Waterfall Arts will launch a three-month, $200,000 community appeal during an open house Dec. 3 at 256 High Street, its Belfast headquarters.
The appeal, which will be conducted through targeted mailings and meetings with potential donors, will focus on four elements of the organization’s programs and resources:
* Securing a mortgage on the Waterfall Arts building, which was purchased from thecity five years ago.
* Providing needed operating funds for an expanded staff and quality programming.
* Increasing the scholarship fund for classes, workshops, residencies and intensives.
* Continuing to make energy improvements throughout the building that will make it a     model for other facilities across the state.

The launch will be held in conjunction with the opening of “Handmade” Waterfall Arts’ holiday art and craft sale and will be a featured stop on the Our Town Belfast celebration that night. The evening’s events begin at 5 pm in the first floor gallery.

Waterfall Arts Board President Elaine Bielenberg said successful completion of the appeal “will help us stay vital, resourceful and committed to Belfast, Waldo County and Maine.” She said $62,000 has already been raised toward the campaign goal.

Since purchasing the High Street facility, Waterfall Arts has created studios, galleries, meeting spaces and music venues in the historic structure. The organization, which began in Montville a decade ago, has reached out to the community through its Eco-Motion sculptures in the downtown area, art projects on the city’s waterfront Rangeways, monthly jazz jams, art classes for all ages and other art and design programs.
Bielenberg said, “We must be doing something right because thousands of people pass through our doors every year.”
The official launch of the campaign will feature speakers such as newly-elected State Rep. Erin Herbig, a Waterfall Arts board member, Bielenberg, and co-founders Alan and Lorna Crichton of Liberty. Music and refreshments will be part of the fun.
The studios in the building will be open to the public and artists and performers will be on hand to explain their work.
“It will be a fun and festive way to begin an important fundraising campaign,” Bielenberg said. “So come on down and see the good things that are happening at Waterfall Arts.”