Janice Cooper asked me to write you a note regarding the establishment of a Community Arts Center on Center Street. We are the property owners of 25 South Street and our backyard abuts the fire station. We welcome the proposal and think it will be an asset to the community of Yarmouth and see no detrimental aspects of having an arts establishment behind us. To the contrary, I think that it [will] bring more residents to the village and work well with the businesses on Main street, such as  the Royal River bookstore, the art  and antique galleries, as well as the proposed cafe replacing Vintage goods and the Royal Bean.  I can imagine how appealing it would be to get a cappucino and scone at one of those cafe's after dropping off a child at an art class( or attending an artists talk myself!) Too many towns have lost the vitality of their historical village center and I hope the same will not hold true for Yarmouth's Main street. There is a strong need for a community arts center here in Yarmouth, which has a rich resource of talented artistic people who are enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide artistic enrichment to the greater Yarmouth community. I believe that the fire station would be a great start to promoting the arts in our town and hope that the proposal to turn it into an art resource center is approved by the town council.
 
Sincerest Regards,
Michelle Hero Clarke

July 14,2011
Dear Mr. Tupper and Members of the Town Council of Yarmouth:                                                            

 We are writing in support of establishing a non-profit art center at Winslow Station on Center Street.  We live very close to the building  at 71 South Street and have lived in Yarmouth for over 7 years (3 years long ago and 4 years recently).  We have taken a tour of the building, listened to the proposed plans of its use and are thrilled with the idea of having such an exciting entity within the village. To us, it is inspiring that a group of citizens has taken time to work on a project such as this.  By limiting the hours of operation and keeping the group sizes modest, we believe that they have proposed a strategy that is respectful to the residents who live nearby. We look forward to participating in activities at the station as we have had to travel to other towns to take workshops in the arts.   From our the perspective, we think that having an art center in town would help create community, connect different generations, and provide outlets for creative expression.  To us, it is an exciting opportunity that combines a number of worlds within Yarmouth---the town government, a dedicated group of volunteers, artists and  citizens -young and old. This opportunity that brings together these groups and improves the quality of life within the town, may never appear in the same way again...it is unique and a special moment in time. We urge you to grab this moment in the town's life and give this wonderful gift to its citizens.
 Sincerely,

Nancy and Scott Sheriff
71 South Street, Yarmouth



Dear Nat:                                                                                                                                           
July 18, 2011
 
I strongly support the establishment of an art center in the proposed building.  I think it would be the site of many creative activities.  I do not live near the site;  so it is not appropriate for me to comment on the issues raised.  I hope an arrangement satisfactory to all parties can be worked out.
 
Isabel Denham,
34 Bluff Road, Yarmouth


Dear Nat,                                                                                                                                           
July 18, 2011
 
I am writing to support the idea of a Community Arts Center on Center Street in Yarmouth.  I am a village resident with kids in the Yarmouth schools and have seen the incredible value that 317 Main Street has added to the town.  I imagine a community arts center adding that same  value by providing arts enrichment for people of all ages.
 
Having vibrant arts and music resources in and around Main Street increases commerce to other businesses on Main Street.  It provides local entertainment and curriculum for local and area children and adults.  A community art center would be an outlet for creativity and support of the arts in a town that already has so much support for sports – it would provide a nice balance.
 
I believe this could all be accomplished with a minimum of disruption to the surrounding neighbors and would give new life to a historic Yarmouth building.
 
Best regards,
 
Lisa Murray

Sales Manager

July 18, 2011

July 19, 2011

As chair of the Merrill Memorial Library arts committee and as a neighbor, I am delighted to speak up for the Yarmouth Community Art Center now in its early stages of development. I live three doors down from another arts center -- 317 Main St. I have seen it thrive, serve and support a large, enthusiastic mix of people enthralled with pursuing their musical leanings. I am confident that a Community Art Center, especially one housed in the old Fire Station on Center Street, would generate similar enthusiasm and attract a dedicated and talented pool of artists to lead successful programs.

 

Sincerest regards,

 

Cornelia Walworth

846-0697

July 20, 2011
Dear Mr. Tupper,                                                                                                                    
 
 I am writing to express my support of the community art center proposed for the Winslow Station on Center Street. 
 
My house on South Street is one block away from the site.  My husband, Brit Vitalius, grew up on Main Street in Yarmouth.  We moved back to Yarmouth in 2004 and he wanted to return to the village. We believe the location is perfect because it’s in the village rather than up on Route 1 (or somewhere else).  We bought our home on South Street to be in the village, which necessarily means there will be commerce, churches, a library, a town hall, etc. – in short, activity!
 
From another perspective, I am a violinist in the Portland Symphony Orchestra and know how vital the arts are to the vibrancy of a community.  Yarmouth is already a special place and would be certainly be enhanced by a community art center.  My understanding is that the center would be a resource to artists and community alike, providing opportunities for classes as well as viewing art by local artists. This concept would connect nicely with the activities from both 317 Main and the Royal Bean.
 
I hope you support the new community art center.  Please feel free to contact me or my husband with questions.
 
Sincerely,
Yasmin Vitalius


Appendix - III. Neighborhood Outreach
Clam Festival Parade float in support of both



Read more about Firehouse Arts by reading the article below!