WALDOBORO – What do you get when you put meat pies, oil paintings, and over 60 caring citizens into a single space? One very successful community arts potluck, says Medomak Arts Project, a Waldoboro-based nonprofit. While the organization's general mission is to "foster imagination and creativity ... by providing arts education, celebration, and promotion," it was celebration that was the focus of its successful potluck, titled "We Heart Medomak Arts." The event marked a warm closing to February and signaled both the beginning of spring and a new stage of the organization's life in Waldoboro and the Medomak region.

During the event, interim President Oren Robinson offered a festive greeting to attendees and introduced the rest of the board, including vice president Marlies Hunter and members Holly Berry, Jann Minzy, and April Reed-Cox.

Following this, treasurer and secretary Tyson Pease spoke about Medomak Arts programming. "We're excited to see The Space becoming more active," he said in a news release, noting current programs like family game nights, a weekly fiber arts gathering, a linocut printing workshop, and morning yoga from Central Lincoln County YMCA. All of these programs take place in the same setting as the potluck itself, the Space @ No. 9, Medomak Arts' community arts space in downtown Waldoboro.

"While these programs will continue," Pease said, "we've got more in store starting this spring." Highlights include weekly "Drop By and Draw" sessions, a batik fabric dyeing workshop, and ukulele jams. Also in the pipeline is "Finger Lickin' Pickin'," a potluck and concert series launched last summer; a kite-building workshop; and a workshop on writing for visual storytelling.

"But," Pease went on, "a community arts space doesn't exist without you. Medomak Arts is getting the ball rolling, but I invite each of you to think about what kinds of things you'd like to do, to learn, or to even teach to others. Think outside the box, dream big, and then bring those ideas into the Space." Programs already in development from community members include workshops on poetics and bourbon tasting. No. 9 is also a visual arts gallery receiving art submissions to the public. Stay updated on programs, learn more about what's possible at No. 9, and submit proposals online at medomakarts.org.

After Pease's words, board member Melissa Smith, primarily with a science background, talked about the added value of combining a variety of local sectors and interests into one effort like Medomak Arts does. "Each of us brings our own valuable perspective and resources," she said.

Smith emphasized the need for a community of unique individuals to support an organization like Medomak Arts in the many different ways it can. "Money is always good," she said, pointing to a recurring "9 for No. 9" monthly $9 donation that can be made online, as well as larger one-time donations that help cover the costs of chairs, tables, and other equipment. "But there are many ways to donate to the cause," she said. Volunteering hours or lending skills can be invaluable. To learn more and show your support for Medomak Arts, go to medomakarts.org/support.

Smith's words closed the presentation, but the event was long from over. Welcomed by the bustling energy from the board, potluck attendees stayed to eat, talk, and imagine well into the evening. With such a favorable turnout, the early spring thaw is looking to be an exciting time in downtown Waldoboro.

Upcoming Programs from Medomak Arts:
All programs are held at the Space @ No. 9, 9 Friendship Road. For more information, go to medomakarts.org/medomak-arts-programs/.

March
Linocut Printing: Mondays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (full for March, but join in April!)
Drop By and Draw: Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Morning Yoga: Thursdays, 8:00–9:15 a.m.
Family Game Night: Friday, March 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Fiber Arts Gatherings: second and fourth Saturdays, 12:00–2:00 p.m.

Added in April
Introduction to Batik Workshop: Saturdays, April 2 and 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Waldoboro Ukulele Jam: Sundays, 3-4:30 p.m.

On the horizon
Finger Lickin' Pickin': Potluck and Concert Series
Poetics Workshop: The Light within the Light
Kite-Building Workshop
Writing for Visual Storytelling
Bourbon Tasting Workshop