Arts Dispatch Issue 06

APR – JUN 2024

A quarterly guide to the arts in Waterville.

AT THE PAUL J. SCHUPF ART CENTER

THROUGH APRIL 22, 2024

2024 COLBY SENIOR EXHIBITION May 9–26, 2024

ALIVE & KICKING: FANTASTIC INSTALLATIONS

BY THOMAS LANIGAN-SCHMIDT, CATALINA SCHLIEBENER MUÑOZ, AND GLADYS NILSSON June 26–November 11, 2024

free and open to all Visit our website for a full schedule of exhibitions and events.

from us H

appy spring! During this season of hope and renewal, we are excited to celebrate diversity, community, joy, and love through shared experiences in the arts.

Here’s just a small sampling of the programming that we are delighted to share with you in the coming months: A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love in all its forms, Head Over Heels hits the Waterville Opera House stage April 26–May 5. Following the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction, this laugh-out-loud tale of love and acceptance is set to the music of the iconic 1980s allfemale rock band The Go-Go’s.

Together, a months-long project led by artist Peter Bruun, culminates in April with a series of panel discussions and exhibitions of community work developed through immersive workshops with local organizations, including the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, High Hopes Clubhouse, South End Teen Center, and the Waterville Comprehensive Treatment Center. These exhibitions and programs will highlight diverse aspects of community life in and around Waterville and underscore that when it comes to community, we all belong, and we are all in it together.

On June 7, Waterville Creates hosts an extra special First Friday, which will include the opening of At Play: Works by Tom Jessen in Ticonic Gallery and Light Sentinels, a spectacular public art installation in downtown Waterville, as well as the kick-off of our month-long celebration of Pride, which will include a special film series at the Maine Film Center, Creative Cart activities in the lobby, and more.

From film screenings and theatre productions to art exhibitions and special events, we are committed to honoring and celebrating diverse stories and to presenting programming by, with, and for our community. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Shannon Haines President + CEO

Patricia King Vice President

Mike Perreault Maine Film Center Executive Director

Michelle Sweet Waterville Opera House Executive Director

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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

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

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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 is 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.

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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.

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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.

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SLICE SLICE (Students Learning Innovative Creative Endeavors) is a series that explores cool career paths in the arts! This program encourages students ages 13–18 to explore Waterville’s unique, high-quality arts and cultural programs. Each afternoon will be packed with information, inspiration, and pizza.

SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKE-UP FOR STAGE + FILM Tuesday, April 2, 3–5pm; Paul J. Schupf Art Center How do we create make-up effects for the stage? Try this fun workshop to learn three make-up effects: bruises, burns, and cuts.

Join make-up artist Rilee Elliott to learn tricks of the trade and what it means to become a make-up artist!

INTRO TO THEATRICAL SOUND DESIGN Tuesday, April 9, 3–5pm Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts Join Kate Hunter to learn how to think like a sound designer for the stage! Come prepared with a song that describes you as a person. We’ll take turns listening to each other’s songs and learn how to describe music in conjunction with some light script analysis. Then, we’ll get up on our feet and design a short scene together. Kate has a B.A. in theatre from the University of Utah, where she studied sound design and stage management.

CONNECTING COMMUNITY WITH ART! Tuesday, April 23, 3–5pm; Paul J. Schupf Art Center Are you passionate about volunteering and creating art with a positive impact? Join renowned artist, writer, and cultural organizer Peter Bruun as he shares what it means to be a social engagement artist. Unleash your creativity by crafting a painting that narrates a positive community story close to your heart!

MINI FANTASY TERRARIUMS + FIGURES Thursday, May 2, 3–5pm; Waterville Public Library Celebrate spring by building a mini fantasy terrarium! Participants will make jar terrariums and paint fantasy miniatures to inhabit the spaces they create with instructor Raechel Moore, librarian generalist at the Maine State Library.

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events EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Sunday, April 21, 12–3pm; Free Paul J. Schupf Art Center Join the Maine Citizen Climate Lobby and artist Lucky Platt to create a painting about love for our home planet to celebrate Earth Day.

ARTS IN BLOOM Saturday, May 11, 11am–5pm; Free Paul J. Schupf Art Center Celebrate spring with free, all-day arts programming! This seasonal event is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family, enjoying nature walks, art-making, and more.

CREATE + SIP Tuesday, June 4, 10am–12pm; Free Paul J. Schupf Art Center In partnership with MaineGeneral, join us for a “create and sip” special! Start the morning by blending healthy ingredients to make a nourishing smoothie, then transition to the art of blending mixed materials in a fun and therapeutic collage activity.

ART IN THE PARK Thursdays, June 20–August 1, 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 to provide arts experiences for all.

