Arts Dispatch April - June 2023

Photo by Trent Bell

Greetings from Waterville Creates! As we settle into our new home here at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, we want to take moment to say thank you.

Thank you to all our wonderful patrons who have visited us over the past few months. It has been a delight to welcome you and to share movies, art, music, and theatre with you. We hope that you have enjoyed exploring the new spaces, and we can’t wait to share even more fun and exciting arts experiences with you this spring!

Thank you to our donors, members, and sponsors. Less than 50% of our budget comes from ticket sales and program fees, so community support is essential to our ability to present these amazing programs. Just last year alone, we were able to provide free access for nearly 700 young people to movies, plays, concerts, and classes through our Youth Arts Access Fund.

Thank you to our wonderful staff and volunteers. We are so lucky to have so many passionate, creative, and dedicated individuals working to bring this dynamic programming to our community. These past few months have been a whirlwind of excitement and change, and our team has been nothing short of incredible. Please take a moment to thank them on your next visit!

We hope to see you soon and often.

Shannon Haines President + CEO

Patricia King Vice President

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*

Galleries: Open daily, 11am–7pm*; closed Tuesdays and federal holidays

Theater Concessions: Monday–Friday, 2–9pm; Saturday–Sunday, 11am–9pm*

*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 no tolerance for any acts of harassment or harmful behavior.

ACCESSIBILITY

All street-level entrances to the Paul J. Schupf Art Center are wheelchair accessible. The Maine Film Center’s screening rooms and 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. 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 programming and arts education 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.

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 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.

We invite you to experience the difference.

ARTS IN BLOOM

Friday, May 5 + Saturday, May 6; Free

Join us for a fun and creative celebration of spring! Kicking off with May’s First Friday festivities, this year’s Arts in Bloom is a multi-day affair featuring art making, live music, movies, story walks, giveaways and more. Presented in partnership with community partners, activities will be held in locations throughout Waterville. Visit watervillecreates.org for the most up-to-date program details.

ART IN THE PARK

Thursdays, June 15–August 17, 3–5pm; Free Castonguay Square, Waterville*

Summer in Waterville = Art in the Park! Presented in partnership with the Waterville Public Library and the Colby College Museum of Art, Art in the Park offers guided, outdoor art-making activities for all ages in a relaxed setting. Each Thursday, participants will create works inspired by the Library’s summer reading theme, “All Together Now: Todos Juntos,” with activities focused on unity, kindness, and togetherness. *In the event of heavy rain or extreme heat, Art in the Park activities move to the Paul J. Schupf Art Center.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Wednesday, May 17, 5:30–7pm

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce members are invited to join us in our new home at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center for an evening of tasty snacks and beverages, door prizes, and networking.

SUMMER VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

June 8, 5:30pm; Studio 1902, 2nd floor

Paul J. Schupf Art Center

Interested in joining the Waterville Creates volunteer corps? Learn about all the unique opportunities and special benefits at this orientation event. For more information, visit watervillecreates. org/volunteer

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

March 31, April 1, 7, 8, 7:30pm + April 2, 9, 2pm; Tickets: $24–$26

This 1920s whodunit “play within a play” has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences!

TAPE FACE

Wednesday, April 12, 7:30pm; Tickets: $38–$48

The one-of-a-kind viral sensation from America’s Got Talent! This totally unique silent comedian transforms every object and audience member into an active plaything. Shoes sing, empty dresses dance, and electrical tape blossoms into roses; he creates a world of possibilities where the only certainty is laughter.

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

Wednesday, April 19, 8pm; Tickets: $58–$78

90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. All ages are welcome, but please note that some “PG-13” language will be used during the performance.

THE SIXTIES SHOW

Saturday, April 22, 8pm; Tickets: $28–$38

This cross-generational crowd pleaser is a high-energy trip back in time that reminds the audience how uniquely inspirational, entertaining, and historically significant the music and events of the 1960s were and continue to be. All of the music is performed live on vintage instruments with no samples, backing tracks, or prerecorded music of any kind.

BÉLA FLECK, ZAKIR HUSSAIN, EDGAR MEYER WITH RAKESH CHAURASIA

Sunday, May 7, 8pm; Tickets: $68–$78

Most musicians hope at most for proficiency in their chosen form, but these gentlemen move from bluegrass to Western classical to Indian classical to jazz, transmuting genres into something uniquely their own. It’s music that transcends description; ineffable, indefinable, and very beautiful.

