The Raymond Village Library Board approved the Raymond Arts Alliance as a new program during its November meeting. Two core supporters of the former Raymond Hill Community Center approached the board about working together to bring a variety of arts programs to Raymond, and the board readily agreed.
Attendance at activities held at the former Raymond Hill Community Center demonstrated strong
support for arts programming in Raymond. Successes included music nights, a writing class, a children’s program and a Qigong exercise class.
Challenges with year-long access to programming space meant looking for options. The library and the Raymond Community Church, under the leadership of Reverend Nancy Foran, joined Mary-Therese Duffy and Gary Wittner in developing ways to continue these successes.
The library and the community church both see their mission as reaching out to the community, bringing residents together and strengthening their community. This program will build ties among residents, promote volunteerism, increase opportunities for enjoyment and self-expression, empower diverse voices and impact all residents in positive ways. Everyone agreed that working together was the way to go, and the Raymond Arts Alliance was born.
A group of five community members will form the Organizing Committee for the program. One of these members will join the Raymond Village Library Board and the church will provide physical space.
Programs being discussed include music nights, art shows, writing workshops and a monthly gathering of artists. The Organizing Committee intends to ask for programming ideas from others. Mary-Therese Duffy will be attending Age Friendly Community Meetings to ask for ideas. A senior dance may be in our future!
A group of artists, the library and the community church working together for the benefit of Raymond is a powerful example of what can happen when we join hands. Together we can move forward. Excitement and energy are building in Raymond! Updates will be coming via newsletters and the library website in the near future. If you would like to be a part of it, contact Mary-Therese Duffy by phone at 207-712-6200 or by email at mtherese@maine.rr.com. Sheila Bourque, Library Board President, may also be contacted by phone at 224-475-9198 or email at sbourque@sbcglobal.net.
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