On an exterior wall of Bates Mill #5 is “Hopeful”, a sculptural artwork that emulates a lit-up commercial sign, and one of a dozen or so sculptures and murals found across the Lewiston and Auburn downtowns. 

Made by Lewiston-born-and-raised artist Charlie Hewitt, “Hopeful” is part of a series meant to be “a challenge and a responsibility,” he explains on his website. “To be hopeful requires action, it requires commitment, it requires opening your eyes, it requires being part of something.”

A simple yet fulfilling way to “be a part of something” is patronizing the arts, an easy task in the Androscoggin region. Creativity, accessibility and collaboration are shared values in our cities and towns. You’ll find professional and community theater, an international dance festival and dance schools, a robust “café culture” of poetry readings, lectures and stand-up comedy, symphony performances and a blues festival, museums, galleries and craft fairs.

Celebrate with art

On the last Friday of the month from May to September, Art Walk LA brings artisans and live entertainment to more than 20 venues and outdoor spaces in the shared downtown. Festival Plaza in Auburn hosts concerts, craft fairs and food festivals from spring to autumn as well. 

The annual Maine Blues Festival takes place Father’s Day Weekend in Lisbon, celebrating New England blues musicians, while the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra makes its regional home at the Franco Center, playing at least four concerts a year.

Hit the stage

Considered a cornerstone of city culture for nearly 35 years, the Public Theatre is one of five professional theaters in Maine, presenting six to eight shows a year along with all-ages educational programming.

The Community Little Theater in Auburn is a real local treasure. Now celebrating 85 years, CLT has been a place for generations of friends and neighbors to try something new, make their own entertainment and be amazed by the talent around them.

From arts to academics to athletics, Bates College welcomes the public at hundreds of year-round events on campus and at the Bates College Museum of Art, the Olin Concert Series or the summer Dance Festival that attracts international choreographers, performers, educators, students and attendees. 

Live through history

Alongside public artworks in downtown Lewiston and Auburn is the “Museum in the Streets,” a series of markers in English and French that let you create your own walking tour of local history. At the center of it all is the Maine MILL (Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor), which uplifts the memories of the region’s industrial textile workers. The Androscoggin Historical Society is another steward of the region’s history. The hold over 1,000 cool, old things like antique typewriters, proper lady’s button up shoes and a preserved one-room schoolhouse.

Over in Livermore is the Washburn Norlands Living History Center, a working farm that celebrates the region’s agricultural history and influence of the Washburn family, who were influential in 19th century politics both locally and nationally. Celebrate summer during Strawberry Day in June and feel festive in fall during the Haunted Harvest.

Turn another page

Those that like to curl up with a good book will always be at home in Maine. Quiet City Books is a local, independent seller specializing in secondhand books and unique gifts. Bull Moose, an employee-owned, local media chain, has a location at the Lewiston Mall. Find audiobooks, graphic novels and plenty of music, alongside best sellers. 

And then there are our public libraries, which are much more than reading rooms, full of gathering spaces that are always free and open. Mechanic Falls, Poland, Greene, Lisbon Falls and Turner all have their own local branches. Auburn Public Library runs a Saturday morning bookstore primarily for children, selling used books for under four dollars.  Lewiston Public Library is currently planning a major renovation of the children’s room, an investment made after a survey about community priorities. 

Make an artistic move

The Androscoggin region has attractive advantages for professional and practicing artists. There is lower than average housing costs in urban or rural settings, opportunities for growth and connection at colleges and universities, gorgeous scenery of course, and a central location to easily travel statewide and beyond.

Whether you’re an artist or just artistic, visiting for a day, planning a move or looking for something new to do in your hometown, these are just some of the creative people, unique places and very fun happenings in the region that will leave you inspired and energized. Discover LA Maine and see how you can make a great life for yourself in this growing region.