SCHOOL SHOW: THE UGLY DUCKLING

Tuesday, May 9, 9:30am + 12pm

We all know the fable of the swan who grows up “ugly” in a family of ducks, later to find his appearance changing as he discovers his true identity. Follow along as our “duck” finds friendship with other unlikely misfits: a mole that hates dirt and a bald eagle with a full head of hair. These “misfit” heroes work together to find the selfconfidence that only friendship and accomplishment can provide.

BLUES TRAVELER

Tuesday, May 23, 8pm; Tickets: $63–$73

Over an illustrious career, Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in “RunAround,” had the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history. Also expect to hear the band’s other smash singles like “Hook” and “But Anyway,” as well as their new, jam-infused renditions of some of their favorite classic blues songs.

ROCK OF AGES

June 16, 17, 23, 24, 7:30pm + June 18, 25, 2pm; Tickets: $27–$29

Featuring all your favorite smash-hit songs from the 1980s! It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues. But when German developers sweep into town with plans for a capitalist strip mall, the rock ‘n’ roll fairy tale could all come crashing down. This musical contains adult themes and profanity.

LISTENING TO FILM FREE + OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Each screening will be preceded by a Colby Music student presentation about the film’s soundtrack. Sponsored by Colby Departments of Music and Cinema Studies and the Center for the Arts and Humanities.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

Sunday, April 2, 12pm | 1988 | G

Hop on the Catbus to experience this beloved collaboration between director Hayao Miyazaki and composer Joe Hisaishi for the first or the hundredth time. To-to-ro, Totoro!

FORBIDDEN PLANET

Wednesday, April 12, 7pm | 1956 | G

This classic sci-fi film features the first fully electronic Hollywood film score, composed by Bebe and Louis Barron. Come for a young Leslie Nielsen in a dramatic role, stay for Robby the Robot and tons of special visual and sonic effects.

THE FITS

Wednesday, April 19, 7pm | 2015 | NR

This coming-of-age film features brilliant collaboration between choreography and soundtrack, reflecting the increasingly common digital practice of blurring score, effects, and ambient sound. These techniques help illustrate the story of Toni, who becomes curious about the “fits” experienced by teenagers in a local dance troupe.

BATMAN

Sunday, April 30, 12pm | 1989 | PG-13

Move over, Superman: Danny Elfman’s music for Batman marks a split from older methods of scoring heroes, highlighting Batman’s emotional trauma and guilt and allowing the chaotic Joker to control the soundtrack. Come enjoy a romp through Gotham City, part noir, part camp, all Bat.

ONE SHOW ONLY!

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

Sunday, April 2, 6:45pm | 1968 | G | Regular ticket prices apply; Free for members

Truly made for the big screen, Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece follows Dr. Dave Bowman, Dr. Frank Poole, and their increasingly nefarious HAL 9000 computer as they embark on a space mission to determine the origin of a mysterious monolith.

I KNOW A MAN…ASHLEY BRYAN

Saturday, April 8, 1pm | 2016 | NR | Free

Followed by a tour of the exhibition Ashley Bryan / Paula Wilson: Take the World into Your Arms at the Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery, this documentary tells the story of a Maine illustrator who used art his entire life to celebrate joy, mediate the darkness of war and racism, and create a loving community. Sponsored by the Colby College Museum of Art.

C’È UN SOFFIO DI VITA SOLTANTO (A BREATH OF LIFE)

Sunday, April 9, 2:30pm | 2021 | NR | Free

This film retraces the life of Lucy, a 96-year-old (a)typical Italian grandmother, who is the oldest transsexual woman in Italy and among the few who survived Dachau concentration camp. Sponsored by the Colby French and Italian Departments.

THE LUNCHBOX

Sunday, April 16, 1pm | 2013 | PG | Free

After a mix-up with Mumbai’s famous lunch delivery system, an older man mistakenly receives the lunchbox that a young woman had packed for her husband. Followed by a discussion with the film’s editor, John Lyons.

