The Colby 8, an a cappella group from Colby College, belt out a tune during a performance at the Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center in Gardiner. Their concert was a part of the center’s “Sounds Good! Music Live at Johnson Hall” series. Photo by Deborah Phair
Downtowns are central to the economic, cultural, and civic fabric of many of Maine’s communities. They attract residents and visitors seeking a mix of amenities, cultural enrichment, and a sense of community. Historic buildings often act as hubs for these activities and ambience.
The Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center in the heart of Gardiner exemplifies such a hub. Built in 1864, the hall originally presented live shows and entertainment and later became a movie palace. After lying mostly dormant for 30 years, the hall was resurrected as a year-round venue.
The first floor now features an accessible 110-seat performance space where arts programs for all ages are offered: live music, theater and dance performances; theater and art camps for children; teen band shows; and workshops and classes for children and adults. The center also partners with the Boys & Girls Club and local schools to bring arts and theater programs to children. “We are a resource to the entire Capital region, as there is not another community arts center like us in the 20-town area,” says Executive Director Judy Lloyd. About 5,000 people attend events and shows each year.
The center has received support for its restoration effort from a range of sources, including the Maine Community Foundation’s Belvedere Fund for Historic Preservation. The greater Gardiner community is now engaged in a planning process to return Johnson Hall to its full glory, including a 400-seat theater and conference center, which will provide further cultural enrichment and a significant boost to the regional economy.