Engine reopens our space to community!

Everyone,

I am thrilled to be reopening Engine as a space for creativity and community this summer. What’s on deck:

We kick off the 2021 ArtWalk season on June 18. Biddeford ArtWalk is a free open to the public event celebrating local arts and creativity on the third Friday of the month from 5:30 – 7:30pm June – September! These self-guided walks lead you to some of Biddeford’s working artists, local businesses, and restaurants and cafés exhibiting local artwork. Different every time, an ArtWalk evening may include opening receptions, street performances, and visits to open studios.

We are thrilled to welcome back some of our favorite teaching artists for our Youth Summer Camp Program, including children’s theatre, animation, comics & cartoons for middleschoolers, and portfolio preparation for aspiring teen artists.

Meanwhile, more than 40 artists and makers continue to work out of our affordable studios and community darkroom which are critical spaces for our creative community to thrive. For a window into what is being made inside 163 Main, check out May’s issue of Maine Magazine.

As we emerge from this pandemic together, moving at the speed of safety, Engine asks that all visitors, no matter your vaccination status, wear masks inside our facility. We’re also asking our ArtWalk attendees to be mindful of guidelines at each venue and respect what is asked of us to continue to rebuild the fabric of our public life together.

Want to help us emerge from the pandemic strong so we can contiue to inspire and connect our community through art, design, and education? Here are a few ways to do that:

Become an ENGINEER and join a community of people creating cultural vitality in southern Maine. Membership is one of the most important sources of income for Engine. 100% of this revenue is invested directly into our programs.

Make a donation and support Engine in the important work we’re doing.

I am so looking forward to experiencing the vibrant creative community of Biddeford with you this summer and beyond!


Jess Muise
Executive Director

What people are saying about Engine...

Partnering with UNE, Engine has offered professional level gallery and classroom experiences for undergraduate and local students enrolled in arts classes as well as a venue to see art by both regionally and nationally recognized artists.
Stephen Burt
University of New England
Engine is and has been a focal point of downtown Biddeford for many years for so many artists and creative spirits. It is a go-to for me: a retreat, a destination, a source for connection and ideas and community.
Laura Dunn
Artist
Engine is a wonderful place to work surrounded by wonderful people who have infused so much love and light into the downtown of Biddeford. I cannot imagine a bright future in the town without this wonderful organization.
Savanna Pettengill
Artist & Arts Teacher
Engine fuels the creativity of our city, making it the hub for youth and adults alike to feed their spirits, expand their skills, and create a better future for all of us.
Stephanie Edwards
Community Action Committee