BRIDGTON — The arts scene in Bridgton is expanding. The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce supplied their giant scissors to allow members of the Arts Center Committee to cut the ribbon to officially welcome the new Arts Center at 187 Main St.

A large crowd of supporters attended the ceremony and reception. The public was introduced to some of the instructors who have been giving classes at the Gallery and now plan to teach at The Arts Center.

Marilyn Turley and Cindy Spencer demonstrated their watercolor techniques, Molly Mains showed some of her linoleum and gelatin prints and tools and Cheryl Johnson kept busy showing her children’s book illustrations that she produces on an electronic Wacom tablet.

Creative knitter Jane Horan perched on a comfy lawn chair in the sun to show off her unique and colorful, soft “eyelash” projects. The long-running “Life Drawing Class” has also been meeting on weekly evenings at their new “home” where the group will resume in the spring after a winter break.

Talented New York-based artist Ian Factor, who summers in Bridgton, attended with his family to inspect the location. His series of oil paintings showing Cape Cod lobstermen at work exemplify his skill at reproducing the strong movement of the body and portraits that take the viewer up close with the sweaty seafarers.

The fall schedule of classes to be held from October through December will be published during the second week of September and will be available daily at Gallery 302. Some offerings will include the always-popular watercolor painting, drawing, printmaking and knitting as well as the unusual and intriguing: voice, toddler music, floor cloth painting, Pysanka-style egg painting, yarn dying, computer art and needle felting.

Workshops led by highly regarded artists from beyond our local area will be offered in the coming year and into the future. The Bridgton Art Guild is the “parent” organization of both Gallery 302 and the new Arts Center, which will house a larger classroom facility with an expanded menu of classes and workshops.

For more information, contact Gallery 302 by mail at P.O. Box 844, Bridgton, 04009, or visit Gallery 302 at 112 Main St. Details about exhibiting, teaching, learning or volunteering can be found at www.gallery302.com, or by attending one of Gallery 302’s First Friday receptions.