Each Thursday participants at Art in the Park can listen as a book is read aloud and create artwork based on that book or on a community theme. Check our website for descriptions of each workshop! This program is free and open to all ages and levels of experience. In the event of rain or extreme heat, Art in the Park will be indoors at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center.

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COMMUNITY-CENTERED ARTS PROGRAMMING

These projects are 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.

TOGETHER

Together is a community arts project designed to enable Waterville residents to share positive community experiences through art and story.

TOGETHER: A CELEBRATION Friday, April 5, 5–7pm; Free; Paul J. Schupf Art Center Join us for the opening reception for three exhibitions of Together, a project using art and story to highlight positive community experiences. A scavenger hunt will be available at the box office to help guide you to the art works. Enjoy drinks and light refreshments!

MODEL PLACES + INSPIRING FACES Monday, April 15, 1–4pm; Free; Paul J. Schupf Art Center Join us for an afternoon of sharing, reflection, and inspiration using the art, stories, and partners behind the Together project.

Enjoy music, family activities, and a program on the well-being of Waterville’s South End. ARTS, SMARTS + HEARTS: ANIMATING MAIN STREET + BEYOND Friday, April 19, 3–6pm; Free; Paul J. Schupf Art Center What role do the arts play in making the Waterville area a great place to work, live, and play? Come together for a community conversation about Waterville’s arts community!

NICHES, NOOKS + NEEDS: CELEBRATING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL Saturday, April 27, 1–4pm; Free; Paul J. Schupf Art Center This culminating event opens with a reception including music from Elm City Community Music School and family activities from the Children’s Discovery Museum, followed by a program featuring collaborative dancemaker Matthew Cumbie and Together project partners from Educare Central Maine, Greene Block + Studios, High Hopes Clubhouse, Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education, South End Teen Center, Thomas College, Waterville Area Arts Society, Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, and the Waterville Comprehensive Treatment Center.

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events WATERVILLE MOVES FREE INTERGENERATIONAL DANCE CLASSES Saturdays, April 6 + 20, May 4 + 18; Free A bi-weekly series that invites you to move your body, share stories, and create connections through guided movements and dance. This class can be a great way to warm up and stretch your physicality, or an opportunity to connect to your community. Classes are free and open to all: no experience with dance needed.

Parent + Child, 9:30–10:15am With instructor Jenny Ngidi-Brown. This shorter 45-minute program is for parents with children younger than age five. This class is designed specifically for parents to move with their child.

All Ages (ages 5–105!), 10:30–11:30am With instructor Matthew Cumbie. This hour-long intergenerational dance class is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

FIRST FRIDAY April 5, May 3, and June 7, 5–7pm; Free First Fridays celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville through a wide array of arts experiences. 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.

April 5 Opening reception of Together, a project using art and story to highlight positive community experiences.

May 3 Check out Head Over Heels at the Waterville Opera House!

June 7 Opening reception for At Play: Works by Tom Jessen, a community Pride celebration, and the reception of Skunk Control’s public art installation.

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JUSTON MCKINNEY Saturday, April 6, 8pm Tickets: $31 Comedian Juston McKinney is a New Hampshire native and former Deputy Sheriff in rural Maine. He has been featured on Comedy Central, Showtime, and The Tonight Show with both Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien.

POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER Thursday, April 11, 7pm Tickets: $44–$54 A family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the talents of his furry costars.

There are more than 30 pets in the show; each one has been rescued from animal shelters and given a new leash on life!

They love to perform their skills and stunts onstage.

HEAD OVER HEELS April 26, 27, May 3, 4, 7:30pm + April 28, May 5, 2pm Tickets: $34–$36 This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980s all-female rock band the Go-Go’s. Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts. Presented by arrangement with Broadway Licensing, broadwaylicensing.com.

SCHOOL SHOW SCHOOL SHOW: THE FROG PRINCE Tuesday, May 7, 9:30am + 12pm; Tickets: $4 Open to schools + home school groups; FMI: contact the Ed Harris Box Office at 207.873.7000 When a spoiled princess drops her golden ball into a well, a noble frog retrieves it in exchange for her promise of friendship. The princess breaks her promise, and must face the music in this colorful, funny, faithful adaptation of the classic folk story first recorded by the Brothers Grimm.

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events AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH JOHN HIATT Tuesday, May 28, 8pm Tickets: $54–$64 Back by popular demand! A master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt delivers songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships, and surrendering on his own terms.

With support from Chris Ross.

KEB’ MO’ Wednesday, June 12, 8pm; Tickets: $61–$71 Back by popular demand! Grammy award-winning blues artist Keb’ Mo’ returns to the Opera House to highlight his latest album, Good To Be. The songs draw on country, soul, and blues to forge a sound that transcends genre and geography, weaving together past and present into a heartwarming tapestry spanning more than 40 years of sonic evolution.

