RUMFORD – The River Valley Arts Council plans to kick off a drive to make the region aware of the growing arts movement with a special performance and guests in May.
A performance by Farmington’s Nordica Trio, a classical music ensemble, will highlight the afternoon of May 21 filled with a photo exhibit and open house in the historic municipal auditorium.
“We want to engage people,” said council member Linda Macgregor, at Tuesday afternoon’s meeting.
Jennifer Christiansen from Portland’s Maine College of Art, will also be present to announce its plans for a partnership with the River Valley.
For several months, Town Manager Stephen Eldridge and the arts council have been working with the college to bring classes, workshops or some other art-related activities to Rumford.
Along with the Nordica Trio performance, about 20 photographers will have their work on display in the auditorium, and the Pennacook Art Center is expected to reopen its art gallery in celebration of the official launching of the arts council. The gallery, which has featured artists from throughout the area for more than 18 months, is currently being transformed into an artists’ cooperative and expects to reopen in late spring or early summer.
Invitations are being sent to Maine’s congressional delegation and governor as well as to local state legislators, boards of selectmen, school boards and many other local and regional organizations. The general public is also invited to attend and learn about the area’s arts-related efforts.
The council, now with five members, will be expanded to about 15 prior to the May 21 performance and launching of the council. New members will be drawn from River Valley art and music groups, as well as from library groups.
The council was formed as an umbrella organization for the region’s many fine art and performing arts groups. It grew from a survey of local artists and artisans conducted by council member Becky Welsh several years ago, which revealed the presence of hundreds of artists, musicians, writers and crafts people living and working in the 10-town area.
The council has nonprofit status under the town.
In the meantime, Macgregor is seeking a grant from the Maine Community Foundation that would be used to set up a space for the group and help publicize the River Valley’s arts community.
The group meets next at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Municipal Auditorium.
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