Community
Arts Initiative
The mission
of the Community Arts Initiative of Waterville Main Street is to integrate
and deepen the arts and arts education in downtown Waterville to help
develop the city as a thriving, energetic, commercial, social, cultural
and entertainment destination.
Current
Projects
 Freshwater Arts!
The Community Arts Initiative has worked for the past three years (and continues to work) to develop a top-notch arts education center in Downtown Waterville. Freshwater Arts is currently housed at 33 East Concourse, 2nd floor (above SBS Carbon Copy), where students of all ages can explore pottery, drawing, painting, collage, and much, much more under the guidance of professional artists and expert instructors. (Fall 2006 art class offerings!)
Freshwater Arts Mission : We provide instruction, creation, presentation, and appreciation of the arts for and by the regional community. We demonstrate respect for others and ourselves, honor diversity, encourage initiative, foster creativity at all levels, promote lifelong learning, and support a healthy environment.
Past Accomplishments
Downtown Art Classes
In 2005, the Community Arts Initiative offered a total of 6 weeks of art classes, taught by professional Maine artists, to students of all age, skill, and income levels. Obtaining over $30,000 in grant funds in 2005, the CAI has established its own arts education space on the 2nd floor of 54 Main Street (above SBS) and continues its plans for a permanent arts education center in Downtown Waterville.
Dowtown Art Walks
The Community Arts Initiative of WMSt organized two Downtown Art Walks in the fall of 2004. Several downtown businesses reported record foot traffic, and participants were very impressed with the amount of fine art on display in Downtown Waterville. Appearing below and in the right hand column is a summary of participating locations from the November Art Walk.
Arts-related
Speakers Program
Beginning in the Fall of 2003 and carrying on through Winter 2004, CAI organized a fantastic speakers program, bringing experts in arts & culture related development to Downtown Waterville. Click
here to view the detailed program of speakers.
Community
Mural Project
Local artist Carrie Haberstock led an exciting project to create three
community murals, now on display in empty storefronts along Main Street.
(Click on the photo to the right to enlarge.) Funded by a grant from the
Maine Downtown Center, these murals are meant to brighten empty storefronts
and call attention to available retail space along Main Street.
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