PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Wintergreen Arts Center recently received a $4,000 grant from the Aroostook County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. Monies from this grant have been designated toward transforming the historic Wight Furniture building in downtown Presque Isle into a community arts center, and brings Wintergreen closer to its fund-raising goal of $106,834.
After its founding in 2006, the Wintergreen Arts Center was located in the Aroostook Centre Mall. There they offered children, adults and teens art education programs, community events, Saturday Open Studios, field trips, and birthday parties. In 2008, thanks to a donation of a 10-year lease featuring free rent and utilities from a downtown landlord, they were offered the opportunity to move to a more permanent location in the heart of downtown Presque Isle.
The new location offers historic charm and a central location. Visitors are greeted with a flood of natural light, river views, wood floors, tin ceilings, and room to expand in the future. However, because years of vacancy have left its mark, the building is in dire need of repair. With this recent grant, Wintergreen will be able to implement its extensive plans to restore the interior and build a fully furnished art studio, a gallery space for children and adults, a “Poet’s Corner,” a small stage called the “PlayHouse,” and a fully accessible bathroom and entryway. New programs are also in development, such as comprehensive after school art classes in collaboration with Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Department and a year-round Visiting Artist Program slated to begin when the arts center concludes its capital campaign and reopens later this year. Anyone seeking more information regarding the Arts Center or wishing to make a donation can visit the Web site at www.wintergreenarts.org or call Lara Cannon at 551-0936.
The Aroostook County Committee was created in 1986 by Aroostook County businesses and individuals who wanted to ensure that The County would have local charitable resources to address issues and challenges unique to the area. Over the years, the fund has grown to more than $500,000 and more than $274,000 has been awarded in grants to organizations such as Aroostook Youth Football, Caribou Pet Rescue, Helping Hands for Children and Families, and SAD 27 Fort Kent Elementary School, among others. The committee is made up of local leaders, knowledgeable about their communities, and is considered to be the Maine Community Foundation’s representatives for the Aroostook County area.
Currently celebrating 25 years of partnership with donors and non-profits, the Maine Community Foundation is a statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth, Augusta and Portland. Over the years they have served thousands of people who share a common mission: improving the quality of life in our state. Today, the foundation’s assets of $200 million are held in stewardship for more than 800 funds. More information about the Maine Community Foundation or the Aroostook County Fund can be found on the Web site at www.mainecf.org.