AUDITIONS AUDITIONS: MISS HOLMES RETURNS Sunday, June 16, 4–6pm + Monday, June 17, 6–8pm Miss Holmes Returns is theatrical “fan fiction” that explores feminist themes using the characters, settings, and tropes created

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to investigate the added challenges and risks these iconic characters would have faced if they were women, while also examining the intersections of sexism, classism, and racism. For more information, please visit watervillecreates.org/ operahouse/get-involved.

TONY AWARDS CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 16, 7pm, Tickets: $15; Free for WC Members Join us for the most Broadway-filled night of the year! Come as you are or dress to impress for the 77th annual Tony Awards! Celebrate some of the most brilliant, show-stopping Broadway plays and musicals of the year. Red carpet reception and refreshments available prior to broadcast. Tickets are for the reception only. Admission to the awards broadcast is free.

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NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE

Theatrical productions presented onscreen at MFC Tickets: $16 adults | $14.50 seniors, students, military | $13.50 children (12 + under)

THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE Saturday, April 13, 12pm | 180 minutes Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play. 1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction.

But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel. Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

VANYA Saturday, May 18, 12pm | 110 minutes Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.

Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation, which explores the complexities of human emotions.

NYE Saturday, June 22, 12pm | 160 minutes Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state. From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the National Health Service, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence over the UK without ever being Prime Minister. Confronted with death, Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament, and fights with Churchill.

MAINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

events MET OPERA ENCORE

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

ROMÉO ET JULIETTE (GOUNOD) Saturday, April 6, 12:55pm | 215 minutes | NR Two singers at the height of their powers—radiant soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor sensation Benjamin Bernheim—come together as the star-crossed lovers in Gounod’s sumptuous Shakespeare adaptation, with Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct one of the repertoire’s most romantic scores. Bartlett Sher’s elegant staging also features baritone Will Liverman and tenor Frederick Ballentine as the archrivals Mercutio and Tybalt, mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey as the mischievous pageboy Stéphano, and bass-baritone Alfred Walker as Frère Laurent.

LA RONDINE (PUCCINI) Saturday, May 4, 12:55pm | 170 minutes | NR Puccini’s bittersweet love story returns to cinemas, with soprano Angel Blue starring as the French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelman as Ruggero, an idealistic young man who offers her an alternative to her life of excess. Maestro Speranza Scappucci conducts Nicolas Joël’s Art Deco-inspired staging, which transports audiences from the heart of Parisian nightlife to a dreamy vision of the French Riviera. Soprano Emily Pogorelc and tenor Bekhzod Davronov complete the sterling cast as Lisette and Prunier.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY (PUCCINI) Saturday, May 25, 12:55pm | 195 minutes | NR Extraordinary soprano Asmik Grigorian tackles the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the loyal geisha at the heart of Puccini’s devastating tragedy. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman stars as the callous American naval officer Pinkerton, whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong reprises the role of the steadfast maid Suzuki, and baritone Lucas Meachem is the American consul Sharpless. Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang takes the podium to conduct Anthony Minghella’s vivid production.

SAVE THE DATE

JULY 12–21, 2024 MIFF.ORG A Project of

Presenting Sponsors

ONE SHOW ONLY!

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

SCIENCE ON SCREEN®: THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL Sunday, April 7, 3pm | 2003 | 83 minutes | G | Free for Members The true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild green-and-red parrots, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill returns to carry you away in this beautiful new restoration. Mark Bittner, a “dharma bum” (a homeless street musician in San Francisco), falls in with the flock as he searches for meaning in his life, unaware that the wild parrots will bring him everything he needs. An initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

SCIENCE ON SCREEN®: ONE MAN DIES A MILLION TIMES Sunday, April 21, 3pm | 2019 | 97 minutes | NR | Free for Members In the midst of a brutal siege, two botanists—Alyssa and Maksim— work tirelessly to protect a seed bank and its invaluable contents: seeds of edible plants from around the globe that are essential to the development of modern agriculture. The pair defend the nation’s stockpile from swarms of hungry rodents, enemies of the state, their nation’s own starving population, and even each other. A documentary and a narrative thriller, One Man Dies a Million Times transposes real people and events from the past to a modern setting to address modern problems.

FIREFLIES: THE BIG BAD FOX AND OTHER TALES Thursday, April 18, 3pm | 2017 | 83 minutes | G From the director of Oscar-nominee Ernest & Celestine, The Big Bad Fox is a three-part tale that will have you howling! A pig takes over a stork’s duties, hopping planes, trains, and automobiles to make a delivery. A fox strives to be seen as big and bad instead of sweet and silly. And a bird is desperate to swap roles from Christmas Duck to Father Christmas in this hilarious trifecta of animated stories about farmyard animals with big dreams.

