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Bethel Area Arts and Music

LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM FOSTERS YOUTH ART EDUCATION, ARTIST OPPORTUNITY, AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PERFORMING ARTS

When Kate Webb first arrived in the Mahoosuc region in 2017, she built a yurt and planted roots in a community that reminded her of her time in North Carolina. With a degree in arts management and experience from the Penland School of Craft, Kate was drawn to the mountains, cold weather, and relative affordability of the area. Now as the director of Bethel Area Arts and Music (BAAM), Kate has transformed the organization from a part-time nonprofit into a full-time operation dedicated to enriching the community through the arts.

“We want to provide arts access for locals here so that people don’t have to drive down to Portland for art events,” Kate explains. This mission comes to life through BAAM’s innovative “pay what you can” model, making arts accessible to everyone while fostering a spirit of generosity that directly supports their programming.

Because of BAAM’s partnership with the historic Gem Theater, audiences enjoy everything from live music performances to book releases and readings, with special documentary screenings where directors share their insights. The organization’s commitment to local artistry shines through their seasonal art markets, showcasing the talented creators who call the Mahoosucs home.

Local artist Megan Pollino shows the group of campers how to safely cut block prints for printmaking. (BAAM Summer Camp 2024)

Local artist Rebecca Zicarelli shows Lucho the color she made out of natural paint pigments she made (BAAM Summer Camp 2024)

Local potter Woody Hughes shows campers how to throw clay on the wheel. (BAAM Summer Camp 2024)

One of BAAM’s signature events is the Mahoosuc Art & Agriculture Tour, held on the first Sunday in September. Attendees can purchase a map guiding them to local farms and artists’ studios, creating meaningful connections between agriculture and creativity while supporting farmers at the end of the growing season.

April brings poetry month celebrations, and March features the second Artists in Motion Film Festival. These events, combined with their ongoing programs, ensure that art remains accessible and vibrant in the Mahoosuc region.

The Mahoosuc Way Principles in Action

  • Cultivate Community: BAAM places an emphasis on local connections and helping foster a sense of place through art, along with highlighting local artists at their markets.
  • Be Climate Conscious: BAAM partners with local food producers to help locals and visitors connect with sustainable food practices

Wabanaki performance artist, Firefly the Hybrid, performs during the full moon. Three local students and two adults joined him on stage to help perform a song. (BAAM at The Gem Program)

Artist Robert Shetterly unveils his “Americans Who Tell The Truth” portrait of Bethel’s poet Richard Blanco. (BAAM at The Gem Program)

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What other art and culture experiences exist in our area that you would recommend people explore?

The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum is always great to explore, the Bethel Library houses local pieces, and the Museum rotating exhibitions, and have art throughout the historic houses in our region – really get a sense of Bethel history through it too. If you want to go a little further out, the Lights Out Gallery in Norway is doing some really incredible things.

How can locals and visitors alike experience, participate, and contribute to what BAAM is doing?

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, there are many ways to experience and support BAAM’s mission. Attend an event, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about this remarkable organization that’s helping to cultivate community through the arts.

Experience the arts in the Mahoosucs! Click here to learn more about upcoming events and programs.