for a series of writing workshops spanning genres and forms. Each session will be led by a different writer and all participants will be invited to submit their work for publication in a chapbook. The series will culminate in a public reading and chapbook launch party in spring 2024.

STARTING WITH PLACE WITH ANDREA LANI (AGES 16+)

Wednesday, October 18, 6–7:30pm; Free; Ticonic Classroom

HISTORY POETRY WITH TYLER FRENCH (AGES 16+)

Tuesday, December 12, 6–7:30pm; Free; Ticonic Classroom

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and realized in partnership with the Colby College Museum of Art and its Lunder Institute for American Art.

FIRST FRIDAY

October 6, November 3, December 1; Free Various times + locations

First Fridays celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville through a wide array of arts experiences. On the first Friday of each month, 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.

FALL NATURE WALK

Saturday, October 7, 10am–12pm; $10 Quarry Road, Waterville

Join Maine Master Naturalists Harry Vayo and Serena Sanborn on a walk at Quarry Road to explore the ways nature gets ready for winter. Explore ferns, leaf change, and thoughts on migration as we get inspired by art and nature. Free mini sketchbooks for all participants.

6TH ANNUAL JOY TO THE VILLE

Saturday, December 2, 10am–5pm; Free Various locations

Join Waterville Creates, the Colby College Museum of Art, the Waterville Public Library, and the Children’s Discovery Museum as we celebrate the magic of the winter season with art activities, luminaries, and more.

MACY GRAY + THE CALIFORNIA JET CLUB

Saturday, October 7, 8pm; Tickets: $43–$53

Forever full of ear tugging, eye popping surprises, ever eclectic singer, songwriter, and actress Macy Gray is in top form with an inspired new 11-song Moonslice Records album, The Reset, and within a fresh new presentation fronting her own band, The California Jet Club.

WHITNEY CUMMINGS

Sunday, October 8, 8pm; Tickets: $43–$53

Whitney Cummings is a comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, entrepreneur, and host of the hit podcast, Good for You. Best known for creating and starring in the NBC series, Whitney, Whitney is also the co-creator and co-writer of the syndicated Emmy-nominated CBS comedy series, 2 Broke Girls.

LYLE LOVETT AND JOHN HIATT TOGETHER ON STAGE

Monday, October 16, 8pm; Tickets: $98–$108

Two legends, one stage. A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. A master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt delivers songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships, and surrendering on his own terms.

AN EVENING WITH TIM SAMPLE

Wednesday, October 25, 7:30pm

Tickets: $20, Free to members (all proceeds to benefit the Youth Arts Access Fund)

Tim Sample is a Maine native whose unique New England style of humor has gained him a national following. When introducing Tim on ABC’s Good Morning America, Charles Gibson referred to him as “the man who wrote the book— literally—on Maine humor!”

ELF THE MUSICAL

November 17, 18, 24, 25, 7:30pm + November 19, 25, 26, 2pm

Tickets: $27–$29

“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fishout-of-water comedy is sure to delight the entire family. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

Saturday, December 2, 7:30pm; Tickets: $43–$53

Over 18 musicians and singers bring the unforgettable Glenn Miller sound and perform the legendary songs that everyone remembers. This is a show not to miss for jazz and swing fans alike or the incurable romantics who want to step back in time.

THE NUTCRACKER

December 8 + 9, 7pm + December 9 + 10, 2pm; Tickets: $28–$33

Let the holidays begin by joining the mysterious journey of Marie to the Land of Magic. Toy soldiers, dancing mice, Sugar Plum, and her flower escorts are brought to life by the magic of Uncle Drosselmeyer. This classical ballet—set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score—continues to delight audiences year after year.

SCHOOL SHOW

HENRY IV, PART 1

Wednesday, October 11, 9:30am; Tickets: $4

Open to schools + home school groups; FMI: contact the Ed Harris Box Office at 207-873-7000

William Shakespeare’s classic play tells the story of Prince Hal (the future King Henry V of England), a 15th century wild child who carouses with criminals and commoners and spends all his time in seedy bars. He then experiences a glorious “reformation” and transforms into a noble leader.

