BELFAST — Amidst the changes and unknowns wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Waterfall Arts has just received a vital grant through Jane’s Trust for $100,000 towards its upcoming facility renovations and operational support. 

Last year, Waterfall Arts was awarded a $350,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up and revitalize its 84 year old former Governor Anderson School building and make energy-efficient improvements. This project is one piece of the larger Waterfall Rising campaign, according to Waterfall Arts, in a news release.

The goal of Waterfall Rising is to transform our building into a fresh, beautiful, self-sustaining and accessible home for experiencing and producing art; a place where all are welcomed; a community arts space like no other; a place where the future begins.

In addition to funding renovation efforts that follow with the EPA Cleanup Grant, this gift from Jane’s Trust will help sustain the modified outlay of Waterfall Arts community programming throughout the uncertainty of the pandemic timeline. Since the pandemic began and the building had to shut its doors to the public, the small but mighty team refocused their programming efforts with virtual content, ranging from virtual gallery tour to online open call exhibition to artist interviews over Zoom. 

“At this pivotal time in our organization’s operation, we are honored and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue programming and renovations towards a better, safer space – in large part due to Jane’s Trust. It couldn’t come at a better time as Waterfall Arts moves forward with capital improvements for our beloved facility,” said Kim Fleming, executive director, in a news release.

An ambitious summer lineup of programs began with safe and creative outdoor camps for kids, and has continued with a variety of programs, offering a range of outdoor art classes and new dialogue-based meetups in downtown. Harold Garde, the visionary, local art maven at 96 years old, is exhibiting a show of new, never-before-seen works at the end of August in Harold Garde: Maine Master. Following the Garde show is an anniversary exhibition celebrating the ArtFellows – a vanguard of Belfast artists from the 80s and 90s celebrating 40 years – and all of these programs would not be possible without the extra support from Jane’s Trust.

To learn more about the Waterfall Rising Capital Campaign, and to support the continued efforts of sustaining creative programming in Midcoast area that is now reaching new audiences and heights – visit the website at waterfallarts.org.

Launched in 2000 and currently celebrating 20 years, Waterfall Arts is a community arts center that offers resources to students, professionals, and arts enthusiasts of all ages. Opportunities include classes, exhibitions, art events, performances, open community studios (clay, print, and darkroom photography), public art projects, and more. 

Web: https://waterfallarts.org

Facebook: facebook.com/waterfallartsmaine

Instagram: instagram.com/waterfallarts/