BELFAST — Waterfall Arts, located at 256 High Street in Belfast, announces the eighth annual Young Artists’ Gallery Takeover, in celebration of Youth Art Month. The exhibition will run through April 6, with an opening reception scheduled for Friday, March 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and offers a chance to meet the artists and their teachers while enjoying light complimentary refreshments. Papa’s Smokehouse food truck will be on site, selling family-friendly fare as well.

The Young Artists’ Gallery Takeover highlights the diverse talents of up-and-coming young artists in Waldo County, showcasing their works in paint, photography, ceramics, and various other mediums. Art pieces from prekindergarten children through 18-year-old artists across the community will be displayed in the windows of downtown Belfast’s merchants and businesses, both galleries at Waterfall Arts, and at the Belfast Public Library. Stanley Buick and the Maine Buick Dealers continue their generous support as lead sponsors of the exhibition.

The annual event not only shines a spotlight on young artists but is also meant to draw attention to the importance of art education and the dedicated work of local art educators. Bridget Matros, Kids and Families Programs Manager and educator at Waterfall Arts, emphasizes the dedication of art teachers in public schools.

“Not only is the rigor of art education and its importance to kids’ development underestimated, but many people don’t realize the physical labor and logistical feats these teachers are doing for our students,” said Matros. “Many of them are driving to two or more schools every week, with different curricula for each grade level – all requiring different materials, set up, and cleanup. It’s exhausting work and truly a labor of love we are so happy to recognize.”

The 2024 show will feature artwork from the following participating schools:

● Belfast Area High School
● Captain Albert Stephens Elementary School
● Cornerspring Montessori School
● Ecology Learning Center
● Hampden Academy
● Leroy Smith Elementary School
● Samuel L. Wagner Middle School
● Searsport Middle and High Schools
● Troy Howard Middle School
● Edna Drinkwater Elementary School
● Morse Elementary School
● Monroe Elementary School

Waldo County art teachers are allowed to submit a limited number of pieces from their schools. All others who would like to enter artwork into the show, please note these requirements:

● ONE piece per Waldo County artist under age 18.

● Artwork must be no larger than 36″x36″
● Flat work must be framed, matted, or mounted on background paper
● Work MUST BE RECEIVED AT WATERFALL ARTS BY FRIDAY MARCH 1
● Work MUST BE PICKED UP by April 19; after that it becomes property of Waterfall and may be disposed of, donated, or used in fundraising efforts
● Work MUST be labeled with forms available in our office. Unregistered work will not be included in the show.

Work can be brought to Waterfall Arts at 256 High Street in Belfast during office hours, 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, or call for a Saturday morning drop-off.

TO SEE THE SHOW:

● Visit Waterfall Arts Tuesday - Friday, 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 11 am-3 pm, or by appointment.
● Visit Belfast Free Library - hours vary and can be found at www.belfastlibrary.org
● Stroll downtown Belfast anytime!
● Find the location of a particular student’s work at www.waterfallarts.org

Funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional thanks to our generous sponsors The Anonimo Foundation, Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, Davis Family Foundation, and Little River Veterinary Clinic.

ABOUT YOUTH ART MONTH:

Established in 1961, Youth Art Month is a national program designed to celebrate visual art education for grades K–12 with a goal to increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in exhibitions, workshops, and other creative ventures.

ABOUT WATERFALL ARTS:

Waterfall Arts is a community arts center that nurtures and inspires creative expression. Welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities, Waterfall Arts offers a range of activities, including classes, exhibitions, art events, performances, public art projects, and open studios in clay, glass, print, and darkroom photography. Providing support to artists and makers to develop and deepen their creative practice, Waterfall Arts can be followed on Facebook or Twitter, visited at waterfallarts.org, or contacted at 207-338-2222.

CONTACT:
Bridget Matros Katherine Devereux, MPS
Kids & Families Program Manager Marketing Manager
bridget@waterfallarts.org katherine@waterfallarts.org
207-338-2222 207-338-2222 ext. 105