BELFAST — Bridge, a free afterschool art club at Waterfall Arts, is available to Belfast sixth graders for the second year. The club will meet on Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Students will take a bus to Waterfall Arts after school, and can take the late bus home from Waterfall at 4:30 p.m.

At Bridge, young artists and creatives connect to themselves, each other, and the local arts community. Every week teaching artist Bridget Matros will lead the group in exploring different materials and work styles, helping each student find their own unique voice. As the next generation of local artists and creative minds, club members will have the opportunity to exhibit art work in a gallery show, meet and interview local artists, and attend local arts events.

About the club Matros says, "kids love it because there's no pressure, no limits, no ‘special talent’ necessary to participate in Bridge! Just show up and be yourself."

Last year's artists highly recommend the program: "Some people feel that their artwork isn't worthy of being in front of people and they're afraid. Bridge could be that one stepping stone for you where you could really let yourself be free. That's how it was for me."

Waterfall Arts is able to provide this expanded version of Bridge, plus an entire calendar of free art experiences open to the public, thanks to a generous grant from the Quimby Family Foundation. The grant supports Bridget Matros in a new Youth and Families Outreach coordinator position, which allows Waterfall Arts to share its established resources and serve as a connection between local youth, families and the abundant local art scene.

The fall session runs 14 weeks; there will be another session beginning in January 2015 where more students can sign up.

Space is limited to 12 sixth graders, and spots are taken on a first come, first served basis. All students must have paperwork completed before they are allowed to come to Bridge.

Call Waterfall Arts to register: 207-338-2222; registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 19. Office hours at 256 High Street are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.waterfallarts.org or go to facebook https://www.facebook.com/WATERFALLBRIDGE