With new arts center, Waterville cements its resurgence in the creative economy

Kay Stephens, PenBay Pilot, January 20, 2023

If there was one last piece to slide into place to cement Waterville’s place in Maine’s creative economy, it has been the recent opening of the $18-million Paul J. Schupf Art Center in downtown Waterville.

After seven years, Colby College, city officials, business leaders, and Waterville community members have seen their plan come to life with the December 17, 2022 opening. It’s a venture that aims to make art accessible and flexible to all, and in some cases, free. Come join us on a virtual tour.

The three-story glass-enclosed minimalist building hosts three programming divisions and is home to the community arts organization Waterville Creates and its three programming divisions – Maine Film Center, Ticonic Gallery + Studios, and the Waterville Opera House, which is connected by an enclosed sky bridge. Schupf Arts also includes an extension of the Colby College Museum of Art via the Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art.