This summer, Waterfall Arts invites audiences to rediscover the transformative power of play with "Press Play", a dynamic group exhibition featuring artists Tara Morin, Tori Marsh, and Tom Jessen.

“Press Play is an invitation for our audience to rediscover the magic of play,” says Waterfall Arts Program Director Amy Tingle, in a news release. “Tara Morin, Tori Marsh, and Tom Jessen encourage visitors to reconnect with their inner child—embracing curiosity and wonder as essential tools for navigating the complexities of contemporary life.”

The exhibit will be viewable June 26 - August 29, 2026. An Opening Reception and Summer Open House will be held Friday, June 26, from 4 - 7 p.m., at Waterfall Arts, in Belfast.

"In a world that often undervalues playfulness, the exhibition offers an invitation to embrace joy, creativity, and discovery as essential ways of engaging with ourselves, one another, and the wider world," said Waterfall Arts.

Tom Jessen describes his work as “a kind of teeter-totter where I play with seriousness and irreverence, control and chaos, determined static structure and fluid organic choices.” Using chance operations such as rolling dice to guide color and compositional decisions, Jessen explores agency, unpredictability, and the “game” aspect of artistic creation. “This keeps the end results fun and mysterious to me,” he says.

“For me, to ‘Press Play’ meant giving myself a chance to explore, make mistakes, and investigate,” says Tori Marsh. “It was an opportunity to let down my guard to make some silly pieces I have always wanted to try or expand on my work in different ways.” Marsh’s contributions include her signature cartoon-inspired animal figures alongside renewed explorations in sewing and textiles.

“Press Play is an activating title rather than a descriptive one,” says Tara Morin. “A verb rather than a noun.” Morin describes the phrase as an invitation to begin—to engage, experiment, and participate. “‘Press Play’ as a title is an invitation.”

"While play and creative experimentation are often dismissed in adulthood, they remain foundational to resilience, emotional well-being, and social connection," said the news release. "Through creative play, we learn to approach challenges with openness, imagination, and adaptability."

The exhibition extends beyond the gallery through an expansive season of supporting classes, workshops, and community events inspired by the spirit of Press Play. Waterfall Arts’ summer programming encourages participants of all ages to engage in exploration, creativity, and collaborative making.

PRESS PLAY Inspired Classes & Events

• Photo Walks & Film Darkroom Basics — June 27

• It's A Wrap  (Rock Wrapping Workshop) — July 7

• Glassblowing Workshop: Make a Pint Glass— July 7

• Playdate with a Sketchbook — July 9

• Watercolor: Bird by Bird — August 21

• Off-site partnership with Colonial Theater screening Pee-wee’s Big Adventure— July 12

Introducing the Inaugural ART Parade (*Permit Pending)

Join the Waterfall Arts community on August 15, at 6:30 p.m., for the first annual ART Parade — a celebration of whimsy, imagination, and collective creativity inspired by the playful spirit of PRESS PLAY.

"Come and be dazzled by sculptural paper lanterns that will be created in our community arts workshops led by visiting artist Valeska Populoh in July," said Waterfall Arts. "We welcome all ages' participation! We invite you to wear twinkle lights, to carry your own paper lantern illuminated with LED lights, to play an instrument or carry wind chimes. Bang a drum. Wear a paper mâché mask. Carry a puppet from the Community Puppet Library in Rockland. Bring your sense of wonder and delight and help us light up the night!" 

The lantern and puppetry parade will process from the Waterfall Arts front lawn to the footbridge—aglow with handmade art, movement, and community magic. Participants can prepare through a series of hands-on workshops designed to spark imagination and joyful collaboration. Existing costumes, lanterns, and puppets are welcomed, as well.

Featured ART Parade workshops include:

• Family Lantern Making Workshop — July 9

• Beginning Paper and Reed Lanterns — July 9 & 11

• Paper Mâché on Parade  — July 28

• Puppets on Parade  (With Press Play artists Tara Morin & Tori Marsh) — August 15

Whether carrying a glowing lantern, wearing an elaborate mask, or marching alongside a fantastical puppet companion, participants are invited to rediscover the delight of making, imagining, and playing together.

Through exhibition, workshops, and community celebration, Press Play invites audiences to embrace the jubilant and transformative qualities of creative play — fostering deeper connections to ourselves, our communities, and the shared ecosystems we inhabit as interdependent species on this planet.

For more information about Press Play, classes, and upcoming events, please visit waterfallarts.org.

Waterfall Arts |  256 High Street | Belfast, Maine 04915