NORWAY — One thing is sure, the colors are bright.

“We’re artists,” Western Maine Arts Center President Mike Everett of Auburn said as he stood on top of a ladder with a bright yellow paint brush in his hand. “We want to stand out,” he said.

The former 1866 Norway Upper Primary School, now the Lajos Matolcsy Arts Center at 480 Main St., is home to the Western Maine Arts Group. It is about to reopen again after months of renovations to stabilize the building.

On July 13, the arts center will officially reopen during a ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m. as part of Norway Arts Festival weekend.

The group decided it was time to take the drab gray-green building and create what Everett called a kind of “Margueriteville” effect using a cornmeal yellow color with cobalt blue trim.

“Margaritaville” is a 1977 song by Jimmy Buffet that celebrates the laid-back lifestyle in a tropical climate — a far cry from Norway, but reflective of an artist’s colorful palette.

Two years ago, the art center’s architect advised Town Manager David Holt that unless something was done with the building soon, it could be lost. The town, acting as the funding agent, attempted to secure a $300,000 Community Development Grant to repair the chimney, walls, roof and basement.

The nonprofit Western Maine Art Group was awarded several other grants that allowed renovations to begin. It needed major structural renovations, updated heating, plumbing and electrical systems and handicapped access to the second floor.

Members of the Western Maine Art Group moved last year after the second floor was condemned. The group opened a gallery at 426 Main St. while renovations were underway.

The building became an art gallery and teaching center in 1965 when it was acquired by the Western Maine Art Group, a nonprofit organization.

In 1967, WMAG founded the annual Norway Sidewalk Art Show, the first and longest running show of its kind in the region. It became part of the summer Norway Arts Festival.

The group works with the community at large to make the arts more accessible and provide opportunities for artists and artisans through the Matolcsy Arts Center and other exhibit venues.

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