For the Fall 2024 season, Merrymeeting will be hosting our second annual artist-in-residence program for Maine artists. In fact, we will be supporting two residencies this Fall; one based out of Topsham/Bowdoinham and the other based out of the Bath/Wiscasset region. As our arts community has expanded over the last few years, we have recognized the need to support Maine artists in a more direct way. Maine artists and the local arts communities we serve are the backbone of our cultural footprint. The more we promote them, by developing opportunities to showcase their work, the stronger our communities will be for it.

Eligibility: Any visual artist living and working in Maine may apply. All types of studio practices are welcome. Current students in accredited post-secondary fine art programs are ineligible to apply.

NOTE: AIR application will be emailed directly to you after registration.

Quick Details:

• Partnering Art Gallery: Merrymeeting Arts Center (Topsham/Bowdoinham residency)
• Partnering Art Gallery: Chocolate Church Arts Center (Bath/Wiscasset residency)
• Type of Residency: Day program for working Maine artists (no living space provided, only studio space)
• Length of Residency: 4 weeks (Sept 2024 for Topsham/Bowdoinham residency, Oct 2024 for Bath/Wiscasset residency)
• Studio space for Topsham residency will be at 35 Republic Ave, 04086; Studio space for Bath residency will be at 34 Wing Farm Pkwy, 04530.
• Artist Stipend: $1,000.00
• Materials Stipend: Up to $250.00 (via reimbursement)
• Marketing Budget: Up to $150.00 (used by Merrymeeting)

AIR Artist Commitments:

• Artist Talk (one night) in the 1st week of residency.
• Public Engagement Activity (one night) in the 2nd week of residency.
• Culminating Project (solo show) in the 4th week of residency.
• One-time donation of one piece from solo show to Merrymeeting.

FMI: Contact Jose Rodriguez Jr. at rodriguezj@link75.org

Application period: 2/1-6/1

Kindness is a superpower that every one of us has. We will explore how “intentional acts of kindness” can transform our friendships, relationships, families, workplaces, schools, and politics. We’ll look at the different forms that kindness can take and share our personal experiences with kindness. We’ll explore the creation of our own “personal kindness practices” as well as collective acts of community kindness that are fun, creative, and meaningful. Students will have the chance to experiment with their kindness practices between sessions. We’ll discuss ways to support each other in rising to our kindest selves, including introduction to a wide variety of inspiring readings, films, and talks. This program meets the first Tuesday of every month between March and August 2024. The workshop fee includes access to all monthly meetings. Attending every meeting is not mandatory; feel free to participate when you can.

BECOME A PREMIER MEMBER TODAY! Join the Merrymeeting PREMIERE Membership Club for only $25! *membership fee is annual.

Membership benefits include:

Early Access: Premier members receive our catalogs digitally prior to public distribution, for exclusive early access to class schedules and offerings (actual registration still limited to public release).

Loyalty Program: Premier members receive 25% off every 6th class they take with Merrymeeting (applies to all classes under $100, excluding certain programs).

Catalog Opportunity: Premier members may submit announcements in our future catalogs, as we are dedicating a page for announcements by our Merrymeeting Premiere members. (restrictions apply, contact us directly for details).

Discount Offer: Premier members receive a 10% discount on any Merrymeeting Youth & Family program (excluding DE and any program over $400; can only be used once annually).

Exclusive Media: Enjoy convenient video workshops, on topics ranging from cooking to meditation, with access to our growing library of media (media library will officially launch May 2023).

Subscription Service: Premier memberships include a free subscription to our latest Merrymeeting Premiere Magazine (exclusive annual online publication emailed directly to club members).

Special Invitations: Premier members will enjoy access to special workshops and events developed especially for them.

Join Catherine to create a unique and beautiful image transfer panel, the perfect gift for a favorite person -- or yourself. On the first night of class we will create a collage background using a variety of vintage and patterned papers to create an interesting background for the design. Once the background has been finished, an image will be chosen to transfer to a wood panel. On the second night of class, and once our transfer completely dries, we'll finish up and we add color using a variety of mixed mediums. Before you leave for the night, your panel will be sealed with a matte varnish to protect it, other options for sealing will be discussed. Workshop is 2 Days: 4/16 + 4/23. All materials included in the $25 materials fee, payable to the instructor.

This three-hour course is for anyone that goes into someone else’s home to do work, repairs, estimates, sales, nursing, or outside the home contractors. How can you be safe? Learn the basics to access the surroundings, stay safe and protect yourself without using a firearm. Part 3 of a 3-part series but can be taken separately. Zoom class, 5:30 – 8:30pm, April 24, 2024.

Are you interested in obtaining a USCG Captain’s License? Do you want to learn the differences between an Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license and a Master 100GT license, and what experience the Coast Guard requires for each? These informational sessions will help answer these questions and others about the two licenses. Also discussed will be the different methods for completing the course requirements. We plan to offer both courses in Maine during the Fall of 2024, representing the Captain School Key West/Miami. This information session is free, but please register in advance, so the instructor knows how many individuals will be attending and can send login instructions.

Get a fun workout in this Latin-based dance fitness class! The instructor will teach basic steps and give cues to get you dancing salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, urban Latin, Caribbean, hip-hop, street funk, and more. This high- energy workout combines cardio, strengthening, and toning while boosting your energy and mood. Dance sneakers recommended. Please note: Sneakers with too much tread don't work as well for dance moves. Join the party!

Discover resilience in challenging times with 'How We Move Forward, Better and Stronger,' a comprehensive three-part series. Part 1 equips participants with tools to identify workplace stressors, build communicative structures, and handle change. Part 2 focuses on challenging negative attitudes, promoting optimism, and coping with organizational norms. In Part 3, learn to navigate difficult workplace conversations for reduced stress, increased confidence, and improved relationships. Elevate your skills for better career opportunities.