Heart of Biddeford Announces the Launch of Art of Biddeford

Biddeford, Maine — Heart of Biddeford (HOB) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new initiative, Art of Biddeford, a program designed to connect the community through the arts, foster creativity, and build equitable access to arts entrepreneurship. The project builds upon Biddeford’s rich artistic history and deep cultural roots, laying the foundation for an even more vibrant and resilient community.

Biddeford’s arts community has long reflected the diverse culture of its residents. In 2010, Tamsyn Bodwell and local artists and supporters catalyzed the city’s creative economy by founding Engine, which activated Main Street with gallery spaces, events like Maker Faire and Pecha Kucha, and ambitious projects like rehabilitating the Marble Block Building. Engine, like many nonprofits, faced challenges when its founders moved on in 2019. After the additional burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board of Engine decided it could not continue in its present form.

Engine’s outgoing Board President Sarah LaFortune says, “HOB is the ideal steward to continue the work Engine started. We are confident that HOB will not only continue what Engine has built, but the arts will thrive under their leadership.”

In October 2024, HOB began meeting with over 40 local artists, supporters, and members of Better Biddeford to explore the future of Biddeford’s arts scene. “When a train is moving forward and it’s welcoming, people are enthusiastic to get on board,” said HOB’s director, Delilah Poupore. “We’ve seen longtime artists and newcomers feel confident bringing forward their ideas and hopes when they see logistical pieces are being put into place.”

Heart of Biddeford Board President Scott Thibeau highlighted the groundwork laid by arts organizations and businesses like Engine, Common Roots Studio, Mill Studio Arts, and Mill Pond Ceramics. “The art scene in Biddeford is primed for this next step,” he said. “The work is already happening, and we’re here to help shore up the infrastructure for artists and community members alike.”

First Steps for Art of Biddeford

Poupore says the vision for Art of Biddeford centers on engaging audiences’ imaginations, fostering critical dialogue, and ensuring equitable opportunities for artists. The first year will focus on:

• Hosting arts events, including Art Walk and Fringe Fest

• Securing funding and technical support for artists

• Piloting and researching feasibility for a gallery location with artist workspace

• Integrating the arts into creative problem-solving initiatives

• Expanding youth engagement in the downtown through the arts.

Poupore explained that while HOB will lead many initiatives, local artists and business owners are also stepping up by serving on committees. In addition, people like Nick Blunier of Common Roots Studio have expressed interest in cultivating a “decentralized gallery” in downtown businesses, the city has formed a Public Art Commission, and another artist is exploring forming an artist union.

New Logo, Same Heart

Art of Biddeford will also unveil its new logo, designed by local artist Kanya Zillmer. Inspired by HOB’s 20th-anniversary logo that Zillmer also created, it reflects Art of Biddeford’s fresh, artistic identity while staying rooted in the organization’s legacy.

Launching at WinterFest

Art of Biddeford’s first programs will debut during Biddeford WinterFest, February 8–9, 2025. Hosted at The Foundry at 30 Upper Falls Road, with support from Port Property and Reveler, the venue will feature a gallery, performances and a maker’s faire from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. :

• “What’s Old is New Again,” a curated exhibition by local artist Julie K. Gray showcasing works by Asherah Cinnamon (Limington), Laura Dunn (Biddeford), KJ Shows (Kennebunk) and Hannah Hirsch (Biddeford). Each artist utilizes re-purposed, gifted, and found materials and breathes new life and meaning into them. Gray says that by paying homage to the past, these artists build new ideas and artworks from the raw/discarded/found/natural materials around us that are often overlooked or under-appreciated. “With respectful nods to the past, we build a hopeful future and discover what can be new again.”

• Performances by Subcircle, a local dance company. Subcircle will be offering an improvisational “performance playground” with a chance for community participation. Come see some local dancers play inside an ever changing landscape and be part of the fun by helping to create the environment. Performances will take place throughout the day Saturday and from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday.

•  The Faire at the Foundry, which will be an opportunity for dozens of artists, crafters, and makers to not only share their work with the public, but also reconnect and network with each other.

In addition, Heart of Biddeford will host a walking tour called “Sweets, Streets and Stories” on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. that culminates at The Foundry. The downtown tour will have stops at public art pieces, historical locations, and a few retail shops to fill up a specialty box of chocolates from Edelweiss Pastry Shop along the way. The $30 ticket is available on Eventbrite and includes four pieces of chocolate, tastes of wine or sparkling beverages, and the chance to learn about the historic significance of the downtown as well as how public art pieces came together and the work of the arts organizations, artists, and leaders who came before us. Proceeds from tickets will help fund Art of Biddeford programs.

A Call to Action

HOB invites the community to support Art of Biddeford by attending events, engaging with local artists, and contributing their ideas and resources. Local artist Rebecca Cote, who has been involved in the evolution of Art of Biddeford says, “The arts are an antidote to the stresses and divisiveness we often experience in our lives.” A believer in the creative process, Cote emphasizes art’s ability to weave community together. “Our unique individual and collective creativity are expressed in so many ways. With Art of Biddeford, we invite the community to cultivate an artist’s perspective and help create something remarkable together.”

For more information on Art of Biddeford, visit www.heartofbiddeford.org/ArtofBiddeford or contact Delilah Poupore at director@heartofbiddeford.org or 207-284-8520.

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