FIREFLIES

A family-friendly film series! Tickets: $9 adults | $8 children (12 + under)

CASPER

Sunday, October 15, 2pm | 96 minutes | PG

Set at a haunted mansion in Maine, this film is a delightful achievement in animation and video effects from 1995. When a supernatural specialist and his teenage daughter, Kat, arrive, Casper, a kind young ghost, develops a friendship with Kat despite their different material constitutions.

A CAT IN PARIS

Thursday, December 28, 2pm | 70 minutes | PG

Dino the cat is a snuggly companion to little girl Zoé by day and an accomplice to a nimble Parisian thief by night. Zoé, unable to speak since her father was killed by the city’s crime boss Victor Costa, finds herself in a nighttime adventure to foil Costa’s next evil plan. Dubbed in English.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE

Theatrical productions presented onscreen at MFC.

Tickets: $16 adults | $14.50 seniors, students, military | $13.50 children (12 and under)

THE SEAGULL

Saturday, October 7, 12pm | 180 minutes | R

An ensemble cast including Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) brings this adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s classic play to stage, filmed in London’s West End. In an isolated home in the countryside, four people turn on each other as dreams lie in tatters, hopes are dashed, and hearts broken.

HAMLET

Saturday, November 11, 12pm | 210 minutes | PG-13

Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, Doctor Strange) plays the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart.

MET OPERA ENCORE

Tickets: $19 adults | $17 seniors, students, military | $16 children (12 + under)

DEAD MAN WALKING

(JAKE HEGGIE, LIBRETTO BY TERRENCE MCNALLY)

Saturday, November 4, 12:55pm | 195 minutes | NR

Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her fight for the soul of a condemned murderer, Dead Man Walking matches the high drama of its subject with Heggie’s beautiful and poignant music and a brilliant libretto by Tony and Emmy Award-winner Terrence McNally.

X: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X

(ANTHONY DAVIS, LIBRETTO BY THULANI DAVIS)

Saturday, December 2, 12:55pm | 222 minutes | NR

Theater luminary and Tony-nominated director Robert O’Hara oversees a potent new staging that imagines Malcolm as an everyman whose story transcends time and space. Kazem Abdullah conducts the newly revised, jazz-inflected score, and Baritone Will Liverman plays the iconic Civil Rights leader.

FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS (DANIEL CATÁN)

Saturday, December 30, 12:55pm | 155 minutes | NR

Inspired by the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s 1996 opera tells the enchanting story of a Brazilian opera diva who returns to her homeland to perform at the legendary opera house of Manaus—and to search for her lost lover, who has vanished into the jungle. In Spanish with English subtitles.

ONE SHOW ONLY!

OUR BODY

Sunday, October 8, 12pm | 173 minutes | NR

“An intimate, moving, intelligent doc about the frontlines of women’s healthcare.”—Jessica Kiang, Variety. In one of the most talked about films from this year’s Berlinale, veteran documentarian Claire Simon observes the everyday operations of the gynecological ward in a public hospital in Paris. In French with English subtitles.

HOLY SPIDER

Thursday, October 12, 7pm | 118 minutes | NR | Free

A journalist descends into the dark underbelly of the Iranian holy city of Mashhad as she investigates the serial killings of sex workers by the so called “Spider Killer,” who believes he is cleansing the streets of sinners. In Persian with English subtitles. Sponsored by the Oak Institute for Human Rights

FRIDAY THE 13TH

Friday, October 13, 7pm | 95 minutes | R

A group of camp counselors trying to reopen a summer camp called Crystal Lake, which has a grim past, are stalked by a mysterious killer.