FOUR WINTERS

Saturday, April 22, 2pm | 2020 | NR | Free

In partnership with the Maine Jewish Film Festival. Shattering the myth of Jewish passivity, the last surviving Jewish renegades tell their stories of resistance in Four Winters, revealing a stunning narrative of their heroism against the Nazis from deep within the forests of Eastern Europe.

PORPORA

Sunday, April 23, 2:30pm | 2021 | NR | Free

In a road trip across Italy, Porpora Marcasciano relives the discovery of her own identity as a trans woman and her political activism as a leading figure of the Italian trans movement. Sponsored by the Colby French and Italian Departments.

Tickets:

adults: $19

seniors, students, military: $17 children (12 + under): $16

MET OPERA ENCORE

LOHENGRIN (WAGNER)

Saturday, April 1, 12pm

Wagner’s soaring masterpiece makes its triumphant return to the Met stage with an atmospheric staging that once again weds director François Girard’s striking visual style and keen dramatic insight to Wagner’s breathtaking music.

FALSTAFF (VERDI)

Saturday, April 15, 12:30pm

Baritone Michael Volle stars as the caddish knight Falstaff, gleefully tormented by a trio of clever women who deliver his comeuppance, in Verdi’s glorious Shakespearean comedy.

DER ROSENKAVALIER (STRAUSS)

Saturday, April 29, 12pm

Set in an idealized Vienna of the past, Strauss’s most popular opera concerns a wise woman of the world who is involved with a much younger lover but ultimately forced to accept the laws of time, giving him up to a pretty, young heiress.

CHAMPION (TERENCE BLANCHARD) - LIBRETTO

BY MICHAEL CRISTOFER

Saturday, May 13, 12:55pm

Oscar-nominated composer Terence Blanchard comes to the Met with his first opera. Ryan Speedo Green is the young boxer Emile Griffith, who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and Eric Owens portrays Griffith’s older self, haunted by the ghosts of his past.

DON GIOVANNI (MOZART)

Saturday, June 3, 12:55pm

Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove makes a major Met debut with a new take on Mozart’s tragicomedy, re-setting the familiar tale of deceit and damnation in an abstract architectural landscape and shining a light into the dark corners of the story and its characters.

DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (MOZART)

Saturday, June 17, 12:55pm

One of opera’s most beloved works receives its first new Met staging in 19 years—a sublime fairy tale that moves freely between earthy comedy and noble mysticism that The Wall Street Journal’s Paul Levy declared “the best production I’ve ever witnessed of Mozart’s last opera.”

Tickets:

adults: $16

seniors, students, and military: $14.50 children (12 + under): $13.50

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE

These are pre-filmed theatrical productions, presented on-screen at MFC.

OTHELLO

Saturday, May 6, 12pm

An extraordinary new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy. Desdemona is a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator, elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. Othello is a refugee of slavery; having risen to the top of a white world, he finds love across racial lines has a cost.

KING LEAR

Saturday, June 10, 12pm

Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers—one a King, one his courtier— reject the children who truly love them. Don’t miss Ian McKellen’s “extraordinarily moving portrayal” (Independent) of King Lear, captured live from London’s West End in 2018.

GOOD

Saturday, June 24, 12pm

As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor (David Tennant), finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.

IN THE CLAY STUDIO

TEEN CLAY CLUB (AGES 13-16)

Tuesdays, April 11 + 25, May 9 + 23, 3–5pm; $30 per session

In this bi-monthly exploration of clay, students will learn wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, surface design, and more! Each young artist will be encouraged to find their own unique approach to clay in a supportive environment. Healthy snacks provided. Tools, glazes, firings, and all other materials are included.

BEGINNING CLAY: INTRODUCTION TO WHEEL THROWING

$175 per session

In these 6-week sessions, participants learn the basics of shaping, trimming, glazing, and more in a fun and supportive environment. Tools, materials, 25-pound bag of clay, glazes, firings, and studio access are included with class registration.

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

Wednesdays, May 3–June 7, 5:30–7pm

Wednesdays, June 21–July 26, 5:30–7pm

VISITING CLAY ARTIST SERIES: PINCH POTS

Saturday, May 27, 10am–2pm; $130

Instructor Siem Van Der Ven will lead a series of joyful exercises in which students will use simple techniques to experience mindfulness while making art. All materials included.

