ROCKLAND — The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) will be closed temporarily for repairs following a break in the water main that occurred inside the building early Saturday, January 19.  

CMCA said no works of art were damaged. All artwork on display has been moved to the Starfire climate-controlled art storage facility in Rockland, the gallery reported.

“CMCA expresses its deep gratitude to Jake Dowling and the crews of Dowling Walsh Gallery and Starfire for their professionalism and assistance in the prompt movement and storage of the art,” the gallery said.

On Jan. 19, first responders were alerted of the situation following a report of water flowing from the building.

"Assistant Fire Chief Adam Miceli and the Rockland Fire Department moved quickly to limit the damage and secure the museum so that we could safely remove the artwork and begin the process of cleaning up,” said  Suzette McAvoy, CMCA's executive director, in the release. 

McAvoy also thanks Cold Mountain Builders, Central Maine Power, Hedstrom Electric, ELCO Electric, Thayer Corporation, Maine Water, Norris A. Preble, and Superior Restoration Services for their efforts to immediately begin repairs.

"Thanks to the speed of everyone's responsiveness, the water was cleared from the building and the heating and electrical systems were back up and running within hours," she said.

Additionally, McAvoy thanked the community for coming together to support CMCA during the incident.

"I am grateful to everyone who stopped by to offer their assistance and help,” she said. “I especially thank Joanne Billington, of Allen Insurance and Financial, for her support and guidance, and Jen Rockwell, at Main Street Markets, for delivering food and beverages for the workers. The true quality of Rockland's community spirit was visible today. We are grateful to call this town home."

CMCA will be closed temporarily while repairs are made.

Sam Vail, CMCA's director of development and marketing said: "We will continue to keep our members and the public abreast of the situation. In the meantime, the Biennial Exhibition continues to be available for viewing through the 3D Virtual Tour on our website, cmcanow.org. We encourage folks to utilize the 3D Virtual Tour while the museum is closed and we extend a sincere thank you to our supporters who made this opportunity possible."  

For more information, please contact Sam Vail, Director of Development and Marketing: svail@cmcanow.org or 207-322-8190.

CMCA is a contemporary arts institution presenting year-round exhibitions, engaging events, and educational programs for all ages at 21 Winter Street, in Rockland.