PARIS IS BURNING

Monday, October 16, 7pm | 71 minutes | R | Free

A stunning documentary that chronicles the New York drag scene in the 1980s. Post-film discussion with Aquarius Funkk, a Maine-raised performance artist who has been active in the drag/ballroom scene in Maine, across the country, and abroad.

Part of the Frame by Frame film series, a collaboration between MFC and the Colby Museum of Art

MAINE’S HOME MOVIES

Saturday, October 21, 12pm | 57 minutes | NR | Free

A century of Maine life filmed by Maine people, telling stories of places, livelihoods, and family loved in times gone by. In conversation with Maine-based filmmaker Siân Evans.

Unless otherwise noted, regular ticket prices apply adults: $12 evenings | $9 matinees seniors, students, military: $10 evenings | $9 matinees children (12 and under): $8 at all times members: 15% off all tickets

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Sunday, October 29, 12pm | 106 minutes | PG

Mel Brooks’ comedy is as scary as ever. Gene Wilder stars as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, a young neurosurgeon and the grandson of the infamous scientist. He’s traveling to Transylvania to inspect his newly-inherited estate, where he discovers his grandfather’s experiments.

DRAG ME TO HELL

Monday, October 30, 7pm | 99 minutes | PG-13

Christine Brown has a good job, a great boyfriend, and a bright future. But after denying a mortgage extension to an old woman, things start taking a turn for the worse—she’s been cursed and in three days, she’s going to Hell.

CARA ROMERO: FOLLOWING THE LIGHT

Saturday, November 4, 7pm | 27 minutes | NR | Free

Contemporary fine art photographer Cara Romero, an enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, blends fine art and editorial photography to represent Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural memory, collective history, and lived experiences from a Native American female perspective.

Sponsored by the Lunder Institute for American Art

THE GRINCH

Saturday, December 2, 12pm | 85 minutes | PG | Free

A special screening as part of our Joy to the Ville festivities! From the production company of Despicable Me, the 2018 animated version of the classic holiday story will grow your heart by a couple sizes. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the titular Grinch, who schemes to ruin Christmas for Whoville.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Sunday, December 24, 7pm | 179 minutes | G | Free to members

The musical classic returns to Waterville. Set in 20th-century Russia, a poor milkman, determined to find good husbands for his five daughters, consults the traditional matchmaker—and also has a word with God.

IN THE CLAY STUDIO

BEGINNING CLAY: HAND-BUILDING (AGES 16+)

Thursdays, September 28–November 2, 5:30–7pm; $175

Join instructor Pam Wilcox for a six-week introduction to handbuilding, including sculptural projects such as fairies, gnomes, garden decorations, slab-built mugs, and much more. Students will learn how to make connections by scoring and slipping the clay and will have the opportunity to explore the tools and equipment in the clay studio. Tools, materials, 25-pound bag of clay, glazes, firings, and studio access are included with class registration.

LITTLE CLAY ARTISTS: HALLOWEEN HOUSES (AGES 3-7 WITH AN ADULT)

Saturday, October 21, 10am–12pm

$35 per family (one adult + one child), $10 each additional child

Create and decorate a whimsical Halloween house! All materials included. Houses will be ready to pick up before Halloween.

INTERMEDIATE CLAY: WHEEL-THROWING (AGES 16+)

Wednesdays, October 25–November 29, 5–6:30pm; $175

Join artist and Ticonic clay studio member Amy Bley for this fun six-week course exploring intermediate clay techniques on the wheel, including large forms, altered forms, and other objects. Learn skills and techniques to build a solid foundation of clay basics. This is a perfect class for someone who has taken a beginning clay class and wants to increase their knowledge. Tools, materials, 25-pound bag of clay, glazes, firings, and studio access are included with class registration.

VISITING ARTIST SERIES: CERAMIC JEWELRY (AGES 13+)

Saturday, November 18, 10am–2pm; $130

Join ceramic artist Martha Grover for a delightful beginner level workshop to create unique ceramic jewelry with hand-made elements. Students will make a variety of earrings, pendants, brooches, and beads. Beginners will be given individual attention while those with more experience can work at their desired pace. Bring a bag lunch. All materials are included. Pieces will be available to pick up within two weeks.

