In 1986, four Waterville women who loved art realized that the art society closest to them was in Bangor.

After deciding that was too far to drive, they set to work creating a group in their own area. They devised programs and bylaws and met with a newspaper editor to get some support.

In a photo provided by Mary Morrison, Waterville Area Art Society members Patricia Binette, left, and Pauline Turner hold up their original paintings that will be displayed Oct. 6 at a Winslow Public Library reception. Contributed photo

Now, 30 years later, the Waterville Area Art Society has about 60 members, holds a program once a month and gives away a $500 scholarship to a local student each year.

“It’s really picking up now,” Patricia Binette said.

Binette was one of the four founders in 1987, and she can remember when the group had only eight members. She said she thinks that the art society is getting more popular now as the area becomes a better place for art and artists.

The group is celebrating its anniversary Oct. 3 through Oct. 28 by displaying members’ art and pieces from the society’s history in the Winslow Public Library. There will be an reception at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the library. The founding members will be honored at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served.

Binette will attend the reception along with co-founder Pauline Turner, a landscape artist who uses watercolors. Marilyn Dwelley, who moved to Florida from China and has sold art professionally for 40 years, will not be at the reception but is sending some of her artwork up north for the exhibit.

The late Peggy Stowers was the society’s fourth founder and its first president. She lived in Fairfield, where she both made and taught art. Binette said Stowers was an enthusiastic, talented person and that “people gravitated to her.”

The art society was founded as a place for people who are passionate about art to come together and “share what they love,” Binette said.

Binette, 77, said art is important to her because it’s how she communicates, and she believes it’s an important venue people can use to express themselves. She lives in Fairfield and owns Earth Spirit Studio. She works with art in all media because she teaches it all to her students, she said.

“I like to challenge myself,” she said.

Binette has taught art to people of all ages for nearly 30 years. She now teaches one adult class and four children’s classes.

“It’s wonderful to watch a child develop and grow and express themselves,” Binette said. “Sometimes it’s really difficult for (children) to communicate truly how they feel.”

Teaching art is what has kept Binette current, she said.

“It helps you see the world in a bigger perspective,” she said. “You get to see it through many other eyes.”

Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239

mstamour@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @madelinestamour

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