WILTON — The work of 23 local artists now lines the walls of the Western Maine Community Action administration building in East Wilton as part of their 45th anniversary celebration.

The display, The Art of Community Action, will continue until October, said employee and artist Jennifer Wadsworth, who organized the display. The works of artists from Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin counties are included, lining the walls of the former elementary school.

A gathering of artists, board members and community members toured the display Thursday night and celebrated the success of an organization dedicated to advocating, strengthening and coordinating resources that will assist in promoting self-sufficiency and independence of people.

WMCA is one of 10 Community Action Agencies in Maine that provide services to low and moderate income people in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

“We’ve had 45 years of success because of all of you,” Fen Fowler, executive director of WMCA, told those gathered.

Started in 1964 through the Kennedy administration’s War on Poverty and signing of the Economic Opportunity Act, there is now a network of more than 1,000 Community Action agencies throughout the nation.

WMCA partners with 124 organizations to change lives in a world where people need help to face economic issues and other problems, according to WMCA materials. The exhibiting artists bring inspiration and promote creativity in those involved in the fight against poverty.

“May was National Community Action month recognizing the Power of Partnerships,” as employees help people change their lives in areas such as housing and energy services, career center services, health and nutrition services and community services such as Operation Santa Claus, senior food commodities, homelessness assistance and others.

abryant@sunjournal.com


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