May First Friday
Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street:
5–7pm
Opening Reception for Painted Fiction
Curated by artist Barbara Sullivan, Painted Fiction celebrates the work of over a dozen dynamic Maine artists who are redefining the timeless art of painting with fresh, imaginative, and innovative approaches. Come enjoy light refreshments and meet some of the artists in person! For more info, click here.
5:30–7pm
Braiding Circle with Verónica Perez
Join artist Verónica Perez for a special braiding circle workshop! Braiding Circles are community workshops that invite open conversations, community connections, and interdependency. Focus on braiding a three-strand braid while conversing about identity, experience, and belonging. The work created and the stories shared will become part of an exhibition in the Ticonic Gallery in 2026! All are welcome. For more info, click here.
5–7pm
Opening Reception for Whimsical Monsters of Winslow
Join us for a celebration of creativity and collaboration featuring more than 25 imaginative “monster” creations by students from Winslow Elementary, Winslow Junior High, and Winslow High School.
This unique multi-age project brought together young artists across the district: third graders dreamed up and designed original monsters, high school students brought them to life through painting, and junior high students transformed them into 3D prints and clay sculptures. Musicians from the schools even composed original pieces inspired by each creature, adding another layer to these whimsical works.
The public is invited to explore the exhibition, meet some of the student artists, and enjoy light refreshments.
5-7pm Monster Art Making!
Come make a monstrous creature sculpture with Colby College Museum of Art.
7:30pm
Once Upon a Mattress
The musical Once Upon a Mattress is a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, in this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea. Come for the songs and stay for some side-splitting shenanigans.
All day
Half-off Concessions at the Maine Film Center (except alcohol)
Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street:
5pm- What’s the Vibe is a neon installation created by Colby Arts Associates
6pm- Bomba de AquÍ community workshop and performance! Bomba de AquÍ is a dance and music company that performs and teaches Afro-Puerto Rican traditions throughout western Massachusetts and central Connecticut area. They provide workshops at public schools, colleges, churches and other community venues. They educate the community about the history of Afro-Puerto Rican music, foster understanding of the richness of Puerto Rican arts, and encourage active participation in that heritage. Students from José Martinez music class will be participating and playing music with the artists!
For more info, check here!
What are First Fridays?
First Fridays celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville through a wide array of arts experiences. On the first Friday of every month, visit Main Street in downtown Waterville to meet artists, see performances, listen to live music, eat delicious food, shop at local businesses, enjoy the arts, and come together as a community.