Engine, Biddeford’s downtown arts organization, maker space, and gallery is moving out of its current location at 163 Main Street at the end of October. Moving out of this location is based on several factors, including new plans for the building and organizational restructuring designed to accommodate new strategic goals.
“The creative economy is so important to the vitality of Biddeford and this move by no means signals an end of Engine,” says Acting Director Sarah Lafortune. “Engine has been, and will continue to be, an organization that fuels this creative spirit, supports artists and provides a platform for vibrant events downtown.
Engine must be out of 163 Main Street by Tuesday, October 31. During this transition, Engine will host a few events not to be missed:
yART Sale
Engine will open the doors to 163 Main Street on Friday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for a yART sale. The sale will help Engine to downsize on everything from furniture and fixtures to art and supplies. Lafortune says, “This is an excellent opportunity for community members, artists, and makers to buy high-quality art supplies at a fraction of the market price and support Engine in the process.”
Volunteers who help to sort, organize, and set up for the yART sale, as well as staff the event will have the chance to buy items before the general public. To volunteer, please email director@feedtheengine.org.
Boat Raffle
The Compass Project, a program of Engine, has several hand-crafted wooden row boats that need a home as part of Engine’s big move. All summer, Engine has been selling raffle tickets for $10 and will raffle off two of these vessels during the last ArtWalk of the season on Friday, October 20. Tickets (or 10) can be purchased during the yART sale or ArtWalk or through Venmo @enginebiddo with the note “boat raffle” for a digital entry. More boats are available for sale ranging in price from $1,200 to $1,700. For more information and to purchase, mail Sarah Lafortune at director@feedtheengine.org. All proceeds from the raffle or boat sales benefit Engine’s mission.
Final ArtWalk of 2023
Join the movers, makers, and shakers of southern Maine at Biddeford’s last ArtWalk of 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 20 (rain or shine). Businesses along Main Street and in the historic mills will be open, hosting artists, musicians, and other special events. Vendors will be selling their wares at sidewalk booths. Meet some friends, mill about, and support your local artists.
Mobile Art Bus
Common Roots Studio’s Art Bus will be at Sacred Profane Brewing on Saturday, October 21 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., for a fundraising event. Recently, Engine became a fiscal sponsor of the Art Bus to support its growing impact in the community. The Art Bus at the Pine Tree Special Needs Family Halloween Camp on Saturday, October 28. You also have until October 13 to get yourself some Mobile Art Bus x Catalyst for Change Wear tee!
With Engine’s move from 163 Main Street and transition to a decentralized operations model, the organization will continue to need community support. “Engine’s departure from its latest physical location downtown is an opportunity to step back, align our mission and strategic goals, and explore new partnerships with existing nonprofits and local businesses who aim to foster the arts in Biddeford,” says Lafortune. “We are excited about this shift in how we bring art, artists, and the community closer together as the city evolves.”
