ArtWaves upcoming events

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers) (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)

An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes center exercises, as well as interactive and creative movement activities. Students will explore dance in a supportive environment that fosters connection, family, and community.

Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope

About your instructor

Cate Pope is a dancer, choreographer, and performer from Mount Desert Island, Maine. She holds a B.A. in Dance Choreography from Bates College. Cate began dancing at the age of three and has studied extensively in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. She danced with Robinson Ballet for nine years and has trained at Bossov Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, and Joffrey Ballet. Her undergraduate studies also included semester-long performing arts programs at Trinity La MaMa in New York City and Accademia dell’Arte in Italy.

Since graduating from Bates in 2025, she has choreographed for productions at MDI High School and Conners Emerson Middle School. She has also taught at Two Shoes Dance and the Summer Festival of the Arts. Additionally, she has danced and worked in promotional outreach with Nimbus Dance in collaboration with the Acadia Dance Festival. Cate continues to share her love for dance through teaching and creating work at the intersection of movement, music, and community.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers) (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)

Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope

About your instructor

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers) (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)

Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope

About your instructor

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (1 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers) (3 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)

Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope

About your instructor

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers) (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)

Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope

About your instructor

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers) (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)

Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope

About your instructor

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Pumpkin Carving & Fireside Storytime (25 Oct 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Pumpkin Carving and Fireside Storytelling

Come carve jack o'lanterns and paint pumpkins to decorate your doorstep for Halloween! ArtWaves supplies the pumpkins. Cider and hot cocoa will be served as we light our jack'o' lanterns, and sit together by the fireside for poetry and storytime inspired by the shifting seasons!

Children under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcome (and encouraged!)

Storytime sneak peak! We will kick things off with "Song of the Witches" from Shakespeare's MacBeth (copies will be available so we can all read it together!):

"Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and caldron bubble.
Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the caldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg and howlet's wing,

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and caldron bubble.
Cool it with a baboon's blood,
Then the charm is firm and good.
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble!"

Connors Emerson Move Kids Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My! (26 Oct 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Connors Emerson Move Camp

Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!

This is not your average craft camp.

Here's where young artists dive into five mornings of bold, hands-on artmaking using real tools, real techniques, and just the right amount of thrilling challenge. Guided by an experienced instructor, in a safety-first environment, students explore art forms that feel a little daring — and a lot empowering.

Throughout the week, campers will:

Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.

Cut Glass — Learn to safely score and cut glass to design colorful mosaics full of pattern and light.

Wield Barbed Needles — Needle-felt dragons and other mystical creatures, sculpting wool into dimensional forms with texture and personality.

Dip Hot Wax Orbs and candles — Experiment with layering and surface design to create glowing, sculptural wax forms.

Each morning builds skill, confidence, and craftsmanship while encouraging creativity and imagination. Campers will learn proper tool handling, studio safety, and the patience required for detailed work — all while making artwork they’re wildly proud of.

Details:

5 immersive days
9:00 AM - 3:00pm
Bring snacks and lunch
Lots of fun breaks for movement (maybe even a walk over to the dance studio)
All materials provided and safety gear provided

For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).

Please see our cancelation policy here:

https://www.artwavesmdi.org/Policies-and-Procedures

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Connors Emerson Move Clay Camp (2 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Connors Emerson Move Clay Camp

Squish it, roll it, pinch it, coil it, carve it, and create! If you love getting your hands messy and making amazing things, this is the camp for you.

Spend the week discovering the fascinating journey of clay—from how it forms deep within the earth to the many ways artists transform it into beautiful works of art. We'll explore the different types of clay, including air-dry clay, Model Magic, oven-bake clay, and polymer clay, learning what makes each one unique and the best ways to use them.

Young artists will focus on essential hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, slab building, rolling, texturing, carving, and joining pieces together as they create whimsical gnomes, colorful fish, wise owls, tiny creatures, decorative bowls, imaginative sculptures, and more. Along the way, they'll experiment with texture tools, stamps, and found objects to add personality and detail to every creation.

We'll also discover how artists finish their work using sanding, painting, glazing, sealing, and other decorative techniques to transform simple clay into lasting works of art.

Please note: Projects will focus on air-dry, Model Magic, and oven-bake clays. We'll still learn about pottery clay, firing, glazing, and the complete ceramic process so campers are ready to explore the kiln when it opens.

By the end of the week, campers will head home with a collection of unique clay creations, new sculpting skills, and a deeper appreciation for one of the world's oldest and most versatile art forms.

Your Instructor

Savannah Steiger has been creating art for most of her entire life. For the past eleven years(or rather since she became a parent) she has been focused on making art accessible for kids. In teaching art to young people she finds joy and learns just as much, if not more than the students.

Most recently Savannah was an Educator and Care Coordinator for Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council; facilitating various parenting classes, groups, community trainings and playgroups. She also has been a parent advocate for Ascend at the Aspen Institute and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Savannah recently moved to MDI with her two children(ages 11 and 7), two dogs and one cat. So far the family loves island life and is looking forward to more. Savannah’s personal focus in art is illustration but she feels well versed in most art activities. Her goal as children’s art teacher is to help kids follow their hearts and fill the page.

Please see our cancelation policy here:

https://www.artwavesmdi.org/Policies-and-Procedures

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (3 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Improv!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!

Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM
Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center

Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!

Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.