Creative Cafe at the YMCA (Formerly Community Art Time)

We have moved our community open studio to a fully accessible space, thanks to our partners, Waldo County YMCA!

For two hours a week, adults of all abilities and skill level are warmly welcomed to this diner-inspired gathering place for creative exploration.

Visit the “buffet” of art supplies and see what speaks to you.

Peruse the “menu” of inspiration if you have no idea where to start!

Try your hand at the “weekly special” – a low-pressure project led by your hostess.

The atmosphere is relaxing and social, with coffee and tea available. Visitors are welcomed to play and explore, or to rekindle an old creative spark and learn new skills.

Studies have shown that engaging in art activity lowers blood pressure, increases mood, staves off dementia, builds social connections, and increases immune response.  This program really is for anyone and everyone who would like to reap those benefits in a relaxed, low-commitment setting.

Admission is free.

A donation jar is at the door and any contributions are appreciated.

No membership for the YMCA is necessary, just check in at the front desk!

About your hostess:

Bridget Matros has been an educator for twenty years, in settings ranging from preschools for homeless children to community centers for seniors with dementia. A published advocate for quality creative development in early childhood, Bridget has conducted trainings and created resources for teachers and parents, empowering them to raise critically thinking problem-solvers. She taught art and music in a Montessori school for four years before coming to Waterfall Arts full time as the the Kids & Families Programs Manager. Here she runs camps, family workshops, afterschool programs, and public events. Ms. Matros is also a trained member of Maine Arts’ Commission’s “Creative Aging” teaching artist roster. With a degree in Social Psychology from Oberlin College, her focus with all audiences is to customize experiences to activate the therapeutic and developmental powers of art.

To ensure this and other outreach programs like it can continue to serve our community, consider sponsorship!

Contact the Waterfall Arts office at 338-2222.