The Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath, Maine, will host a free community sing along with the ensemble Roomful of Teeth on December 5, 2023. This event reflects the center’s commitment to fostering community engagement through the arts.
The concept of Thanksgiving resonates deeply within the center’s mission, emphasizing gratitude for communal support. Residents in rural areas, such as Bath, often demonstrate this spirit through actions that uplift and strengthen the community. In the past 18 months, the center has witnessed a steady stream of volunteers who dedicate their time to maintaining the historic venue. Generous donations during free waterfront concerts further showcase the community’s commitment to the arts.
The Chocolate Church Arts Center itself has a unique origin story, having been built by shipbuilders who volunteered to create a space for spiritual and artistic journeys. This foundation continues to influence its current mission. Matthew Glassman, the executive and artistic director, believes that experiencing art should be accessible to everyone. He emphasizes that art should not be viewed as a luxury but rather as a communal experience that brings people together.
“Experiencing art is a gift that sparks other gifts,” Glassman said. He highlights the importance of shared experiences, such as taking children to their first theater performance or enjoying a live concert together.
The center operates on a dual funding model, relying on ticket sales for roughly one-third of its income while also striving to make its offerings accessible. Glassman notes, “We want to reduce as many financial barriers as we can.” In this spirit, the center has created several free programs, including the annual Sing It’s Xmas, the Waterfront Concert Series, and the Lantern Parade concert in collaboration with Main Street Bath.
Under Glassman’s leadership, the center has launched the free Community Art Lab and implemented mutual-aid projects, such as annual art supply and clothing swaps. Furthermore, the center supports families by offering free admission for children under 4 years old, reduced prices for ages 4 to 12 at $10, and youth tickets for those aged 13 to 25 at just $20. Discounts are also available for students, seniors, veterans, and active military personnel.
Looking ahead, the Chocolate Church Arts Center plans to adopt a simpler, more comprehensive pricing structure to ensure that its programming can reach a wider audience. Glassman expresses his hope for increased participation in live art experiences across all age groups, envisioning the vibrant energy such engagement could create in Bath.
As the community prepares for the Thanksgiving season, Glassman offers his heartfelt thanks: “Thank you for being a community that gives, that shows up, and that keeps the circle moving.” He emphasizes the importance of ongoing care for one another and the sharing of gifts, with the aim of ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all.
The upcoming event with Roomful of Teeth is not only a celebration of the season but a reaffirmation of the center’s role as a vital cultural hub in Bath, where art and community thrive together.