BEGINNING CLAY: INTRODUCTION TO WHEEL-THROWING (AGES 16+)

Thursdays, December 7, 2023–January 11, 2024

5:30–7pm; $175

Instructor Wendy Burton leads this 6-week class exploring the fundamentals of wheel-throwing. Learn clay basics including centering, shaping, trimming, handle making, and glazing in a fun and supportive environment. Tools, materials, 25-pound bag of clay, glazes, firings, and studio access are included with class registration.

TEEN CLAY CLUB (AGES 13-16)

$60 for two-part session

Students will learn wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, surface design, and more. Each artist will be encouraged to find their own unique approach in a supportive environment. Healthy snacks provided. Tools, glaze, firings, and all other materials included.

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

CLAY MEMBERSHIPS

Tuesdays, October 10 + 24, 3–5pm

Tuesdays, November 7 + 21, 3–5pm

Tuesdays, December 5 + 19, 3–5pm

Clay studio memberships are available for ceramic artists who can work without supervision. Membership includes access to the studio, tools, glazes, use of pottery wheels, and kiln firings. The studio is equipped with 3 kilns, 8 wheels, a slab roller, and a full complement of materials and glazes.

All clay used in the Ticonic 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.

Membership Fee: $130/month; $350/3 months ($40 discount)

25-pound bag of clay: $30

To learn more, contact:

Yvonne Brown, Clay Studio Coordinator, ybrown@watervillecreates.org

IN THE CLASSROOM

AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB (AGES 8-12)

Thursdays, October 12–December 7 (no class November 23) 3–5pm; $15 per session

Kids ages 8-12 dive deeper into art in these exciting and engaging after school art sessions. Young makers and creators will learn more about clay, 3D printing, and more! (WC follows Waterville Public School weather cancellation policy.)

3D PRINTING: EXPRESSIVE SELF PORTRAITS (AGES 16+)

Tuesdays, October 10, 17, 24, November 7, 5:30–7pm; $130

Combine art, 3D printing, and the psychology of identity to express your personal ideas, style, and uniqueness in an expressive self-portrait. Co-taught by Stephen LaRochelle and Mark Kavanaugh of the Kennebec Valley Community College.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

COMMUNITY DRAW (AGES 16+)

Wednesdays, October 11, November 8, December 13 6–8pm; $10 per session; October 11 is free to members!

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 at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center. Costumes provided courtesy of the Waterville Opera House.

SLICE: STUDENTS LEARNING INNOVATIVE + CREATIVE ENDEAVORS (AGES 13-18)

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 + November 8, 15, 3–5pm; Free Offered in partnership with arts professionals throughout the region, this program showcases career opportunities in the creative arts for young adults. Each afternoon will be packed with information, inspiration, and pizza! Collaborators: Waterville Public Library, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville Opera House, Greene Block + Studios, Maine Film Center, and Ticonic Gallery + Studios.

EXHIBITIONS

8TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR

November 15–December 24, 11am–7pm; Closed Tuesdays

Ticonic Gallery

This holiday season, Ticonic Gallery is transformed into a vibrant and festive marketplace filled with unique and distinctive gifts created by talented artists + makers. Featuring handcrafted items from dozens of Maine artisans, the Holiday Bazaar is the perfect place to find a special gift for anyone on your shopping list.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR MEMBER PREVIEW NIGHT

November 14, 5–7pm

Waterville Creates members are invited to shop early at this special preview event. Light refreshments will be served.

THE EPHEMERA PROJECT

June 20, 2023–January 31, 2024

Paul J. Schupf Art Center

Tanja Hollander’s The Ephemera Project is a crowd-sourced archive of personal objects and stories based in memory, self-reflection, and vulnerability. It is the broken watches of deceased family members, baby teeth, moments in history, mementos from a vacation or a subway ride—all simple reminders of people we love and homages to lived experiences. At its heart, this project encourages and celebrates making space to value and listen to each other.

