WHO WE ARE

In 1985, a small group of local artists opened the Eastport Gallery, a non-profit co-operative on Water Street, which offered occasional concerts and films. Stage East community theater group began in 1990,  that same year, the non-profit umbrella organization the Eastport Arts Center (EAC) was formed. The Arts Center now includes seven constituent members: Eastport Gallery, Stage East, Concert Series, ArtsBloom, Eastport Strings, Northern Lights Film Society, and Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra.

In late 2004, Eastport Arts Center purchased the Washington Street Baptist Church, built in 1837. With two floors and almost 9,200 square feet including an elegant performing arts space on the second floor, the building provides a home where constituent members and community arts activities can thrive and grow. The Eastport Arts Center has become an environment rich with creativity, artists, and those who appreciate and support the arts.

 WHAT WE DO

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we strive to follow our mission "to stimulate and nurture an appreciation of the visual and performing arts and the creative process, and to provide a home and an environment within the community where they can prosper." We are generously supported by a strong network of volunteers and donors, all of whom work passionately for the same cause, to help us fulfill that mission.

We are in the process of renovating our building. In 2010, gallery and performance space was added on the first floor and attic insulation was added. A multi-phase renovation project was begun in 2011. Aided by a generous grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation major work has been completed on the three-plus story south wall of the building. The original foundation of the south wall was stacked rocks: the rocks were removed and a new foundation put into place. After scaffolding was put into place, all of the wood siding and trim was removed. At the same time any rotten sheathing was replaced. The siding was replaced with a pre-painted cement board product made to last fifty years. In addition, four windows were eliminated because they were obsolete, and the three remaining and used windows replaced with an energy efficient double hung vairety.

The Eastport Arts Center is open to all who are interested in the arts. The facility is available for rent for community events or private functions. Throughout the year, there are theatrical performances, music, dance, youth and adult education and special events. The EAC works closely with other non profits to stimulate the local creative economy, such as our collaboration with the Sunrise County Farmer's Market on Eastport Market Day. Eastport Market Day is every Saturday, 10am to 1pm, from July 9 through September 24. Market vendors sell local farm produce and fine artisan goods. We also have free live music performed by local musicians.

Board Members

	Nancy Asante - President Nancy is one of four owners of The Commons art gallery in Eastport. She worked for the Peace Corp Ghana, which was followed by 14 years teaching ESL in Africa and 14 years teaching ESL in Montreal. Nancy is a community activist and a member of the Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra, as a flutist.
	Gregory Biss - Vice President A talented concert pianist and composer, Gregory has lived in Eastport for 25 years. He is one of the directors for the Eastport Strings and he is also a conductor for the program. He is a faculty member of the SummerKeys music school in Lubec and he is also privately teaches students.
	Marged Higginson - Secretary Marged is a devoted volunteer for the Eastport Community. Not only does she help out with the local food pantry, but she is also the Vice President on the Eastport for Pride Board of Trustees and on the Promotions Committee Chair, Eastport for Pride. She is a former owner of a full service inn in Connecticut, a wedding, church and oratorio soloist and also performed with a 100-voice choir.
	Barbara Smith - Treasurer Barbara is a registered nurse who currently works in a local dialysis center. She is a very talented and creative woman who is a potter and owns Dog Island Pottery. Barbara is also a singer and musician and has taught art and music to grades K-8. She is also the former Director of Down East Hospice.
	Jon Bragdon He is the founder and president of the constituent program, Northern Lights Film Society. Jon serves as the director of the Arts Center's Sunday Night Film Series which shows both contemporary and classic films all year round. He is a dedicated teacher at the St. Croix Regional Technical Center and is a member of the Peavey Memorial Library Board of Directors. Serves Personnel on the Governance, Personnel and Permanent Programming Committees.
	Joyce Weber
	Doug Gaither
	Dan Butler