ARTS IN BLOOM: WALL-E Saturday, May 11, 10am | 2008 | 98 minutes | G | Free In 2085, a lone robot named Wall-E roams an over-polluted Earth, cleaning up the planet and making it habitable again for humanity. Wall-E’s daily routine is interrupted by the arrival of Eve, a scout sent to determine if Earth is ready for humanity’s return. Wall-E and Eve connect and start growing closer until Wall-E’s discovery of a living plant lands Eve in standby mode. Stowing away on the transport ship that comes to collect Eve, Wall-E travels into space, and a hilarious and touching race against time ensues as the pair try to prove to everyone that it’s time to come home. The ship’s autopilot AI, however, has plans of its own and attempts to stop them by any means necessary.

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events PRIDE FILMS BREAK THE GAME Sunday, June 9, 3pm | 2023 | 80 minutes | NR Twitch streamer and video game speedrunner Narcissa Wright, known worldwide for beating The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in less than 19 minutes, faces an abrupt and utter collapse of her fanbase when she comes out as trans in 2015. As loving fans and global support are quickly replaced by angry transphobes and death threats, Narcissa becomes determined to win back her audience by breaking The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and setting a new speedrun record. As Narcissa streams her efforts and navigates a new relationship, she deals with burnout, online toxicity, LGBTQ issues, and rediscovering her own identity.

BIG BOYS Sunday, June 16, 3pm | 2023 | 90 minutes | NR On a camping trip, 14-year-old Jamie finds himself attracted to his cousin’s boyfriend Dan, and begins to question if he may be gay. As Jamie attempts to make sense of his feelings for Dan, he must also deal with his older brother Will, a snarky and homophobic teenager whose sole weekend concern is hooking up with girls—and forcing Jamie to participate. Called an “achingly brilliant queer coming-of-age classic” by The Guardian, Big Boys is a lovely story about an awkward teenager’s first step towards self-acceptance and growing up.

THE BIRDCAGE Sunday, June 23, 3pm | 1996 | 118 min | R When Val—the son of openly gay drag club owner Armand Goldman (Robin Williams) and his lover/star performer Albert (Nathan Lane)— comes home bearing news of engagement, Armand is hesitantly supportive. Matters take a turn for the worse when the parents of Barbara—Val’s fiancée—are revealed to be the very conservative Senator Kevin Keeley (Gene Hackman) and his wife Louise (Dianne Wiest). Armand and Albert, determined to make things work, reluctantly agree to pose as straight. Hilarious shenanigans promptly unfold as Armand and Albert, helped by flamboyant housekeeper Agador and Val’s birthmother Katharine, attempt to deceive Kevin and Louise.

THE PERSIAN VERSION Sunday, June 30, 3pm | 2023 | 107 min | R The youngest of nine siblings and the only daughter in the family, openly queer filmmaker Leila feels as though she couldn’t be further alienated from her family of Iranian immigrants—that is, until she gets pregnant from a one-night stand after recently separating from her wife. Leila’s father has a medical condition that prompts the entire family to reunite in New York City for an operation. Now, Leila faces the impossible task of breaking her pregnancy to her imposing mother Shireen, a decision that results in the exploration of the family’s history and Shireen’s past.

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IN THE CLAY STUDIO TEEN CLAY CLUB (AGES 13­–16) $50 for two-part session In this bi-monthly exploration of clay, teens ages 13–16 will learn about hand building, glazing, surface design, and more. Each young artist will be encouraged to independently find their own unique approach to clay in a supportive environment.

SESSION 1

Wednesdays, April 3 + 17, 3–5pm

SESSION 2

Wednesdays, May 1 + 15, 3–5pm

INTERMEDIATE CLAY: GLAZE LAYERING (AGES 16+) June 4, 11, 18, 5:30–7pm; $130 Join instructor Julie Oliver in this intermediate level, threesession class series in which students will explore the rich surface design created from layering over glazes. Students must bring five or more bisqueware pieces to use for the class assignments. All materials are included. Pieces will be available to pick up within two weeks.

HAND-BUILT MUGS (AGES 16+) June 20 + 27, 5:30–7:30pm; $80 This beginner level, two-part class is an introduction to hand building. Instructor Pam Wilcox will lead the first class, in which participants will create a slab-built mug and decorate it using textured tools and stamps. The second class will focus on glazing. First-time clay artists will be given individual attention, while more experienced artists may work at their desired pace. No prior experience required. All necessary materials are included. Artwork will be available to pick up two weeks after class is completed.

