NORWAY – The Matolcsy Art Center will hold the first of its First Friday Art Walks starting June 4 with Imagine This!

It is an invitational Quilts and Fiber Arts show featuring some of the state’s most talented and original fiber artists.

“This summer we are joining with the Commons Cooperative to have our opening receptions on the same first Fridays of every month, making it a true celebration of the arts in downtown Norway,” said Norway artist Pat Chandler, a member of Western Maine Art Group’s board of directors.

Candles in containers will light up the street, leading from one gallery to another, she said. Both galleries are located just a short distance from one another on either side of Advertiser Square.

Music and food will be offered at both galleries. The Western Maine Art Group receptions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., with the Commons receptions held from 7 to 9 p.m.

“We are delighted to bring this new and exciting approach to our gallery,” Chandler said. In meetings over the winter and spring, she said, “Much time and effort has been spent in making the Western Maine Art Group a vital part of the region, both as a fine arts center and educational center for students.”

Since 1967, the Western Maine Art Group has encouraged enhancement of the arts in Norway and surrounding communities. The gallery, a historic landmark, was refurbished in the spring of last year with fresh paint and track lighting.

Throughout October the gallery will house works of accomplished area artists in the Western Maine Art Group cooperative, and will put on special invitational shows and artist talks.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, phone the center at 743-5411.