The Emery Community Arts Center– What you Might not Know

Photo from the University of Maine at Farmington’s website.

September 19, 2023

Jessica MacDonald, Contributing Writer

The Emery Community Arts Center (ECAC) is an art gallery on the UMF campus that is loved by many, and will not disappoint its guests. 

The Fall 2023 semester has begun. Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and even returning students may wonder what this campus has to offer for entertainment. ECAC Director Ann Bartges spoke on the importance of the center, for students, community members, and artists alike. 

“The Emery Center is a really special space because it is both simultaneously an academic arts space and also a community arts space… there’s a really vibrant, rich art community here… artists, art lovers…” Bartges said.  

Bartges spoke in particular detail about a past event, BeaverMoth. It premiered last year and was a hit– the venue was packed. BeaverMoth is a live storytelling event of true stories given without notes. 

Bartges emphasizes her encouragement for students to attend these events and exhibitions offered at the Emery Community Arts Center. Most events are free or under $5. 

“I’m always thinking about our students, and what I can offer them to engage them in the arts,” Bartges said. 

Her goal is to “bring people together in the lens of the arts.” Bartges spoke about past events that she enjoyed in particular. Artwork from the Iran area that served as a medium of political protest spoke volumes to Bartges, and was a particular attention-grabber. Other events she noted were “Reimagining the Real,” a take on realism, “Inner Fragments,” the “Mt. Blue High School show,” and “Dona Seegers: A Celebration of Art and Life” which displayed artwork from past UMF art professor Dona Seegers, who passed away earlier this year. 

As the director, these shows have meant a lot to Bartges and she hopes that more students will come to enjoy the space. She was unable to pick a favorite show when prompted, and even compared it to when your kids ask you which is your favorite child. 

“You just can’t say.” 

To see the full calendar of events, visit https://wpsites.maine.edu/emerycommunityartscenter/ 

Next upcoming events:

Sept. 20: Artist Talk with Annie Lee-Zimerle and Brian Zimerle, 1 p.m. (as well as their exhibition remaining in the gallery until Nov. 2)

Sept. 24: Guitarist Liam Grant, “Amoskeag” Album-Release Tour, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: BeaverMoth Live Storytelling Event, 6:30 p.m.