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education MAINE POTTERY TOUR Saturday, May 4, 10am–5pm + Sunday, May 5, 11am–4pm Support Art of Clay Studio members as they participate in their first Maine Pottery Tour, a statewide tour of clay studios in Maine! Tour participants will be able to view the clay studio, purchase pottery created by clay studio members, and enjoy other offerings inside the Paul J. Schupf Art Center. More information at mainepotterytour.org.

INTERMEDIATE CLAY: WHEEL THROWING (AGES 16+) May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 5:30–7:30pm; $175 Join instructor Wendy Burton for this six-week course focusing on intermediate wheel throwing techniques. Students will explore techniques of wheel throwing, including large forms, altered forms, and other objects. Students should understand basics steps, including centering clay on the wheel, shaping forms, trimming, and glazing. All necessary materials are included: clay, glazes, and all kiln firings during the class period.

Each student can access the studio in addition to class time during open studio times only.

Eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund.

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.

Membership Fee: $150/month, $420/3 months ($20 discount) 25-pound bag of clay: $30 Questions?

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

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IN THE CLASSROOM COMMUNITY DRAW (AGES 16+) Wednesdays, April 10, May 8, June 12, 6–8pm $11 per session; June 12 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. Costumes may be provided courtesy of the Waterville Opera House.

APRIL VACATION ARTIST + MAKER CAMP (AGES 8–12) April 15–19, 9am–12pm; $175 Spend a week making and creating! Kids ages 8–12 will explore a variety of artists, materials, techniques, ideas, and inspiration.

DEATH WINGS STORY SHARE Sunday, April 28, 3–4:30pm; Studio 1902; Free Waterville Creates hosts a public reading and storytelling event at the completion of the Death Wings Project. Professional actors will read excerpts from Bess Welden’s accompanying script and workshop participants will present their wings and share reflections about them.

WRITING WATERVILLE WORKSHOPS: STORY SHARE + CHAPBOOK LAUNCH PARTY Sunday, May 5, 4:30–6pm; Studio 1902; Free Join participants from the four Writing Waterville Workshops for a Chapbook Launch Party and enjoy public readings and refreshments.

This programming 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.

SUMMER ARTIST + MAKER CAMP (AGES 8–12) June 24–28, 9am–12pm; $175 This weeklong, half-day Summer Artist + Maker Camp will release the creative maker in your child! Using the exhibitions at the art galleries at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center as inspiration, campers will create art using a variety of media. It’s a week of making and creating!

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exhibitions EXHIBITIONS TOGETHER: HEARING, HOLDING, HEALING April 5–29 Ticonic Gallery Together: Hearing, Holding, Healing is an installation combining 27 paintings by Peter Bruun with an audio-collage created from voices of students attending the Waterville Alternative High School.

TOGETHER: ANECDOTES + INSPIRATIONS April 5–29 Paul J. Schupf Art Center Together: Anecdotes + Inspirations features dozens of works created in painting and drawing workshops led by Peter Bruun over the preceding several months.

TOGETHER: ART FOR ALL April 5–29 Downtown Waterville, Multiple Locations An open call exhibition representing a multitude of artworks sharing two common qualities: the art has been made in the Waterville area, and it broadly speaks to themes of living, working, and playing together in the region. For exhibition locations, hours, and a listing of artwork on view, visit bruunstudios.com/together.

AT PLAY: WORKS BY TOM JESSEN May 24–August 26 Opening Reception Friday, June 7, 5–7pm; Ticonic Gallery Ticonic Gallery is pleased to present At Play: Works by Tom Jessen in collaboration with the Colby College Center for the Arts + Humanities annual theme of PLAY. All are invited to bring their creativity, curiosity, and sense of play to shape works in this exhibition. Through a series of public events grounded in structured game play, participants will dismantle, construct, and reconstruct pieces while immersing themselves in a group art-making process. No experience necessary!

LIGHT SENTINELS June 1–October 31; Castonguay Square Drawing on technology, art, their fondness for all things left of field, and a mantra to create works that encourage a belief in as many as six impossible things before breakfast, Skunk Control’s creations are informed by large dollops of color, light, and a splash of whimsy. The Light Sentinels are emissaries of light preparing for its triumphant arrival.

Over the millennium they have evolved to become defenders of light, casting and seeding hope and enlightenment in anticipation of its arrival.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024 19

apr 2024 SUN

07

Science on Screen: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill 3PM, MFC

