**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**ArtWaves Community Art Center Welcomes Artists-in-Residence**

[Bar Harbor, ME, May 15, 2024] - ArtWaves Community Art Center is thrilled to announce the arrival of its Summer Artists-in-Residence. From June through August, our vibrant community will be enriched by the creative energy and diverse talents of these exceptional artists.

Nestled in the heart of Town Hill, ArtWaves has long been a home for artistic expression and collaboration, fostering a dynamic environment where artists of all backgrounds can thrive. As we prepare for another exciting season, we extend a warm welcome to our newest guest artists, who will contribute to the lively creativity of our community.

The Summer Artists-in-Residence program at ArtWaves provides emerging and established artists the opportunity to engage with fellow creatives. Throughout their residency, artists are encouraged to explore new techniques, push the boundaries of their practice, and engage with the local community through workshops, classes, artist talks, and studio time.

This season, we are honored to host a diverse cohort of artists whose work spans a range of mediums and disciplines. From ceramicists and painters to book artists and mixed media artists, each resident brings a unique perspective and creative vision to our collective space.

Claire Loon Baldwin joins us in June. Claire is an illustrator, designer, and storyteller inspired by the surreal beauty of nature. For years she worked in national parks as an environmental educator and interpretive ranger. Now she strives to inspire environmental action through art. She recently illustrated Live Free, Eat Well, a cookbook by Adam Glick, through DK Publishing. Join us on June 19 for an Artist Talk with Claire and Paint Your Own Lupine on June 21!

ArtWaves will host the Acadia Dance Festival Intensive and rehearsals and creative work of Nimbus Dance during the week of July 22, in preparation for performances at the Criterion Theatre, July 26-27. The Summer Intensive is designed for high-school and college-aged dancers looking to expand their training, explore their artistry, and gain experience in a professional-level dance setting. Faculty are experts in the field who have carefully crafted curricula to help young dancers grow technically, artistically, and professionally. Students learn original choreography with company dancers from Nimbus Dance and perform on Friday, July 26th at the 1932 Criterion Theater as part of the Acadia Dance Festival.

Rainey Rodriguez is a celebrated artist hailing from the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas. With an illustrious career spanning 27 years, Rainey has exhibited widely. Rainey is a recipient of the Primer Paso Fellowship and was awarded Instructor of the Year and Most Creative Artist, both by the Southwest School of Art. In 2014 she established House Paint Art School where students of all levels learn to paint in oils and pastels. Rainey is also an instructor at UTSA Southwest. Rainey will be teaching Painting with Pastels on July 27 and 28 as well as Pastels with Mixed Media. on August 3 and 4.

Susan Keller is a masterful ceramic artist and studio potter with an impressive creative career spanning 25 years. Based in the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, Susan's distinctive pieces are celebrated for their unique blend of functionality, artistry, and bold design.  A graduate of Texas State University, Susan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics. Armed with her formal education and boundless creativity, Susan embarked on her career as a studio potter, setting up her thriving practice in the heart of San Antonio. Susan is teaching Hand Building with Clay  on July 27 and July 31 as well as Ceramic Tile Making and Surface Design on July 28 and July 31.

Anna Low joins us in August. Anna is a Maine-based bookbinder, book artist, and the one-woman creator behind Purplebean Bindery.  When reflecting on the art and artistry of creating books, Anna said “It’s a special joy to think that my blank books inspire people to be creative, to record and celebrate their lives, to commit memories and stories to paper”. Anna's work has been exhibited throughout New England and is held in several library special collections. Join us for Rustic Leather Sketchbooks on August 8 and Gel Plate Printing into Pop-Up Accordion Cards on August 7.

Join us as we celebrate creativity, collaboration, and community at ArtWaves Community Art Center this summer. For more information about our Summer Artists-in-Residence program and upcoming events, visit https://www.artwavesmdi.org/Artist-in-Residence or follow us on social media @artwaves_mdi . 

About ArtWaves Community Art Center:

ArtWaves Community Art Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity, promoting artistic excellence, and enriching the cultural life of Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities. Through our diverse programming, member exhibitions, and educational initiatives, we provide a welcoming space where artists and art enthusiasts can come together to learn, create, and connect.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jenny Walker

Executive Director

ArtWaves Community Art Center

(207) 266-0010

jenny@artwavesmdi.org 

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