FIRST FRIDAY: CLAY PLAY

Friday, June 2, 4–6pm; Free Participants will learn ways to creatively express themselves through the medium of clay. Open to all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

VISITING CLAY ARTIST SERIES: CERAMIC BIRDHOUSES

Saturday, June 24, 10am–2pm; $100 Instructor Cherie Giampietro will lead step-by-step instructions to make a unique birdhouse that can be hung outside. All materials are included.

CLAY MEMBERSHIPS

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 2 kilns, 7 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; 3 months/$350 ($40 discount) 25-pound bag of clay: $30

To learn more, contact: Yvonne Brown, Clay Studio Coordinator, ybrown@watervillecreates.org

IN THE CLASSROOM

FIRST FRIDAY: TRY! MAKE! CREATE!

Fridays, April 7, May 5, June 2, 4–6pm; Free Stop by the Ticonic Studio classroom at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center to try, make, and create! Follow the guided activity or choose your own adventure using a wide variety of materials in the studio.

INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING

Saturday, April 8, 10–11:30am; $35

Learn the basics of 3D printing with Stephen LaRochelle of Kennebec Valley Community College. Open to all; ages 10-16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

SPRING ARTIST + MAKER CAMP (AGES 8-12)

April 17–21, 9am–12pm; $175

Release the inner artist in your child! Inspired by the exhibitions on view at Ticonic Gallery and the Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery, campers will create art using a variety of materials. Visiting artists and teachers will be present during the week to provide fun workshops!

3D PRINTING FOR BEGINNERS

Tuesdays, May 9–30, 5:30–7pm; $110

Learn to use a 3D printer, become familiar with 3D software, learn how to “slice” pre-existing models and how to design your own model. Led by instructor Stephen LaRochelle of Kennebec Valley Community College. Open to all; ages 10-16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

COMMUNITY DRAW

Wednesdays, April 5, May 10, June 14, 6–8pm; $10 per session

Studio 1902, Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 2nd floor

Seasoned and aspiring artists are invited to participate in these costumed figure drawing workshops. Costumes provided courtesy of the Waterville Opera House.

SLICE

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

Wednesdays, May 3, May 17, May 24, May 31, June 7, 3–5pm; Free Offered in partnership with arts professionals throughout the state, this program showcases career opportunities in the creative arts for young adults. Each afternoon will be packed with information, inspiration, and pizza!

MAY 3

MAY 17

MAY 24

MAY 31

JUN 7

SOUND EFFECTS FOR MOVIES

Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street

MUSEUM CURATION + SOCIAL MEDIA

Colby College Museum of Art, 5600 Mayflower Hill, Waterville

LEARN TO MAKE A MOVING PANORAMA

Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street

COMBAT + MOVEMENT FOR STAGE

Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville

CARPENTRY

Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street, Waterville

EXHIBITIONS

THE GREAT STATE OF ILLUSTRATION IN MAINE

April 17–July 16, 2023

Opening reception: May 5, 4–7pm

Curated by the Illustration Institute, The Great State of Illustration in Maine will showcase the past, present, and future of illustration in our state, representing history and contemporary culture through narrative imagery. By viewing historic work alongside contemporary illustration, visitors will experience the depth of possibility in narrative art and gain a further appreciation for the enduring, beautiful work created in the state we call home. Featured artists include Barbara Cooney (pictured), Lucky Platt, Daniel Minter, Ashley Bryan, Rockwell Kent, Dahlov Ipcar, Bruce Hutchison, Edward Hopper, and many more.

UNTITLED BY KARINA STEELE

December 17, 2022–July 1, 2023

Maine Film Center Lobby

Karina Steele is a Maine-based woodworker who experiments with bending wood to create one-of-a-kind sculptural wall pieces for the home as well as large-scale installations for commercial spaces. Steele also crafts beautifully handmade wooden spoons and kitchen tools.

FMI: visit watervillecreates.org

FIELDS ALIVE WITH POLLEN + WINGS

BY TESSA GREENE O’BRIEN

Commissioned by Waterville Creates and the Colby College Museum of Art, Fields Alive with Pollen + Wings is a spectacular, largescale mural by Maine-based artist, curator, and 2022–23 Lunder Institute of American Art Residential Fellow Tessa Greene O’Brien. Located in the main lobby of the Paul J. Schupf Art Center facing Castonguay Square, this two-story painting grounds the new art center in its surroundings with a collage of flora and fauna native to the Waterville region and geometric shapes that subtly reference artwork by Alex Katz and Sarah Cain at the Colby College Museum of Art.