14

MON

WC Waterville Creates WOH Waterville Opera House

02

SLICE: Special Effects Make-up for Stage + Film 3–5PM, WC

09

WED

03

Teen Clay Club 3–5PM, TGS

10

THU

04

11

FRI

FIRST FRIDAY

05 Waterville Moves 06 Parent + Child 9:30–10:15AM All Ages 10:30– 11:30AM, WC

Together: Hearing Holding, and Healing Opening Reception 5–7PM, TGS

12

15

SLICE: Intro to Theatrical Sound Design 3–5PM, WC

Community Draw 6–8PM, TGS

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater 7PM, WOH

April Vacation Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

April Vacation Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

April Vacation Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

April Vacation Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

Teen Clay Club 3–5PM, TGS

Fireflies: The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales 3PM, MFC

Together: Arts, Smarts + Hearts 3–6PM, WC

16

Together: Model Places + Inspiring Faces 1–4PM, WC

22

23

17

24

18

25

19

26

Earth Day Celebration 12–3PM, WC Science on Screen: One Man Dies a Million Times 3PM, MFC

28

SAT

Met Opera Encore: Roméo et Juliette 12:55PM, MFC Juston McKinney 8PM, WOH

13

Art Break with Serena 12:30PM, WC

April Vacation Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

21

Maine Film Center Ticonic Gallery + Studios

FREE for Members

TUE

01

08

MFC TGS

29

SLICE: Connecting Community with Art! 3–5PM, WC

30

NTL: The Motive and the Cue 12PM, MFC

20

Waterville Moves Parent + Child 9:30–10:15AM All Ages 10:30– 11:30AM, WC

27

Together: Niches, Nooks + Needs 1–4PM, WC Head Over Heels 7:30PM, WOH

Head Over Heels 7:30PM, WOH

Head Over Heels 2PM, WOH Death Wings Story Share 3–4:30PM, TGS

20 Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

2024 SUN

05

Maine Pottery Tour 11AM–4PM, TGS Head Over Heels 2PM, WOH Writing Waterville: Story Share + Chapbook Launch Party 4:30–6PM, TGS

12

19

26

MON

06

13

20

27

TUE

07

School ShowFrog Prince 9:30AM + 12PM, WOH

14

21

28

An Acoustic Evening with John Hiatt 8PM, WOH

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

WED

01

Teen Clay Club 3–5PM, TGS

08

Community Draw May 6–8PM, TGS

15

Teen Clay Club 3–5PM, TGS

22

All WC, MFC, TGS, Clay Studio, and WOH facilities are closed

29

may

THU

02

SLICE: Mini Fantasy Terrariums + Figures 3–5PM, WPL

09

16

23

All WC, MFC, TGS, Clay Studio, and WOH facilities are closed

30

FRI

FIRST FRIDAY

03

Head Over Heels 7:30PM, WOH

10

Intermediate Clay: Wheel Throwing 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

17

Intermediate Clay: Wheel Throwing 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

24

SAT

04

Waterville Moves Parent + Child 9:30–10:15AM All Ages 10:30– 11:30AM, WC Maine Pottery Tour 10AM–5PM, TGS La Rondine 12:55PM, MFC Head Over Heels 7:30PM, WOH

11

Arts in Bloom: Wall-E 10AM, MFC Arts in Bloom 11AM–5PM, WC

18

Waterville Moves Parent + Child 9:30–10:15AM All Ages 10:30– 11:30AM, WC NTL: Vanya 12PM, MFC

25

At Play: Works

by Tom Jessen Opens TGS (through Aug 26) Intermediate Clay: Wheel Throwing 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

31

Met Opera Encore: Madama Butterfly 12:55PM, MFC

Intermediate Clay: Wheel Throwing 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024 21

jun 2024 SUN

MON

MFC TGS

Maine Film Center Ticonic Gallery + Studios

WC Waterville Creates WOH Waterville Opera House

FREE for Members

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

01

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

02

03

04

05

06 FIRST FRIDAY 07

08

13

15

Create + Sip 10AM–12PM, WC

09

Break the Game 3PM, MFC

16

10

17

Intermediate Clay: Glaze Layering 5:30–7PM, TGS

11

Intermediate Clay: Glaze Layering 5:30–7PM, TGS

18

12

Community Draw 6–8PM, TGS Keb’ Mo’ 8PM, WOH

19

20

At Play: Works

by Tom Jessen Reception 5–7PM, TGS Light Sentinel Reception 5–7PM, TGS Intermediate Clay: Wheel Throwing 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

14

Intermediate Clay: Wheel Throwing 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

21

22

Big Boys 3PM, MFC Auditions: Miss Holmes Returns 4–6PM, WOH Tony Awards Celebration 7–11PM, WOH

23

The Birdcage 3PM, MFC

30

Hand-Built Mugs 5:30–7:30PM, TGS

Auditions: Miss Holmes Returns 6–8PM, WOH

Intermediate Clay: Glaze Layering 5:30–7PM, TGS

25

26

Summer Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

Summer Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

Summer Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

24

The Persian Version 3PM, MFC

22 Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024

Art in the Park 3–5PM, WC

27

28

Summer Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

Summer Artist + Maker Camp 9AM–12PM, TGS

NTL: Nye 12PM, MFC

Hand-Built Mugs 5:30–7:30PM, TGS Art in the Park 3–5PM, WC

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

29

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Crossing guard Scott Cayouette pets golden retriever Governor after the dog arrived with students at the Albert S. Hall School in Waterville on Thursday, September 1, 2022. The dog belongs to fifth grader Dylan Bulmer and her mother Kathy, who lead the dog on a leash. (Photo by Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel)

Award-winning photojournalism made possible by our subscribers.

