BRIDGTON – Icicles hang off the old metal roof, and a swollen brook rushes through the backyard of the last mill left in Bridgton. Formerly known as the Smith Mill, the building on Kansas Road now houses Affinity Arts, a center owned and operated by Stephen Oliver, former architect and furniture maker who moved to town recently from Rhode Island.

Built in 1867, the old woodworking mill once produced moldings, doors and other architectural millwork until it closed in 1947. According to its new owner, the center now manufactures creativity, connection and hope.

“I wanted to bring people together and do something really creative,” said Oliver, who hopes to invite artists from southern New England and across the country to exhibit alongside local folks. “A mill has the potential to really impact a community. That’s what I want to do here.”

His plans include weekend events where participants can create, connect and make use of other businesses in the area. “Maybe after a day at Affinity Arts, they’ll go out to eat and then see a show at Deertrees,” he said, referring to the theatre in Harrison.

Though renovations have just begun on the building, the Bridgton Art Guild has already held classes here in watercolor, ceramic and decorative painting. “I wanted to get the energy flowing, rather than wait until it was all done,” Oliver said.

Renovations so far have included putting up new walls for a large sunny classroom, studio space and a makeshift library/office on the main floor. Downstairs he envisions a woodworking area, more studios and lots of gallery space. And just outside there’s a patio overlooking Stevens Brook where students can draw inspiration from the natural beauty of an outdoor classroom. Plans also include trails along the river, with sculptures standing at various spots along the way.

Oliver said he is pleased with the support he’s received from the community. With the help of TD Banknorth, he closed on the building last June. “It wasn’t easy for them to write a loan for this kind of project,” he said. In his office, Oliver points to a wooden sign that reflects how he feels about things. “Believe in miracles,” it reads. He smiles and says, “That’s what this project has been like – a miracle.”

For more information, contact Oliver at [email protected].