ArtWaves is a wonderful experience for all ages!
While in Bar Harbor on vacation, my granddaughter and I have had the pleasure of attending 2 amazing workshops. The artist in me had been dormant for many years but not wanting the younger generation to think me a dud, I signed us up and was so glad to have been able to awaken that artsy, silly girl still inside of me. We had so much fun and enjoyed meeting locals who are members.
On our next trip to ME, an ArtWaves workshop was a "must do activity" on our agenda. We have now experienced Painting with Felt and Encaustics. Looking forward to our next art adventure!
Thanks so much to all the instructors and artists and managers who make this wonderful experience happen!
~~LA
ArtWaves supports its community by providing a safe space to engage with art, and create art in a variety of mediums. I'm always surprised by the unique programs they offer, and how they can offer so much with such a small and mighty team and budget! ArtWaves shows that it cares about its members by providing benefits that encourage their process and artistic journey.
I taught a writing workshop for kids there a few summers ago. Girls ages 7-14. I asked them qualities of a good story and they called them out. I wrote them on the whiteboard while one student drew a large Frankenstein's-monster wearing round John Lennon glasses. The girls wrote individual stories, and group stories. We filmed a scripted, choreographed video on my phone. Now when I see those girls in the community, we share a smile. ArtWaves was the place that made that happen.
ArtWaves is truly a community art center! I have been on the Board of ArtWaves for almost a year and have been so impressed with how many different art, craft and dance classes and workshops and community art collaborations have happened since then. People of all ages and levels of experience with the arts come to ArtWaves to create with others -- and when they do, people are happy! In a time when anxiety is high and people have been isolated because of the pandemic, I appreciate ArtWaves paying attention to masking and keeping people safe while also keeping the doors open. I believe that ArtWaves makes a meaningful contribution to year-round quality of life on Mount Desert Island/Bar Harbor.