July First Friday

At the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street:

5–7pm

Opening Reception for Alive and Kicking at the Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art 

This exhibition brings together three contemporary artists who have never shown together before, but are all remarkable for their punchy, surreal installations. Gladys Nilsson and Catalina Schliebener Muñoz contribute original works, made on-site in the gallery. Their spirited, strange, cartoonish scenes are complemented by Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt’s Mysterium Tremendum (late 1980s), a quasi-autobiographical tale illustrated across 125 aluminum lasagna pans. Each installation incorporates eccentric figuration, whimsical storytelling, and lived experience, illuminating the fantastic in the everyday. For more information, click here.

To register for the special curator’s tour at 5:30, click here!

Tom Jessen in the Ticonic Gallery with At Play

Step into the creative world of artist Tom Jessen as he brings his piece Atsuko to life right before your eyes at Ticonic Gallery. Following the construction of Atsuko, visitors will be invited to become a part of the interactive journey! Participants will be asked to roll dice to determine which materials to use and how they will be arranged on the wall.

All Day: Half off all concessions (except alcohol) at the Maine Film Center.

At Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street:

6:00pm Jazz Concert with Simon Moullier Quartet 

Vibraphonist Simon Moullier is a major new voice on the jazz scene and a multi-faceted improviser, composer, arranger, and producer. He also leads a quartet comprised of Lex Korten on piano, Rick Rosato on bass, and JK Kim on drums—four unique and cohesive personalities that function together as a true unit. He has worked with Gerald Clayton, Ben Wendel, Terri-Lyne Carrington, Buster Williams, Mark Turner, Kendrick Scott, and Miguel Zenon and has released four albums, one of which was nominated in the “Best New Jazz Artist” category at the Jazz Music Awards in 2022.

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 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.