What role do the arts play in making Waterville a great place to work, live, and play? Waterville’s art and culture sector is on the rise thanks to increased investment and collaboration, and is becoming increasingly important to the community’s identity and economy. This event brings stakeholders together to explore what’s worked so far, what might happen next, and how best to continue building – together.
The Full Schedule of Events:
3:00-3:30 – Reception View the Together and Playscape art exhibitions at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center while enjoying Roslyn and Lucy Manalo, members of the Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra, perform violin duets. Appetizers and refreshments from Wild Clover Café and Bixby Chocolates.
3:30-4:30 – Program (Part I)
3:30-3:35 – Welcome (Peter Bruun)
3:35-3:55 – Portraits of Young Waterville Artists Performances by three Waterville artists (Julia Badaraco, John Logan, and Jonas Maines), followed by reflections on their paths as performers in Waterville and their hopes for the new generation of creative energy in Waterville.
3:55-4:05 – Recognizing Waterville Area Art Teachers Serena Sanborn (Manager of Outreach and Community Partners) and Lisa Wheeler (Education Manager), both of Waterville Creates, pay tribute to Waterville area art educators, including remarks by Waterville art teachers and Sue Barre, Chair of Waterville Public School’s Visual and Performing Arts Department.
4:05-4:15 – Arts Entrepreneurship & Belonging Elizabeth Jabar of the Hinge Collaborative and members of the Waterville Area Art Society share their beliefs about a well-connected arts community and their work towards building it.
4:15-4:30 – Together: Reflections on a Community-Facing Art Project Having spent a year immersed in Waterville creating Together, Peter Bruun offers observations on what he’s learned.
4:30-4:45 – BREAK
4:45-5:45 – Program (Part II)
4:45-5:10 – Arts, Smarts, and Hearts Shannon Haines (President + CEO, Waterville Creates), Teresa D. McKinney (Diamond Family Director of the Arts, Colby Arts), and Beth Finch (Head Curator, Colby College Museum of Art) share plans, hopes, and dreams for their institutions and Waterville before inviting the audience into a community conversation.
5:10-5:40 – Community Conversation (moderator Rebecca Green, City Council President)
5:40-5:45 – Closing Music (Sue Barre on French horn, Rebecca Green on piano)