Heart of Biddeford launches Art of Biddeford

With the closing of long-time Biddeford arts non-profit Engine, another local non-profit has launched an initiative to continue the support of art in the city.

Engine was co-founded in 2010 by Tamsyn Ackerman Bodwell. She was inducted into the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center Hall of Fame and acknowledged as transforming Biddeford’s art scene. Under Bodwell’s tenure as executive director, Engine had a physical downtown presence with studio space and an art gallery, and hosted community events and youth art programs.

Bodwell left the organization in 2020. In 2023, the organization left its downtown space and continued with a “decentralized” approach to support local artists.

In a City Council meeting last week, Delilah Poupore, executive director of local downtown organization Heart of Biddeford, announced that Engine had legally dissolved, and Heart of Biddeford was launching a new initiative called Art of Biddeford.

The new initiative is designed to “connect the community through the arts, foster creativity, and build equitable access to arts entrepreneurship," according to the press release.

 “Heart of Biddeford is the ideal steward to continue the work Engine started. We are confident that Heart of Biddeford will not only continue what Engine has built, but the arts will thrive under their leadership,” said Engine’s outgoing Board President Sarah LaFortune in a written statement.

Heart of Biddeford met with more than 40 local artists, supporters and members of Better Biddeford in October 2024 to explore the future of Biddeford’s arts scene, according to the press release.

 “When a train is moving forward and it’s welcoming, people are enthusiastic to get on board,” said Poupore in a written statement. “We’ve seen longtime artists and newcomers feel confident bringing forward their ideas and hopes when they see logistical pieces are being put into place.”

Poupore said the vision for Art of Biddeford centers on engaging audiences’ imaginations, fostering critical dialogue, and ensuring equitable opportunities for artists. She said the first year of the initiative will focus on hosting events like Art Walk and Fringe Fest, securing funding and technical support for artists, researching feasibility for a gallery location with artist workspace, integrating arts into creative problem-solving initiatives and expanding youth engagement in the downtown through the arts.

WinterFest

Art of Biddeford’s first programs will debut during Biddeford WinterFest, Feb. 8–9. Hosted at The Foundry at 30 Upper Falls Road, with support from Port Property and Reveler, the venue will feature a gallery, performances and a maker's faire from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day.

“What’s Old is New Again,” a curated exhibition by local artist Julie K. Gray, will showcase works by Asherah Cinnamon, Laura Dunn, KJ Shows and Hannah Hirsch. Each artist utilizes re-purposed, gifted, and found materials and breathes new life and meaning into them.

Subcircle, a local dance company. Subcircle will be offering an improvisational “performance playground” with a chance for community participation. Performances will take place throughout the day Saturday and from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday.

Heart of Biddeford will host a walking tour called “Sweets, Streets and Stories” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 that culminates at The Foundry. The downtown tour will have stops at public art pieces, historical locations, and a few retail shops to fill up a specialty box of chocolates from Edelweiss Pastry Shop along the way. Tickets are available on EventBrite. Proceeds from tickets will help fund Art of Biddeford programs.

 For more information on Art of Biddeford, visit www.heartofbiddeford.org/ArtofBiddeford or contact Delilah Poupore at director@heartofbiddeford.org or 207-284-8520.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.