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Subscriptions support this work that is vital to and celebrates our community.

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CENTRALMAINE.COM/CREATES | 207.621.5700

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Proudly supporting the arts in Maine

www.jsmccarthy.com | 888-465-6241

Delightful little bombs of love BIXBY BON BONS

Visit our café at Schupf Arts in Waterville and our boutique in Rockland, or you can always shop online!

BIXBYCHOCOLATE.COM

CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES OUR MISSION, YOUR BIG IDEAS THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES CELEBRATES A DECADE OF CLOSE WORK, COLLABORATION, AND DIALOGUE WITH OUR WATERVILLE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. THROUGH ANNUAL HUMANITIES THEMES, LECTURE SERIES, AND FILM SERIES, WE FACILITATE AND SUPPORT EVENTS AND DISCUSSIONS BOTH ON CAMPUS AND IN THE COMMUNITY. WITH OUR LIFE-CHANGING STUDENT INTERNSHIPS AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS IN WATERVILLE'S CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS, WE CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING OUR CITY A VIBRANT HUB TO EXPERIENCE THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES FIRSTHAND.

2023 - 25 Humanities Theme

SCHAIR-SWENSON-WATSON ALUMNI CENTER 128 | HUMANITIES@COLBY.EDU | 207.859.4165

Your family owned, downtown, copy and print store since 1984

54 Main Street, Waterville www.maineprintingservices.com (207) 873-7947 We are proud to support the Arts in Downtown Waterville

partner events CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM childrensdiscoverymuseum.org TODDLER POWER HOURS Mondays, April 1, 8, 22, 29 + May 6, 13, 20, 9am–12pm $3 per child (adults are free) Open-ended play and socialization time for ages 1–5.

APRIL VACATION CAMP Monday–Friday, April 15–19, 9am–12pm $100/week ($25/day) Art, science, movement, outdoor play, and open-ended play on the schedule every day. Ideal for ages 5–8.

TEA PARTY Sunday, April 28, 2pm, $10 A family event celebrating spring with hot tea, finger sandwiches, and petite desserts. There will also be art activities and a May Pole. High tea dress and hats encouraged!

KIDS AT THE MUSEUM June 24–28 + July 8–12; 9am–12pm, $125 A half day camp at the museum! A week full of art, science, movement, and open-ended play on the schedule every day. Best suited for ages 3–5.

COLBY ARTS arts.colby.edu WATERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS MUSICAL MOMENTS May 10, 7–8pm Waterville Musical Moments brings music students from Waterville Public Schools grades 4–12 together for an informal night of musicmaking. Students will keep you engaged with music from just about every genre and instrumental/vocal combination imaginable! Organized by the WSHS Tri-M Honor Society in partnership with Colby’s Arts Office.

PERFORMANCES AT THE GORDON CENTER FOR CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS Hear the Colby Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Choirs. Experience original theater and dance productions. Enjoy performances by guest artists from around the world. Check out arts.colby.edu for more information and to reserve your spot.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024 29

Proudly Supporting the Arts in Central Maine!

BOOKS~CARDS~GIFTS

Moving to: 150 Main Street, Waterville Spring 2024!

oliverandfriendsbookshop.com

partner events WATERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY watervillelibrary.org SOLAR ECLIPSE SURVIVAL KITS Saturday, April 6 Don’t be left in the dark on April 8—come to the Waterville Public Library for an Eclipse Survival Kit. Take in the wonder of this special event with a pair of eclipse glasses and sweet treats that are “outer” this world!

FAMILY STORYTIME Saturday, April 20, 1:30–2:15pm The Story of Maple Syrup with Maine State STEM Librarian Chris Dorman. No registration is required. Yes, there will be samples!

READ, RENEW, REPEAT June 16–August 11, Pre-registration Opens June 9 Summer reading program for all ages. Create or log into your WPL Beanstack account. Record the time you spend reading. Reach time levels and earn prizes. Those who complete the challenge will be entered into our grand prize drawing!

CRAFTERNOONS Every Tuesday, 2:30–4pm Crafternoons are fun weekly crafts for young children and their families!

Come to the Children’s Room between 2:30 and 4pm to make the craft with help from library staff!

COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART museum.colby.edu PLAYSCAPE: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM THE COLBY MUSEUM’S COLLECTION Through April 22; Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art A LOT MORE INSIDE: ESOPUS MAGAZINE Through May 12; Colby College Museum of Art THE WORLD OUTSIDE: LOUISE NEVELSON AT MIDCENTURY Through June 9; Colby College Museum of Art ART BREAK Thursdays at 12:30pm METAGAME: CONVERSATION + GAME PLAY April 8, 6pm; Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street 2024 SENIOR EXHIBITION Opening Reception: May 9, 5pm; Exhibition: May 9–May 26 Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024 31

Cheryl W. Flewelling, CFP® 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.

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GIFTS FOR ALL Memberships, merchandise, season passes, show tickets, gift cards + more

watervillecreates.org

2 Silver Street Waterville, ME 04901 207-680-2163 Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - close www.silverstreettavern.com www.facebook.com/ silverstreettavern

Medical Cannabis 279 Main Street Wa t e r v i l l e , M E Shop Cannabis with Confidence

Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 21 or older.

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Supporting the Arts in the Heart of our community since 1935

BOY LOCKSMITH SAFES • HOME • BUSINESS

Rolling to your door to meet all your security needs

207 872 5862

Call Us today for a Photofacial Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a cosmetic skin treatment that reduces the signs of aging including: • Sunspots • Rosacea • Unwanted Hair • Spider Veins

325A Kennedy Memorial Dr. Waterville, Maine 04901 (207) 873-2731 www.Maine2020.com

We are proud to support Waterville Creates 51 Main St., Waterville 873-5101 | AllenIF.com

staff spotlight GRETA THIELE

PATRON SERVICES ASSISTANT

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

It depends on the day! Some days I’m downstairs at the Ed Harris Box Office processing ticket/ membership/merchandise orders or I’m at the Ticonic Gallery welcoming guests into the space. Other days I’m up at the Maine Film Center concessions selling popcorn (“the greatest in the known universe” ) and other goodies!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love that every day I get to make such special connections. Artists, first-time visitors, frequent attendees, and the Waterville Creates family (and sometimes if we’re lucky some four-legged friends!) make this such a fun and fulfilling place to work!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

The simple pleasures! Dancing, romcoms, my pets, a trip to the beach.

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

Past Lives and Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour are two of the warmest, most magical movies I’ve ever seen!! I’m also so excited to see The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill at MFC on April 7. It was the first movie I remember seeing at the Railroad Square Cinema as a kid.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024 37

Scan to get the App.

LET'S GO with the Free

EXPLORER APP!

Once you download the app you won’t need WiFi or cellular data to find what you are looking for.

On the road, around town, on the trail, or even out on the water, the app will guide you to spectacular locations throughout Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

Users will love it’s GPS based mapping and alerts that will lead them along various scenic drives and tours. Sip your way along the Kennebec Valley Beer Trail or dig into listings for recreational trails, whitewater rafting outfitters, roadside oddities, outdoor sculpture and historic sites.

VisitKennebecValley.com/the-explorer-app/

craft corner I

n honor of Earth Day, try creating something wonderful from your recycling bin! The environmental benefits of recycled art include: extending the useful life of materials, reducing the amount of waste generated, and creating something that adds beauty and joy to your life.

Here are a few artists from Maine who might inspire you: Tom Jessen (on view in the Ticonic Gallery May 24–August 26), Ian Trask, Wally Warren, Alexis Iammarino, and Kim Bernard.

MATERIALS ANY MATERIALS READY TO BE RECYCLED We will use cardboard and plastic packaging, but anything works!

TAPE OR GLUE Most anything works like a glue stick, white glue, or rubber cement.

Additional items that can be fun and useful: SCISSORS, A PENCIL OR PEN, MARKERS, PAINT.

WATERVILLECREATES.ORG

CREATE RECYCLED ART IDEAS 1 S tart with a flat piece of cardboard and sketch a basic shape like a heart, fish, or turtle. Collect packaging materials and cut or tear them to create a collage on the cardboard, adhering to the sketched shape. (See photo) 2 Select 7 to 10 items from your recycling materials for a sculpture. Try timing yourself and make it a fun, fast-paced activity. Try these prompts: create an insect, a self-portrait, or a model of your house! (See photo) 3 Make a simple mobile! Use cardboard to make a circular base for the mobile.

Create hanging elements from recycled materials. (see photo)

Arts Dispatch | Apr–Jun 2024 39

GORDON CENTER FOR CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS FREE, O

PEN, A CCESS

IBLE

Explore our flexible performance spaces Experience music, theater, dance, film, and more Meet artists from Colby and around the world

Reserve tickets and explore our schedule

Top: Robert Mirabal and Rare Tribal Mob, Middle: Gordon Center opening celebration, exterior, Bottom: Work in progress showing of Matthew Cumbie’s Of This Place.

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