RYAN KOHLER – NEW WORK

July 21–December 31

Maine Film Center Lobby

These four studies by Ryan Kohler launch a new series that explores the complexities of the human spirit. Richly decorated surfaces, littered with a wide range of objects, including coins, keys, pencils, paintbrushes, broken wood, papers, text, extend beyond the practical confines of the canvas, while simultaneously creating different levels of pictorial space for the viewer. Ryan Kohler is a Maine-based painter who resides in Skowhegan, Maine with his wife, Australian Shepherds, studio cats, and a handful of chickens.

Image: Ryan Kohler, Myriads, 2023, Mixed media on canvas, 36” x 36”

It’s not a spotlight. It’s a window to another world.

Making art centers us. It calms us. It helps us to see the beauty in our world. It helps us to find the beauty in ourselves. It’s why we believe art should be experienced by everyone.

watervillecreates.org

207-872-7650

143 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901 www.cbplourde.com

Each office is independently owned & operated.

WATERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

HOME SCHOOL HUB

Thursdays, October 5–December 21, 1–2pm; Free Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street

Join us for a time of creativity and collaboration for children and their educators. Meet at the library every Thursday for games, crafts, speakers, and more! There will be a new activity every week in the Children’s Department for attendees in 1st–6th grade.

FAMILY STORYTIME

October 14, November 18, December 9, 1:30–2:15pm; Free Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street

Children’s Author Jeanine Deas will join us for a celebration of childhood and community! There will be music, stories, a craft, and books available for purchase. All ages are welcome.

NOSH & KNOCK OFF: MURDER AT THE EPILOGUE CLUB (AGES 21+)

Saturday, October 28, 6:30pm

Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street

Join us for the 5th annual Nosh & Knock Off, an interactive mystery event at the Waterville Public Library. This is a one-time very special evening intertwining original theater script and production by Emilienne Ouellette with culinary delights and libations. Proceeds benefit the Library. FMI watervillelibrary.org

COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

BILL MORRISON: CYCLES AND LOOPS

August 18–December 31, 2023; Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art

One of the most accomplished experimental filmmakers working today, Bill Morrison finds and redeploys lesser-known and forgotten moments from film history. He is deeply interested in celluloid as a physical, fragile material; the 35mm nitrate film he finds in archives and transfers to video is notorious for its extreme flammability, and tendency to decay. Morrison’s work thus operates between documentary and preservation. Given the predisposition to entropy of his physical sources, the films are a demonstration of faith in what is otherwise feared, and certainly doomed to perish.

LET FREEDOM READ—AN ALL-AGES STORYTIME IN COME

CLOSER: SELECTIONS FROM THE COLLECTION, 1978-1994

Sunday, October 1, 2pm

Colby College Museum of Art, 5600 Mayflower Hill

Join us for an all ages storytime marking the first day of the American Library Association’s Let Freedom Read: Banned Books Week, October 1–7, 2023.

partner events

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

JASON TARDY: HIGH ENERGY JUGGLING! (AGES 2+)

Saturday, November 18, 3-4pm; $10 per person

Children’s Discovery Museum, 7 Eustis Parkway

The Stage at CDM performance series is back for another season! Kicking off the amazing shows will be Jason Tardy demonstrating his amazing juggling skills: bowling ball juggling, ladder balancing, contortion, and much more.

KRINGLEVILLE

Saturdays + Sundays, November 26—December 17, 1-4pm; Free Castonguay Square

The beloved holiday tradition returns to Downtown Waterville! Come visit Santa in his Kringleville Cabin.

GREENE BLOCK + STUDIOS

FIRST FRIDAYS

Join us for these special First Friday events as we celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville. Brazilian Experience with Capoeira Massape: Friday, October 6, 6pm; Free. Immerse yourself in the Brazilian Experience! Featuring live music, performance, and locally made Brazilian cuisine.

