Who Are They?: Schoodic Arts for All, Part 5

Ongoing programs

This blog post is part of a series called Who Are They? where information is provided for the Maine Arts Ed blog readers to learn about community organizations and institutions that provide educational opportunities in the arts. You will learn that they are partnering with other organizations and schools to extend learning opportunities, not supplant. Please consider ways in which you can collaborate to provide excellent arts education for all learners.

This is the fifth blog post of the series highlighting the work of Schoodic Arts for All located in Hammond Hall, 427 Main Street in Winter Harbor. This area is called Downeast Maine and Schoodic Arts for All is at the intersection of Hancock and Washington Counties. Schoodic Arts for All is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering interest and involvement in the arts for all who wish to participate.

A ways Downeast there sits a peninsula filled with nature and the arts and hard working people. Schoodic Arts for All seeks to foster and to coalesce various artists and community members to develop an arts center providing year round cultural events and activities that hold value for residents of our community and to encourage participants of all ages to express themselves creatively and gain a lifelong appreciation for the arts and creative spirit. Increasingly, society is recognizing that cultural opportunities are essential to the life of the community. People need assistance to promote and organize opportunities for creative self-expression, and the community realizes the importance of recognizing the talents of their residents. There is considerable evidence that increased leisure is prompting people to look to the cultural arts for skill development, personal satisfaction, recognition, potential income and as a means for lessening stress. The arts offer a way for people to express themselves, communicate with others and develop life skills.

In addition to regularly scheduled events and workshops, there has been within the past few years a number of user generated and directed creative groups formed which have been fully supported by Schoodic Arts for All.

The information in this post provides a picture of the diverse and rich offerings that Schoodic Arts for All provides the community members.

Artists to Entrepreneurs  

Contrary to the stereotype of “starving artists” who’ve given up hope of life’s comforts, a burgeoning category of creative entrepreneurs are building wealth, creating jobs and becoming a major force in the local economy.

The Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA)

This group represents visual artists statewide in all fields of endeavor and welcomes those who support contemporary artists in Maine. The UMVA is dedicated to upholding the dignity of artists, while creating positive social change through the arts. By collaborating with other cultural and political organizations, we raise awareness for significant issues while promoting an inclusive arts community in Maine. We are grassroots and we are active. We fear no art.

Variable Winds Recorder Group

This group promotes the study, practice and appreciation of the recorder. It is for everyone interested in playing, studying or listening to recorder music.

Singing Circle

This circle is a singing community with attitude. We’re a “vocal jam-fest with heart,” a community gathering of folks who form an improvised chorus.

Ukulele Club

The ukulele club is a group of friendly ukulele players who like to socialize, jam, trade music, learn from each other, eat, laugh, sing and play!

Painting Group

The painting group meets weekly with a flurry of painting styles, companionship and learning.

If you have questions about Schoodic Arts for All please contact the Executive Director, Mary Laury at marylaury@schoodicartsforall.org.