O’Brien works in a variety of mediums and scales that range from architectural exterior murals to postcardsized watercolor paintings and is perpetually interested in the possibilities of paint. The title of her mural is an excerpt from Stuart Kestenbaum’s poem, “In Praise of Hands.”

“I view painting as a framework through which I can deepen my understanding of life and of the world around me. My painting practice prompts me to observe my surroundings, to look slowly at the details of the places I inhabit, and to give attention to the energy and characteristics of the people around me. I am not beholden to any specific genre or style; rather, I root my practice in observation, storytelling, and a lifelong dialogue with the history of painting. This leaves room for play, experimentation, and discovery, all of which I value over formulaic sameness.” —Tessa Greene O’Brien

O’Brien has shown through the United States, including solo exhibitions at Dowling Walsh Gallery and Elizabeth Moss Galleries, and has attended residencies at Surf Point Foundation, the Tides Institute, Monson Arts, Open Studio Residency at Haystack, Hewnoaks, Vermont Studio Center, Joseph A Fiore Art Center, and the Stephen Pace House residency. Her practice has received support from a variety of funders, including the Maine Arts Commission, Ellis Beauregard Foundation, and SPACE Gallery’s Kindling Fund. She is a co-director of Able Baker Contemporary Gallery and lives in South Portland, ME.

Bela

Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer with Rakesh Chaurasia

It’s not a lump of clay. It’s a ticket to a two hour vacation.

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

Award-winning photojournalism

Morning Sentinel staff photojournalist Michael G. Seamans has been recognized as a finalist for photographer of the year by Pictures of the Year, International, which is a prestigious competition with others finalists from the Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle. This award was for his coverage of central Maine for the Morning Sentinel/ Kennebec Journal but also includes other projects. Michael, one of our staff photographers for the past 10 years, has also been named the photographer of the year in the New England region by the National Press Photographers Association for the last four years in a row.

Subscriptions support this work that is vital to our community. Consider becoming a subscriber today for as low as $2.

CENTRALMAINE.COM/PHOTO | 207.621.5700

A canoe floats on the Kennebec River below the Lockwood Dam in Waterville on Sunday, June 6, 2021. This photo won first place in the category for “Scenic Photo” and for the “Best in Show” award at the 2022 Maine Press Association annual contest. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel.

207-872-7650

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

Each office is independently owned & operated.

DOWNTOWN WATERVILLE

FIRST FRIDAY

April 7, May 3, June 2; Free; Various times + locations

Celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville through a wide array of arts experiences. On the first Friday of every 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.

COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

ASHLEY BRYAN / PAULA WILSON:

TAKE THE WORLD INTO YOUR ARMS

February 17–July 17, 2023; Wednesday–Monday: 11am–7pm

Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery, Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street This exhibition brings together two extraordinary artists, Ashley Bryan and Paula Wilson, whose passionate and open embrace of the world unites their multifaceted creative endeavors. Through their art, they channel the beauty and spirituality to be found in humanity and nature, using texture, color, and light to convey magical lyricism.

PAINTED: OUR BODIES, HEARTS, AND VILLAGE

May 19, 2023–July 28, 2024

Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–5pm; Sunday: 12–5pm

Colby College Museum of Art, 5600 Mayflower Hill

Painted: Our Bodies, Hearts, and Village centers Pueblo perspectives on the contexts that informed the social and cultural landscape of Taos from 1915 to 1927, when the Taos Society of Artists (TSA), a group of Anglo-American painters, was active. Featuring the Colby Museum’s collection, including a key group of works from the distinguished Lunder Collection, as well as select loans, it also sheds light on issues that affect Native people today, in the Southwest and beyond.

WATERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

“ALL TOGETHER NOW” 2023 SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 18–August 13; Open to all ages and abilities

Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street

Reading is its own reward, but you can also earn prizes by participating in the Waterville Public Library’s summer reading program. Simply record the minutes you spend reading or being read to—graphic novels, newspapers, magazines, books, e-books, or audio books all count!—and earn rewards. For more information visit watervillelibrary.org.

partner events

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

FROGTOWN MOUNTAIN PUPPETEERS

April 22, 3pm; Tickets: $10

Children’s Discovery Museum, 7 Eustis Parkway

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers is a puppetry troupe based in Bar Harbor, Maine and comprising of three siblings—brothers Erik and Brian Torbeck and sister Robin (Torbeck) Erlandsen. Founded in 2000, Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers has performed at festivals, schools, libraries and theatres in the United States and Canada. They write and create all the shows they perform and have received three Citations of Excellence from UNIMA-USA, the highest national award in puppetry.

GREENE BLOCK + STUDIOS

WATERVILLE FOOD STORIES: CREATING A COMMUNITY COOKBOOK

April 13, 5–7pm; Free; Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street Food and community go hand in hand. Some live to eat and others eat to live, but no matter the reasoning, food ties people together. Join the Center for Book & Print for a workshop to make your very own version of the Waterville Food Stories community cookbook. All materials will be provided. To contribute your food stories to Waterville Food Stories, email your recipes, writing, or artwork to fhouyang@colby.edu or bring them to the Center for Book & Print during the April 7 First Friday event.

FRINGE FESTIVAL

April 15–29; Various locations

A flurry of creative experimentation: performances, curated experiences, interdisciplinary exploration, popup exhibits, and more! Greene Block + Studios will be the Fringe Festival hub—stop by during these two weeks for swag, a full Festival program, and multidisciplinary arts experiences.

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

AUSTIN FREDERICK AV COORDINATOR

How long you have worked for Waterville Creates?

I started in my current role as AV Coordinator for the Maine Film Center in November 2022, although I might be familiar to some as a former MIFF intern for many years.

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

My typical day involves a lot of tech tasks—checking out the films when they arrive, getting everything ready for the upcoming week of showtimes, and emails. Lots of emails.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy almost everything about my job, but my favorite thing would probably be getting to see our patrons, both new faces and well-known regulars, experience the arts every day!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Either one of two scenarios: 1) standing in the absolute quiet of nature, with nobody else around, just observing the world around me; or, 2) sitting in a dark theater, lost in a film, with popcorn (extra butter and a little salt).

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

Let’s do one of each! Play: Anything written or adapted by Ken Ludwig (non-stop laughs).

Musical: Mamma Mia (it’s a classic!). Movie: Mid-week matinees in the Waterville Opera House during MIFF (no matter the film, the ambience is unrivaled).

Who are your favorite filmmakers?

I’m a fan of older films, so I gravitate toward directors like John Ford, Sergio Leone, and Douglas Sirk. Kelly Reichardt and Bill Morrison are my favorite contemporary filmmakers.

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

This is a wonderful, low-waste craft using recycled cardboard and dried beans, seeds, or grains that you have at home. You can also find seeds outside from trees like red maples when they release their seeds in early summer. Making seed mosaics is a pleasing sensory experience for all ages and a perfect rainy-day activity!

MATERIALS

AN ASSORTMENT OF BEANS, GRAINS, AND SEEDS

CARDBOARD AND/OR COLORED OR BLACK PAPER

TACKY GLUE

MAKE A SEED MOSAIC

DIRECTIONS

1 Gather your materials. Collect seeds of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Rice, beans, bird seed, corn kernels, and sunflower seeds are all great materials for this activity.

Tip: Sorting seeds and beans into small bowls will help you to plan and stay organized.

2 Choose your background. Select a piece of cardboard or colored paper to use as the background for your piece. You can cut it into an interesting shape or leave it as is.

3 Plan your design. Draw a design on the background or experiment with different design ideas by arranging your seeds directly on the background.

4 Glue your seeds. Once you are happy with your design, it is time to glue. Work on your mosaic one section at a time. Squeeze some glue onto the paper, spread it with your finger or a paint brush, and then place your seeds on the glue.

5 Fill the picture with seeds. Continue gluing seeds one section at a time. Use different seeds for each section.

Tip: You can use a small spoon to sprinkle the smaller seeds over the glue.

6 Remove the excess seeds. Once you’re done filling the picture with seeds, let the glue dry completely. Once dry, tilt the background so that any excess seeds slide off the picture. Fill any gaps with glue and more seeds.

7 Show off your artwork! Once your piece is completely dry, display it in your house or give it to a friend.