Songs From Here Concert: Friday, November 3, 7pm; Free Songs From Here is a new initiative intended to connect poets, composers, and performers in the beautiful state of Maine, to promote local talent and foster a greater sense of community across creative disciplines.

Jazz Concert: Friday, December 1, 5-7pm; Free. Drop by Greene Block + Studios for a free jazz concert featuring the hottest combos on the east coast.

ELM CITY SMALL PRESS FEST

Saturday, November 18, 11am–5pm

Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street

Elm City Small Press Fest is a community event that focuses on independent publishing in the Maine region. This event highlights contemporary print and publishing culture while activating conversations around creative labor and commerce as viable artistic practices. The goal of the Fest is to inform attendees of contemporary creative publishing while stimulating and promoting creative economies in the area. The Fest is organized by the Center for Book + Print, a collaborative initiative of Colby Libraries and the Arts Office.

ENJOY THE SHOW

Whether you are 55 or 85 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

staff spotlight

MICHELLE SWEET EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WATERVILLE OPERA HOUSE

What does a “typical” day for you look like?

One of the things that I love about my job is there is no such thing as a “typical” day. I spend a substantial amount of time managing the mountain of administrative tasks required to keep the WOH ship moving forward and sailing in the right direction. When I’m not doing that, I’m sitting in on rehearsal for an upcoming theatrical production, welcoming patrons, selling concessions at our events, seeking sponsors, or any one of a hundred other things.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy knowing that even when working on the most difficult or mundane of tasks I’m part of the team ensuring that the performing arts are alive and well in our community, making Waterville a fantastic place to live, work, and play.

Do you have a favorite work memory or story?

There are far too many to choose just one, so here are a few: Every time our community theatre family of actors receives a standing ovation; witnessing our youngest patrons excitedly entering the Opera House for their first theater experience at a School Show presentation; receiving kudos from visiting musicians/comedians raving about our amazing venue and fantastic audiences; the list goes on and on.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

As cliché as it sounds, any time I spend with my granddaughter = happiness; also, family and friends enjoying delicious food and conversation around a fire. Lucky for me, I get to experience both regularly.

What is your favorite vacation/travel spot in Maine?

My all-time favorite place in Maine is Monhegan Island. There’s something magical about the journey to get there, the homes, and the people who live and create there.

Can you recommend a play, musical, or other art related experience to our readers?

The Waterville Opera House’s 2024 theatrical season!

Caring. Commitment. Community.

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.

craft corner

Creating art from fall leaves is a great way to explore the wonders of autumn. Fall leaf colors are difficult to preserve, so seize the moment and get outside to enjoy the beauty of the season!

Fun fact: Leaf color change is an active process that occurs as the trees pull chlorophyll back into the trunk for storage. Once the green chlorophyll is absorbed by the trees, the other colors are revealed. Chlorophyll is a valuable food that trees make using sunlight!

CREATE A FALL LEAF CROWN

MATERIALS

FALL LEAVES OF ALL COLORS AND VARIETIES

A BROWN PAPER BAG OR A CARDSTOCK TYPE PAPER

SCISSORS

TAPE OR GLUE STICK

DIRECTIONS

1 Gather leaves in different colors and shapes. Try to find different leaf varieties and sizes for your crown. You may want to remove the leaf stems.

2 Cut the paper bag into three strips to fit the size of your head. Tape the strips together into a circular band and make sure that it fits!

3 Glue or tape the leaves onto your band in a pleasing pattern. You may want to add an extra flourish on the front by using bigger and taller leaves.

4 Wear your crown and enjoy!

Side note: You can also make fall leaf wristbands!

Greene Block + Studios is a center for innovation in the arts, providing a home for vibrant arts programming and creative space for the development of original work in the heart of Waterville, Maine.